Tina Turner's Favorite Chinese Soup Revealed

The legendary singer loved the umami-packed hot and sour soup.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Tina Turner, the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, was known to have several favorite dishes, including the classic Chinese soup hot and sour soup. Turner's former touring chef, John Quigley, revealed in a 2023 interview that the singer would occasionally request the soup, which is packed with umami flavors from ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and soy sauce. Turner's love of the soup was just one example of her deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine.

Why it matters

Turner's fondness for hot and sour soup highlights her adventurous palate and appreciation for bold, savory flavors. The soup's popularity also speaks to the enduring appeal of classic Chinese dishes, which have found devoted fans among celebrities and everyday diners alike.

The details

Hot and sour soup is a Chinese staple that combines a range of textures and flavors, including tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a sour-spicy broth. Quigley, who cooked for Turner during her 1990 "Foreign Affair" tour, said the singer would occasionally request the soup, which he described as one of her favorites. The soup's deep umami notes likely appealed to Turner's taste for bold, savory flavors.

  • In a 2023 interview, Quigley shared details about Turner's favorite dishes, including hot and sour soup.
  • Turner was known to request the soup during her 1990 "Foreign Affair" tour.

The players

Tina Turner

A legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who was known to have a deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine, particularly the classic hot and sour soup.

John Quigley

Turner's former touring chef who revealed in a 2023 interview that the singer would occasionally request hot and sour soup, which he described as one of her favorite dishes.

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What they’re saying

“While Quigley said Turner typically ate whatever he had on the menu, occasionally, she'd make a special request. An avid lover of Chinese cuisine, one of her favorite things to order was a Chinese staple known as hot and sour soup.”

— John Quigley, Turner's former touring chef (The Herald)

The takeaway

Tina Turner's love of hot and sour soup, a classic Chinese dish packed with umami flavors, speaks to her adventurous palate and appreciation for bold, savory cuisine. Her fondness for the soup is just one example of her deep connection to Chinese culinary traditions, which she shared with fans and fellow celebrities like Oprah Winfrey.