Summer is just around the corner, and to prepare for the summer heat, you should be making sure you've got a list of cooling dishes you can make for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! But don't take it from us, check out what the rest of the world does! Here are 20 cold dishes people eat worldwide to beat the summer heat.
1. Acai Bowl - Brazil
Growing more and more popular in the US, many Americans are already familiar with this delicious cool dish that is just as nutritious as it is tasty. The acai bowl consists of smooth, blended frozen acai berries that are often mixed with other fruits and topped with an array of goodies. From granola, to coconut flakes, and honey, the customization options are endless!
2. Gazpacho - Spain
Although you might typically associate soup with being served hot, Spain defied the odds to create a refreshing chilled tomato-based soup you'll definitely want during the summer. Made with a delicious mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions, you'll quickly get over how cold it is thanks to its flavourful bite.
Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash
3. Hiyashi Chūka - Japan
Now that's certainly a mouthful! Hiyashi Chūka may be hard to say, but you'll definitely want to add this to your daily summer dinner menu once you've had a taste. This Japananese dish is essentially cold ramen noodles topped with an assortment of ingredients of your choosing. Meat, cucumber, and egg are popular picks! Top it all off with a tangy soy or sesame-based dressing and it's ready for devouring.
4. Ceviche - Peru
This beloved Peruvian dish is always a hit in the summertime. Ceviche is every seafood lover's dream - fresh fish is combined with zesty citrus juices that bring a vibrant acidity to the dish, and is mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. Often eaten alongside some chips for dipping, it's so so addictive.
Photo by Laurentiu Morariu on Unsplash
5. Kulfi - India
Turns out even something as commonly found as ice cream can be so different across countries around the world! In India, Kulfi is a beloved, traditional frozen dessert that tastes a bit different from the ice cream you're used to. It's a lot thicker and denser, yet creamier! And with such unique flavourings like cardamom, saffron, and pistachio, it's definitely a must try.
Riya Chattopadhyay on Wikimedia Commons
6. Salmorejo - Spain
Turns out chilled soup is a lot more common than you thought! Salmorejo is another cold Spanish soup, but this one is a lot thicker and creamier than the beloved gazpacho. All it contains are a few simple ingredients: tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil. Top it off with some eggs and ham, and you've got a refreshing and vibrant soup to enjoy in the heat.
P.Lechien, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
7. Halo-Halo - Philippines
Looking for something sweet instead? You won't be disappointed with this popular, beloved Filipino dessert called Halo-Halo. It translates to "mix-mix" from Tagalog, and it's exactly that. With a deliciously cold base of shaved ice, this dessert mixes various ingredients to create the ultimate dessert. From sweet beans to fruits, jellies, evaporated milk, and even ice cream, there are so many different textures and tastes to enjoy.
bingbing from Quezon City, Philippines on Wikimedia Commons
8. Shrimp Cocktail - Mexico
A familiar favourite, you can always count on a shrimp cocktail to do the trick in the summer heat. Chilled, cooked shrimp is complemented by a tangy, addictive tomato sauce and avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Simple, but so so good. There's not much to this dish, but that's exactly why it shines.
Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash
9. Tabbouleh - Lebanon
Salads are always a popular choice whenever summer comes around thanks to how fresh the ingredients usually are. But if you want to step outside your comfort zone to make something new, try this tasty Lebanese salad called Tabbouleh. Consisting of very finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, it's dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon juice concoction that works so well together. It's fresh, healthy, and totally refreshing on a hot day.
cyclonebill on Wikimedia Commons
10. Korean Naengmyeon - Korea
If you really want something to cool you right down, there's nothing like naengmyeon to hit the spot. In Korea, this cold noodle dish is a popular summer favourite. These thin noodles are served in a tangy, icy (yes, it's often served with ice cubes in the broth!) soup, topped off with beef, cucumbers, and a boiled egg. It's a surprisingly effective combo of cool and savory flavours you'll want time and time again.
Eugene Kim on Wikimedia Commons
11. Som Tum - Thailand
For a unique twist on salad, try Som Tum, a Thai spicy green papaya salad that packs a punch of flavour. When combined with tomatoes, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers, it gives you the perfect crunchy and spicy bite each and every time.
12. Raita - India
A yogurt-based condiment, this cool and refreshing dip from India is the perfect side to your hot and spicy dishes. Working great in the summer, this dish is mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a plethora of spices to create a delicious, cooling bite.
Bssasidhar on Wikimedia Commons
13. Soba Salad - Japan
Chilled noodle salads are incredibly popular in many Asian countries. For instance, in Japan, soba salads are a popular hit in the summer time. When mixed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and radish, it's the soy or sesame dressing that ties everything together wonderfully. Healthy and refreshing! That's a good combo to have in the summer.
Andreas F. Borchert on Wikimedia Commons
14. Shaved Ice - Various Countries
Known as Kakigori in Japan and Bingsu in Korea, shaved ice is a beloved frozen treat that many countries live off of in the summer heat. It's incredibly customizable, meaning you can add whatever syrups, fruits, or sweets that you want to it, allowing everyone to have their own personalized dessert.
Andy Tsai on Wikimedia Commons
15. Tarator - Bulgaria
Cold cucumber soup anyone? While it might not sound like the most appealing thing to begin with, don't knock it till you try it. Tarator comes all the way from Bulgaria and is the perfect dish for those hot summer days when you really don't feel like eating much. It's made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts, a combination of ingredients you didn't realize could make something so good.
16. Insalata Caprese - Italy
Coming from Italy, we've got a classic Caprese salad that's always a hit with the crowds. We mean, what's not to love about fresh, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil? Finish it off with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and you've suddenly got a delicious meal on your hands.
Rainer Zenz on Wikimedia Commons
17. Chilled Avocado Soup - Mexico
Let's add another chilled soup to your list of dinner possibilities! The chilled avocado soup from Mexico is sure to be a favourite. Smooth, creamy, and so enjoyable on a hot day, this cold soup opens your eyes to all the things an avocado can do. Hint, they don't just belong on toast.
Andrij Bulba from Slovakia on Wikimedia Commons
18. Vietnamese Summer Rolls - Vietnam
Fun to make and even more fun to eat, Vietnamese summer rolls are known by many names in the states. Some might call them fresh spring rolls, others might call them salad rolls, but whatever you call them, just know that they're delicious. Filled with shrimp, sometimes meat, herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles, it's paired with a delightful peanut and hoisin dipping sauce that brings a nutty and refreshing taste.
Photo by Alexander Sinn on Unsplash
19. Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts - Greece
Sometimes, we just don't want to do any cooking! For those days when you just want something quick and easy, how about a simple bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and nuts for breakfast? It's light, healthy, and so energizing in the morning.
Photo by Christiann Koepke on Unsplash
20. Cold Cucumber Soup - Poland
Turns out cold cucumber soup is a lot more present around the world than we thought! Similar to Tarator from Bulgaria, Poland has their own take of this dish. Including yogurt or sour cream to the mix, they also like topping it off with some fresh dill and chopped cucumbers. Cold and creamy, you should give both versions a try!
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