Our Top 3 Cool East Asian Summer Dishes We Think You Need To Try!
It is the summer and a great time to create lovely dishes all from classic delicious noodles to tasty sweet desserts in hopes that will stop your cravings, cool you down from the hot beating sun or to feel refreshed and relaxed after taking some bites.
In this blog we are going to show you dishes we think you can try at home with friends or family to enjoy the summer. Be sure to check our store and website for any ingredients that you need for the dishes and any main ingredients that we mention.
Szechuan Cold Noodles - Chinese ramen
Try out fragrant and refreshing Szechuan Cold Noodles—an excellent main dish to enjoy as a meal. These noodles are commonly served in street stalls, small cafés, or households as a snack or a quick breakfast/lunch. They’re packed with flavours from a blend of herbs and spices, including chillies, garlic, and aromatic five-spice powder.
The noodles are coated in a savoury dressing with a hint of acidity from Chinese black vinegar balanced by both light and dark soy sauces. A drizzle of sesame oil adds a slightly nutty, earthy flavour while also being a healthy choice.
Crisp cucumber is added for a crunchy texture, which also helps to mellow the acidity. You can customise the toppings with a mix of green onion, chilli flakes, pepper, or any other favourites you can think of.
Biko - Filipino Rice Cake
Biko is a beloved Filipino rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk and dark or brown sugar. This dish is delightful as a dessert or side, and it excels as an everyday snack or a centerpiece for special occasions, symbolising warmth and togetherness during holidays and fiestas.
Typically served on a large tray, Biko is perfect for sharing and is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment. While the recipe is straightforward, it requires a bit of patience to achieve this sweet, delicious rice cake.
The rich brown colour of Biko comes from a luscious, creamy mixture made with coconut milk, muscovado or brown sugar, vanilla or pandan extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is cooked to caramelize, then mixed with the glutinous rice and spread on top as a glossy, flavourful coating.
Naengmyeon - Korean Cold Soup Noodles
Naengmyeon, which literally translates to “cold noodle,” features thin, chewy noodles made from buckwheat or potato starch. Historically enjoyed during winter, it has traditionally been a noodle snack or quick side meal. This versatile dish can be served in a savoury beef broth for a refreshing experience or given a vibrant red hue by mixing the broth with spicy ingredients.
Traditionally, naengmyeon is garnished with a variety of flavourful toppings, including pickled radish, boiled egg, cucumbers, and slices of cold boiled beef. These additions enhance the dish’s taste and provide a range of textures.
Interestingly, naengmyeon is typically enjoyed during winter—yes, winter! Despite its cold nature, it’s not uncommon to add ice to the dish. This makes naengmyeon a perfect choice for hot summer days when you crave something savoury yet cool, offering a refreshing relief from the summer heat.
The right snack or meal can provide the energy boost you need to tackle any activity, even under the blazing summer sun. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or powering through a busy workday, a tasty and refreshing meal is essential for staying revitalised and satisfied. We hope we’ve inspired you to try some unique dishes or give our suggested dishes a go.
