Generally, soup is a flavorful liquid simmered with many ingredients. It's a canvas for culinary creativity that knows no bounds and can be as diverse as the world's cultures.
Its basic definition is a liquid food with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock base. From hearty stews to consommés, soup offers a seemingly endless spectrum of possibilities.
On the other hand, the term bisque usually refers to a highly seasoned and creamy seafood soup made from shellfish, particularly lobster, crab, or shrimp.
Adding aromatic ingredients like shallots, brandy, and a touch of tomato lends depth and complexity to a bisque flavor profile, which you don't usually find in other soups.
One of the most significant differences between soup and bisque is the base. Soup uses a clear or light broth, while bisque uses heavy cream to achieve its creamy texture.
Due to the range of ingredients in soups, they can have very complex flavors. Bisque takes a more refined approach to flavor and is known for its delicate balance.