The cold and flu season is upon us (wasn’t it 95 degrees just last week?). That means many of us need chicken soup, and fast. Here are some of our favorites around town. We suspect some of you may politely (cough, cough) disagree.

“Ancient” Ginger Chicken Soup at Noodle Island

The Hong Kong-style “ancient ginger” chicken soup with noodles and cilantro is the must-have dish at this mini-mall noodle shop.  The pile of ginger is what gives the soup its flavor kick, with the added bonus of clearing out those sinuses.

Noodle Island, 800 W. Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel, 626.284.6600

Chicken Posole at Euro Pane

A French bakery known for its croissants is hardly where you’d expect to find great chicken posole (also known as pozole), the spicy Mexican hominy and chicken soup. But this one is world-class. There’s only one catch — it’s made only on Tuesdays. Except for the weeks that it’s made on a Wednesday. So call on Tuesday or Wednesday first to see if there’s some on the stove. It’s worth the trouble.

Euro Pane, 950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.577.1828

Oaxacan Chicken Soup at El Texate

We have fond memories of sitting on the patio and spooning up the chicken soup with rice and avocado at this laid-back, inexpensive Santa Monica hangout (and dipping the occasional stray tortilla chip into the broth). Although we have not eaten here since new management reportedly took over last month, we’re hoping the chicken soup recipe hasn’t changed.

El Texate, 316 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.399.1115

Classic Chicken Soup from Fabulous Foods

This new West L.A. purveyor specializes in chicken soup and nothing but chicken soup (come summer, will it be chicken soup Popsicles?). The secret to Fabulous Foods’ organic chicken soups is the balance of dill and leeks in the stock, for a subtle but intriguing flavor (the former is just right for a cold, and the intrigue is what the rest of your cold-free family wants). The gussied-up rice, noodle, potato and egg drop variations are fine if you’re feeling adventuresome, but our favorite is the unadulterated version.

Fabulous Food Company, 310.394.7687 (no brick and mortar storefront). Available at the Sunday Melrose Place (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Thursday Century City (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m) farmers’ markets, at Vicente Foods in Brentwood and at the Santa Monica Co-op. Delivery also available.

Chicken Matzo Ball Soup at… [your favorite deli here]

We’re not about to proclaim who has the best matzo ball soup in L.A.  — we’re not about to incur the wrath of your Jewish grandmother.  But our list includes Canter’s in the Fairfax District, Langer’s at 7th and Alvarado, and Greenblatt’s in Hollywood. Junior’s over in Westwood is also noteworthy for the meaty version it serves up in a gigantic bowl, a meal on its own. And of course Valley folks with the sniffles head to the great Brent’s Deli in Northridge.