Soups represent a part of the starting of a meal in some form or other, almost globally.
The range of soups that can be made, even in the fully vegetarian category is practically endless. They may be hot or cold, thick or watery, light or heavy enough to fill your stomach fairly well, so you land up eating less of the meal. They may be simple enough to make in a few minutes or complicated and time consuming. However one thing about soups is common. Their global acceptance.