Cool Down With These Foods
The best way to beat the hot summer sun is by 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 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 flavorful bite.
Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash
3. Hiyashi Chūka - Japan
Hiyashi Chūka may be hard to say, but you'll definitely want to add this to your summer dinner menu once you've had a taste. This Japanese dish consists of 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.
woinary from Osaka International Airport on Wikimedia
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, and is mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. Often eaten alongside some chips for dipping, it's so addictive.
5. Kulfi - India
Turns out even something as common as ice cream can be so different across 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 flavorings like cardamom, saffron, and pistachio, it's definitely a must try.
Riya Chattopadhyay on Wikimedia
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.
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", 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.
8. Shrimp Cocktail - Mexico
A familiar favorite, 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 good. There's not much to this dish, but that's exactly why it shines.
9. Tabbouleh - Lebanon
Salads are always a popular choice in the summer thanks to how fresh the ingredients are, but if you want to step outside your comfort zone, 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.
10. Naengmyeon - South Korea
If you really want something to cool you down, there's nothing like naengmyeon to hit the spot. In South Korea, this cold noodle dish is a popular summer favorite. These thin noodles are served in a tangy, icy soup, topped off with beef, cucumbers, and a boiled egg. It's a surprisingly effective combo of cool and savory flavors you'll want time and time again.
Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service on Wikimedia
11. Som Tum - Thailand
For a unique twist on salad, try som tum, a Thai spicy green papaya salad that packs a punch of flavor. 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.
Sonia Goyal Jaipur on Wikimedia
13. Soba Salad - Japan
Chilled noodle salads are incredibly popular in many Asian countries. For instance, in Japan, soba salads are a popular hit. When mixed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and radish, it's the soy or sesame dressing that ties everything together wonderfully.
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.
15. Tarator - Bulgaria
Cold cucumber soup anyone? While it might not sound like the most appealing dish, 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.
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 favorite. Smooth, creamy, and so enjoyable on a hot day, this cold soup opens your eyes to all the things an avocado can do.
Fotografía de Alimentos on Unsplash
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 spring rolls, others might call them salad rolls. 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 satisfying taste.
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.
20. Cold Cucumber Soup - Poland
Turns out cold cucumber soup is everywhere! 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!
