The beaming and radiant sunlight in the midst of a blazing and moist summer is what I miss the most about being a kid. The world we used to thrive in–catching insects, swimming by a lake with friends, and eating the freshly picked watermelon that my grandmother grew in her garden. As the season of sun-kissed skin gets progressively hotter and more humid in East Asia, the need for something refreshing, energizing, and cooling becomes crucial to combat the heat. This article covers some of the traditional dishes from across East Asia and why they remain timeless during the hottest months.
Korea is known for its hot and humid summer season. Boknal days, which refers to a prolonged period spanning from July to mid-August, are the three hottest days of the year. During these sweltering days, it is customary to eat Naengmyeon–which directly translates to “cold noodles.” Naengmyeon is known for its icy and tangy broth that is refreshing and suitable during the blistering heat in Korea. Once seen as a delicacy, it became a typical dish soaring through both the North and South after the Korean War. Its textures consist of a chewy and somewhat springy texture due to its main ingredient–buckwheat. Its intensity depends on the type of starch used in the process, as it’s commonly also made with potato, sweet potato, and arrowroot starch. It is usually served with thinly sliced cucumbers, pears, and pickled radish–making it the perfect dish for the summer with its rudimentary flavors and refreshing ingredients! Nevertheless, the next dish might seem improper at first glance, but it’s a hidden gem that Koreans often keep from foreigners. Samgyetang–translating to ginseng chicken soup–might seem counterintuitive, but it’s one of the most beloved dishes to eat during the summer. The ginseng chicken soup is made by simmering a chicken stuffed with sticky rice, garlic, red dates, and ginseng. But why would you eat something hot during the summer? Koreans have a saying of “이열치열,” which means “to fight heat with heat.” The belief is that eating hot food helps the body recover by sweating, which cools the body. Samgyetang has a mild, aromatic chicken soup with its comforting and rich broth, making it perfect for the summer.
Japan is also known for its unbearable heat and moist climate. Nevertheless, each region has its own distinct approaches to combating the stifling weather. Japan favors more dishes that are light, chilled, and aesthetically pleasing. This includes their most well-known dish–the Zaru Soba. Soba noodles are typically made with buckwheat noodles, as they are served on a bamboo tray, known as a zaru. The chilled noodles come with a dipping sauce consisting of soy sauce, mirin, dashi, and occasionally sake. Often garnished with green onions, wasabi, or grated daikon, it provides such a refreshing and light touch. It is common to see ice cubes being paired with the dish. As surprising as it may sound, it is a simple and elegant way to stay cool during the summer months. Another traditional dish served during the stuffy weather is Hiyashi Chuka. Hiyashi Chuka is a Chinese-Japanese dish paired with colorful, cold toppings and a tare sauce. Tare sauce — the star of the dish — is a traditional sauce used in Japanese cuisine that consists of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Its simple ingredients result in a broth that is savory and slightly sweet. Hiyashi Chuka is not complete without harmonizing the dish with its fresh ingredients. This typically includes sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens, which further enhances the freshness of the dish. Other ingredients can consist of carrots, bean sprouts, and pickled ginger, depending on what you order. These qualities make them an easy yet effective way to endure the sweltering days Japan has to offer.
China, one of the largest countries in the world, is filled with deep history and traditions. China’s cuisine reflects its long cultural history and its adaptability to the country’s climate, shaping dishes that help people endure the heat. A common yet popular dish that might shock you, given its counterintuitive nature, is hot pot! Gathering around a boiling pot of broth when it’s hot and humid might seem illogical, but the belief of eating something hot to help the body sweat, which in turn cools the body down, is deeply ingrained. Hot pot, a dish originating from China, is a shared meal where individuals cook their raw ingredients in a simmering pot full of flavors and spices. Although there is a wide variety of hot-pot, spicy mala always stands out due to its numbing yet satisfying spicy sensation. It consists of various spices and a base oil to create a flavorful broth. Common ingredients include tofu, vegetables, seafood, thinly sliced meats, noodles, and a variety of other ingredients. Hot-pot is such a popular dish since you’re able to cook your ingredients to your liking. It is such a fun way to revitalize your strength after a long day under the searing sun. Another popular dish that should be considered during the summer is liangpi. By definition, liangpi means cold skin noodles. It’s customarily served with vinegar, chili oil, and cucumbers, enabling the flavors to combine and create a savory, tangy, spicy, and refreshing touch. Due to how they’re primarily made – with either rice or wheat flour – they give the noodles a unique, chewy, and springy texture. The experience of tasting a mixture of all the bold flavors in addition to the cold nature of the dish makes it a fantastic dish to enjoy in the warmer months.
Across the different regions in East Asia, the summer truly brings out the authentic flavor that traditional dishes have created to counter the weather. From Japan’s soba noodles and hiyashi chuka to Korea’s samgyetang and naengmyeon, and China’s hot-pot and liangpi, each country has developed its own unique methods and culinary traditions to sustain energy during the hot and humid months. If you find yourself exhausted from the relentless heat, consider turning to one of these dishes. Each dish is a powerful reminder that tradition often holds the key to staying cool in the summer.