Summer is here and -unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere- you should better prepare for the unbearable heat waves that come along this season.
In Greece, where I live, summer tends to be very hot, with temperatures around 40°C! But as I have heard, this happens in Korea too. Temperatures above 33°C in Korea occur most of the times after the rainy season in summer, or during heat wave days.
Honestly speaking, I don’t think countries like Korea and Greece had such unbearable hot summers a few decades ago. A resent statistic research proves that Korea recorded its hottest summer since 1973 in 2018! (Source statista.com).
Thus, it would be wise if you manage to find ways to bear with the extreme hot weather before it’s too late and you find yourself sweating till you get completely dehydrated. After all, as you may already know, the human body is by itself a heating system. So, the best way to help ourselves during summer heats, is to cool our bodies, starting from our own system.
The task is simple. We should eat cool and refreshing food.
This way we may also prevent the climate change, because after eating something cool, there is no need of air conditioners, fans, and other electrical devices.
So here are 5 Korean dishes to beat the summer heat.
1. Sam gye tang 삼계탕 Ginseng chicken soup
I decided to start with something unexpected.
There is a saying that you can fight fire with fire and Sam gye tang is the absolute definition of it. Tasty and nutritious, this is a dish served hot. The main idea is that it can help you balance your body temperature with the heat occurring outside, in order to deal with the heat.
Sam gye tang is the best option for those who want to have a full meal with a bunch of protein and healthy vegetables. Considering that it’s a soup, it can also help you stay hydrated! Bonus fact, since a whole chicken is served on each dish, you may share it with your friends, along with a variety of delicious side dishes.
My review: Personally, I am not a fan of the quote mentioned above so I prefer cooler foods during summer season. However, Sam gye tang is a dish you should definitely try.
2. Naeng myeon 냉면 Cold noodles in broth
Chewy, cold noodles served with broth, vegetables, and sauces. It’s just an amazing experience and most importantly, refreshing. An egg and a few pieces of meat come along too, making it a completed meal, full of energy.
My review: The flavour is salty and sweet at the same time; thus, you should better try it yourself to see if you like it or not. At any case, cold noodles can be made in many ways, so you don’t have to worry. There is surely a version that you would like to eat every day!
3. Jim dak 찜닭 Braised chicken with noodles and vegetables
Just by looking at it -I am sure that- your stomach is growling, asking for a few bites of this week braised chicken. Jim dak can be made in various ways, with the spicy one being called Andong Jim dak. It actually has a complex flavour, with each bite making you reconsider whether this dish is spicy, sweet or savoury. The ingredients added are so many in number that you feel like you have tried many different side dishes just in one bowl!
My review: Chicken lover? Then you are going to adore this one for sure. In my case, I like adding a slice go gouda cheese on top to add some more flavour and enjoy it melted along with the noodles and the chicken.
4. Subak hwa chae 수박화채 Watermelon punch
Ok, this one is for those who are searching for a cool, sweet, summer snack. Watermelon, soda, and condensed milk with a few slices of a variety of fruits. It is a healthy dessert option and can easily be made at home in a few minutes. Just make sure you mix well all the ingredients and add some ice cubes to make it as cold as possible.
My review: It is really sweet and can make you feel full and refreshed is a few sips. If you have a flask, you can take some with you at the beach and enjoy it there
5. Bing su 빙수 Shaved ice with toppings
Another sweet option. It is the ultimate ice cream alternative and let me tell you that it is way better and healthier. Low in fats and full of nutritious ingredients, bing su comes in a variety of versions. Starting from the well-known pat bing su, which is basically shaved ice with sweet red beans, you can find bing su with mango, strawberries, coffee, chocolate and the list goes on.
My review: It is my personally favourite summer snack. I can easily make it at home and add a few slices of fruits on top. Also, for a healthier and more nutritious version, I usually add two spoons of oat flakes too. It also tastes great when you add Greek yoghurt, a teaspoon of honey and a few walnuts.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the nearest Korean restaurant or just grasp some ingredients and make one of the above dishes! You will instantly feel as if a cool breeze helped you bear the extremely hot weather.
Special thanks to Instagram users @oisigram, @ke_____mi, @ssoo_indoor who gave me permission to use their photos.
Take care!
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