It's almost certainly happened to everyone, waking up with that feeling where the drums are pounding in their head, their mouth is as dry as the desert, and their disorientation is practically nonexistent. That feeling is, of course, known as a hangover. The thing is, this isn't your typical bad morning, but rather the feeling you get after a "fun" evening with friends where you've had a bit too much to drink. Anyone who's experienced this will have searched somewhere for that ephemeral reset button that, according to the New York Times, exists and can even be eaten. We're talking about kimchi soup (hangover kimichi soup), recommended by Erik Kim, a NYT journalist who recommended it as a hangover cure. But why? Let's find out together.
A Perfect Remedy From Asian Cuisine
The New York Times describes a soup that isn't "just" food but a true ritual of rebirth and "return to the world." Experts say that after a hangover, the body needs the right amount of fluids and time to return to normal functioning.
Every culture has its own recipe for this terrible feeling that comes with overindulging in alcohol: hangover kimchi soup is clearly the go-to way to combat hangovers in countries like South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. This dish, as described in the article, could be thought of as a relative of Vietnamese pho, but more "aggressive" thanks to the spices. Kim explains that it's his secret recipe not only for hangovers but also for the melancholy of heavy days.
We're talking about a chicken broth that simmers for several hours with ginger, garlic, Korean chili powder (gochugaru), fermented bean paste (doenjang), and fish sauce (which is widely used in Asia, ed.). In the second stage of cooking, kimchi (fermented Chinese cabbage) arrives, which with its spicy, bold flavor is capable of reviving a sleepy stomach. The dish is then added to with the carbohydrates provided by the white rice.
In short, we're talking about a bold , authentic, delicious dish that's capable of completely "awakening" you. We're not talking about a haute cuisine dish, but a soup that could be compared to an "emergency command" and that can even be kept in the refrigerator for a few days before being reheated and enhanced with other ingredients.
The Incredible Benefits of Fermented Foods
Kimchi, kefir, kombucha, yogurt, sauerkraut: fermented foods are a silent ally that offer countless benefits to the gut and liver thanks to their probiotics. These "friendly" microorganisms strengthen the intestinal barrier, even when challenged by alcohol. So, fermented foods aren't just useful in everyday life; they (kimchi is included in soup to combat hangovers) are also useful for preparing the stomach before a wild night out.
All these foods contain a good dose of salt, which also helps the body maintain hydration when alcohol tends to have the opposite effect. The only warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) is to exercise caution and moderation when consuming highly salted foods. If consumed in large quantities, it can be harmful to your health, so it's a good idea to consult the most recent guidelines for recommended doses.
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