Waking up after a night of partying can feel like your brain is hosting a rock concert you didn’t sign up for. Luckily, around the world, people have figured out some pretty clever ways to hit the reset button using food. In fact, there are 10 foods that different countries eat to cure hangovers. Forget fancy potions or miracle cures, sometimes all you need is a bowl of something that gets your body saying, “Okay, I’m back.”
What’s funny is how different countries have their own “secret weapons” that might look weird to outsiders but work like magic for locals. Some dishes are comforting, others are downright intense, but they all share one goal: making you stop feeling like a zombie. So next time you’re nursing a hangover, maybe try thinking outside your usual breakfast routine, you might just find your new favorite cure.
Thailand – Khao Tom (Rice Soup)
A mild rice porridge cooked with ginger, garlic, and sometimes pork or fish is a common hangover cure in Thailand. Its watery consistency makes it easy to digest and helps with rehydration. The ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can ease stomach discomfort. Protein from added meat helps restore strength, while the rice supplies carbohydrates for energy. This dish’s simplicity and soothing nature make it suitable for those experiencing nausea or fatigue after drinking, allowing the body to gradually regain balance and recover from the effects of alcohol.
Japan – Umeboshi and Rice
Umeboshi are small, pickled plums known for their intense sourness and saltiness. In Japan, these plums are commonly eaten with plain white rice, especially when someone is feeling unwell after drinking. The high salt content helps replenish electrolytes lost through alcohol consumption, while the acidity stimulates saliva and digestive juices, aiding in quicker digestion. Umeboshi also contains antioxidants and organic acids, which may help reduce nausea and fatigue. The rice acts as a gentle base that is easy on the stomach, making this combination a simple yet effective remedy to soothe discomfort and restore balance after alcohol intake.
Germany – Pickled Herring and Rye Bread
Salted and pickled herring is a traditional remedy in Germany that helps restore sodium and other electrolytes lost during alcohol consumption. The fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which support brain and liver function. Paired with dense rye bread, this combination offers complex carbohydrates that help stabilize blood sugar. The acidity from the pickling process can stimulate digestion and alleviate queasiness. This simple yet effective pairing is often eaten in the morning after drinking, helping to revive the senses and replenish essential nutrients.
South Korea – Haejangguk
Haejangguk, which translates to “hangover soup,” is a hearty and flavorful broth often made with ingredients like cabbage, bean sprouts, and slices of beef or pork. Some variations include congealed ox blood or tofu, contributing to its richness and nutritional value. The soup is known for its restorative qualities, as it helps rehydrate the body and replenish essential minerals and vitamins. The combination of fermented vegetables and protein supports digestion and helps reduce the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. Its warmth and depth make it a comforting choice for those recovering from excessive alcohol consumption in South Korea.
Turkey – Çorba (Soup)
Various types of hearty soups, frequently prepared with lentils, yogurt, or vegetables, are consumed in Turkey to combat hangover effects. These soups are typically rich in protein and fiber, which aid in digestion and help restore energy levels. The warm liquid helps with rehydration and soothes the digestive tract. Yogurt-based soups add probiotics that can support gut health, which may be disrupted after alcohol intake. The mild seasoning and nourishing ingredients make these soups gentle on the stomach while supplying necessary vitamins and minerals to assist in recovery.
Poland – Rosół (Chicken Soup)
A clear chicken broth simmered with vegetables and herbs is commonly consumed in Poland to ease hangover symptoms. This soup is light yet nourishing, helping to rehydrate the body and soothe an irritated stomach. The gentle warmth of the broth promotes circulation and supports digestion without overwhelming sensitive senses. Rich in vitamins and minerals extracted from slow-cooked chicken bones and vegetables, it replenishes nutrients lost through alcohol consumption. The addition of noodles or small dumplings adds a comforting texture that makes it easier to eat when the appetite is low. This traditional remedy is often recommended for its restorative qualities.
Russia – Solyanka
Solyanka is a thick, hearty soup characterized by its tangy and salty flavor, made from a mix of pickled cucumbers, olives, capers, and various types of meat such as sausage or beef. This dish is popular in Russia as a hangover cure because the salty and sour components help restore electrolyte balance and stimulate appetite. The soup’s rich broth is often simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The combination of fermented and preserved ingredients also aids digestion and may help detoxify the liver. Solyanka’s robust profile makes it a favored choice to ease the effects of excessive drinking.
United States – Greasy Breakfast (Bacon, Eggs, and Toast)
In the United States, a greasy breakfast consisting of fried bacon, eggs, and toast is a common approach to combating hangover symptoms. The fats and proteins found in this meal can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which often fluctuate after drinking alcohol. The salt content in bacon assists in replenishing sodium lost through dehydration. Eggs contain cysteine, an amino acid that may help break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. The carbohydrates in toast give a quick energy boost. This combination of ingredients works together to ease nausea, supply energy, and support the body's recovery process after a night of drinking.
Vietnam – Pho
Known for its aromatic broth infused with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, pho is a popular choice for recovering from a hangover in Vietnam. The soup contains rice noodles and thin slices of beef or chicken, supplying both hydration and protein. The broth’s depth comes from hours of simmering bones and spices, which release nutrients beneficial for liver repair and detoxification. Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add antioxidants and vitamins, while lime juice and chili can help stimulate the digestive system. The combination of flavors and textures works to calm nausea and replenish energy levels after drinking.
Mexico – Menudo
Menudo is a traditional soup made primarily from beef tripe, combined with hominy and a rich chili pepper broth. This dish is often consumed after a night of heavy drinking because it is believed to help detoxify the body and restore lost nutrients. The broth’s spiciness can stimulate appetite and aid digestion, while the tripe provides protein and collagen, which may help repair the stomach lining. Menudo is usually slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a deep, hearty flavor. The combination of ingredients helps rehydrate and balance electrolytes, making it a popular choice for hangover recovery in Mexico.
Food: Your Hangover’s Best Friend
No matter where you are in the world, there’s a good chance someone has figured out a food fix for that awful morning-after feeling. These hangover helpers might not be glamorous, but they get the job done—whether it’s a spicy soup, salty fish, or a simple bowl of rice. Sometimes the best cure is just something familiar that helps your body hit the reset button and tells your brain, “Hey, we’re good now.”
So, next time you wake up regretting last night’s choices, don’t just reach for the usual coffee or greasy burger. Think about trying something a little different—something that’s been trusted for years in places you might never visit. Who knows? You might find a new go-to that actually makes mornings after a little less miserable. After all, when it comes to hangovers, a good meal can be your best friend.
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