Plaa Haeng Tang Ulit consumed for hydration
According to a report by Channel NewsAsia, temperatures reached a high 35 degrees Celsius in Singapore on 9 January, 20171. Thailand recorded an all-time national high of 44 degrees Celsius in April 2016 while Malaysia’s abnormally high temperatures has resulted in dried lakes and withered crops2. Under such circumstances, Asia has several dishes that can help combat the unbearable tropical heat.
Ayam Bakar Taliwang
Consuming spicy foods can assist in lowering body temperature as it induces a phenomenon known as gustatory sweating. It refers to the perspiration on the face when salivary glands are stimulated. This helps to cool the body as sweat evaporates4. An example of a spicy dish is the Indonesian ayam bakar taliwang. It consists of a grilled free-range chicken that is topped with large amounts of chili and garlic. It is known to be spicy, salty, and sour, due to a squeeze of lime in its chili dip5. Ayam bakar taliwang is an iconic dish from the Indonesian island of Lombok6. Even though it originates from Lombok, this dish can also be found in most Jakarta restaurants7. These restaurants prepare partially-grilled chicken and display them in glass cabinet shelves. Once customers place their orders, the chicken is grilled immediately and served piping hot to customers8.
Vietnamese Pho
Cooking may become uncomfortable in warm weather as the heat from the stove increases the surrounding temperature further. A dish that can be prepared simply is Vietnamese pho. It is prepared by pouring boiling water over spices, herbs, noodles, bean sprouts, beef stock, and thin beef slices. The hot water cooks all of the ingredients together9. Consuming the Vietnamese pho on a warm day helps to keep the body hydrated. This dish is nutritious as it contains water-soluble vitamins and minerals10. Sipping on the hot broth induces perspiration, which helps to keep the body cool11.
Plaa Haeng Tang Ulit
Warmer weather means a higher amount of water is lost from the body through perspiration. To stay hydrated, plaa haeng tang ulit is a dish that keeps the body hydrated. This popular traditional Thai dish is best consumed during summer and is also served as an appetizer in restaurants12. It is easily prepared by adding sugary dried fish flakes and crispy shallots on top of watermelon chunks13. Since watermelon has 90 per cent water content, this dish is ideal for replenishing fluids in the body quickly14. Also, watermelon is high in nutrients such as lycopene and beta-carotene which helps to protect skin from sunburn15.
References
1 Channel NewsAsia. (2017). Warmer weather expected to ease; showers forecast: NEA. [online] Available at: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/warmer-weather-expected-to-ease-showers-forecast-nea/3425002.html?cid=fbcna
2 Cable News Network. (2016). Killer heatwave wreaks havoc in Southeast Asia. [online] Available at: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/12/homepage2/southeast-asia-drought-el-nino/
3 Goody Feed. (2016). Eating spicy food on a hot day can cool you down. It’s science, not hearsay. [online] Available at: http://goodyfeed.com/eating-spicy-food-hot-day-can-cool-science-not-hearsay/
4 Migrationology. (2016). Ayam Taliwang: Life-Changing Grilled Chicken in Indonesia. [online] Available at: https://migrationology.com/ayam-bakar-taliwang/
5 Wonderful Indonesia. (2016). Lombok’s Delicious Halal-Cuisine. [online] Available at: http://www.indonesia.travel/en/post/lombok-s-delicious-halal-cuisine
6 Migrationology. (2016). Ayam Taliwang: Life-Changing Grilled Chicken in Indonesia. [online] Available at: https://migrationology.com/ayam-bakar-taliwang/
7 Migrationology. (2016). Ayam Taliwang: Life-Changing Grilled Chicken in Indonesia. [online] Available at: https://migrationology.com/ayam-bakar-taliwang/
8 The Telegraph. (2016). No-cook Vietnamese pho. [online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/recipes/no-cook-vietnamese-pho/
9 Citypassguide. (2016). IS VIETNAMESE FOOD REALLY HEALTHY? [online] Available at: https://www.citypassguide.com/en/living/vietnam/health/blog/is-vietnamese-food-really-healthy
10 Los Angeles. (2016). Why Eating a Giant Bowl of Pho Is a Smart Idea on a 118-Degree Day.[online] Available at: http://www.lamag.com/digestblog/eating-giant-bowl-pho-smart-idea-118-degree-day/
11 Bangkok Post. (2016). Historic House Allows Diners To Step Back In Time. [online] Available at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/1041473/
12 Bangkok Bits. (2016). 6 popular Thai dishes to eat in Summer. [online] Available at: http://www.bangkokbits.com/food/6-popular-thai-dishes-to-eat-in-summer/
13 Accuweather. (2016). 5 foods to help you beat the heat. [online] Available at: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/five-foods-to-help-beat-the-he/15367080
14 Authority Nutrition. (2016). Top 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon. [online] Available at: https://authoritynutrition.com/watermelon-health-benefits/