Are you staying in Korea during the hottest and humid times of the year? Do you feel like sticking your head in an ice bucket or are you losing your appetite and feeling energyless? Here are a list of 12 foods to help you survive the sweltering heat.
1. Naengmyeon
Simply means ‘cold noodles’, naengmyun became hugely popular after the Korean War. There are mainly two varieties of naengmyun: mul naengmyun (plain) and bibim naengmyun (spicy). The hand-made noodles are served fresh with a delicious, ice cold soup stock, sliced cucumbers and Korean pear. During the summer, it is a great substitution for heavy, meaty meals.
The noodles however will not be cut when served so they will be very long. This is to symbolise long life and good health. Most Koreans, however ask for scissors to cut the noodles so that it is easier to eat. Whether it will mean cutting your life span or not, well…give it a try!
2. Makguksu/Memilguksu
Makguksu is similar to Naengmyeon, but the difference is cold buck wheat noodles are used instead which is served with chilled beef or vegetable broth. Makguksu is one of those dishes which can be customised depending on the customers taste.
Depending on your preferences it can be served with sugar, mustard, sesame oil, vinegar, gochujang, shreds of kimchi…whatever tickles your fancy Maguksu is a speciality in Chuncheon (Kangwon province) and it is said that whichever restaurant you go, it will all be unique in every different restaurant but just as delicious. Malguksu eating marathon in Kangwon-do anyone? *stomach rumbling*
3. Jjolmyeon
Jjoymyeon is a spicy dish made with noodles and vegetables. The hot sauce is a combination of gochujang, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. The noodles are much much much much more chewy so it is strongly advised to cut your noodles with scissors before eating!
Otherwise you might slurp the noodles for a long time before slowing or even worse choke!
4. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a bowl of hot broth with a whole chicken which is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, ginkgo nut, and garlic.
It is a hot dish, so why on Earth do people eat this during the hottest days of the year? Well, during the Korean Summer people sweat a lot to cool down the body. However by losing this internal heat, your appetite reduces and become more energyless. By eating this extremely nutritious dish it replenishes the lost internal warmth in the body, hence giving people an energy boost. There is a saying in Korea that by fighting the heat you must fight it with heat as well. This is called ‘yi yeol chi yeol’ (이열치열).
Samgyetang is usually eaten at the hottest days of summer: Chobok, Jungbok and Malbok (collectively known as Sambok). Chobuk and Jungalbok has just passed, however Malbok will be on the 12th August this year so relieve the heat Korean style and visit your local Samgyetang restaurant on this day!
5. Patbingsu
Patbingsu along with samgyetang and naengmyeon, is considered to be one of the most popular summer dishes in Korea. For those who don’t know yet, Patbingsu is made up of shaved ice topped with sweet red beans and ice cream.
Due to its popularity the majority of cafes in Korea will have this on their summer menu with their own unique styles and flavours for example you can now have mango bingsoo, berry bingsoo, cookie bingsoo, coffee bingsoo etc. There are literally some crazy styles of bingsoo in Korea nowadays and due to the sweltering heat it is a great alternative to sticking your head in an ice bucket.
6. Mulhui
Mulhui is a spicy chilled sashimi soup. Are you a fan of sashimi and naengmyun? Well Mulhui will be perfect for you! Mulhui can have different variations of seafood depending on your preference such as squid, octopus, raw fish etc.
7. Naeng KongGuksu
Naengkongguksu are noodles served with chilled soy bean broth. The soy bean broth is very thick, creamy, and milky in consistency and the dish is usually served with sliced cucumbers, peanuts, and ice cubes!
Some people like to add a tablespoon of sugar just before eating and it is a great vegetarian option…oh, and yes we do eat the ice cubes.
8. Kimchimari Guksu
Kimchimari Guksu are rice noodles served with kimchi slices, a boiled egg, cucumbers, and chilled kimchi broth! This dish is compliments well after a meal of samgyupsal or other Korean BBQ meals as a savoury dessert.
9. Dotorimuk
A.K.A Acorn jelly salad! Dotorimuk is made from acorn starch. It is a popular side dish in Korea and it’s usually dressed in a delicious spicy sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, chilli powder, garlic, and sesame seeds. YUMMY!
10. Dak Kalguksu
Dak Kalguksu is a hot broth of chicken and noodles! Just like Samgyetang this hot dish is considered a summer food as it acts as replenishment for lost internal heat in the summer. ‘Kalguksu’ literally ‘knife noodles’ which refers to noodles being cut by a knife rather than spun.
Dak Kalguksu is usually served with zuccinis and a bowl of green onions drenched in a special vinegar sauce. It may not look like it but eating the chicken sandwiched between vinegar dipped green onions make you cool down a lot after from the heat. Give it a try!
11. Jangeo gui
This is grilled eel! Don’t let the snakey shaped fish put you off as the eel is rich in Vitamins A and E. These vitamins are essential for blood circulation and it helps restore your lost appetite in the summer.
12. Korean Ice cream!
Korea has some really quirky and unique ice creams. They are available in all convenience stores and supermarkets and they’re very very very cheap! The ice cream varies in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. If you are too spoilt for choice, definitely try out the Korean classic, Melona bar!
Do you have any unique dishes especially to fight the heat in your country?
Let us know in the comments section below!
