Top 5 Summer Health Foods of 2025! What Are the Best Menus to Beat the Heat?

Isn't it too hot these days, and you feel your energy dropping?

It's already mid-June, and the weather is no joke. It's so hot that I can't live without air conditioning, and I'm completely exhausted at work and at home... So this weekend, I said to my friend, "Let's go get some health food!" and we went around Seoul's famous restaurants to properly research summer health foods, haha.

I've compiled the top 5 summer health foods that people are really looking for these days, and I'll share my actual tasting experiences along with restaurant information!

Summer Health Food TOP 1 - Samgyetang

When it comes to summer health food, it's got to be Samgyetang! At first, I thought, "Isn't eating something hot in this heat going to make it worse?" But after sweating and finishing a bowl, my body felt much lighter.

Especially since COVID-19, many people are more concerned about immunity, and Samgyetang seems like the best choice. With ginseng, jujube, and glutinous rice, it's perfect for recovering energy, and above all, the broth is clean, so it's easy on the stomach.

Recommended Restaurant: Tosokchon Samgyetang (Jongno-gu)

Tosokchon is a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station! It's so delicious that even foreign tourists line up to eat there. Eating Samgyetang in a traditional Korean house setting adds to the charm, and the broth is so rich that you won't leave a drop.

Price: Samgyetang 20,000 KRW
Business Hours: 10:00~22:00 (No break time)
Features: Ginseng wine service, traditional Korean house atmosphere, recognized by foreigners

Summer Health Food TOP 2 - Grilled Eel

When it comes to stamina, it's definitely eel! I used to think it was just a food for dads, but these days, a lot of young people are looking for it. It's especially popular among those who work overtime or exercise a lot!

Eel is rich in protein and vitamins A and B, which are great for recovering from fatigue. It might seem greasy at first, but if you wrap it in lettuce, it's not greasy and tastes great.

Recommended Restaurant: Jangsu Jangeo Daejeon Bangbae Main Branch (Seocho-gu)

Jangsu Jangeo Daejeon near Bangbae Station! The eel here is really fresh, and the seasoning isn't too sweet. The grilled eel cooked over charcoal is especially excellent.

Summer Health Food TOP 3 - Chueotang

Chueotang made with loach! It might not look appealing, but the taste is truly amazing. It's especially famous in Gwangju or Jeolla-do, but there are many delicious places in Seoul now.

Loach is so rich in nutrients that it's called a protein bundle, and it's said to be great for men's energy recovery. The broth is thick and savory, making it an addictive taste once you try it!

Recommended Restaurant: Gangnam Wonju Chueotang (Gangnam-gu)

Gangnam Wonju Chueotang near Yeoksam Station! The broth here is clean yet rich, so it's recommended even for first-time Chueotang eaters. It has a lot of perilla powder, which adds to its savory taste.

Summer Health Food TOP 4 - Naengmyeon

In the hot summer, it's got to be refreshing Naengmyeon! Whether it's Mul Naengmyeon or Bibim Naengmyeon, both are the best. Especially during lunchtime, Naengmyeon restaurants near offices are packed with office workers.

Naengmyeon is low in calories and easy to digest, making it great for summer without any burden. Especially Mul Naengmyeon made with Dongchimi broth cools the stomach and stimulates the appetite, making it perfect for summer loss of appetite!

Recommended Restaurant: Eulji Myeonok (Jung-gu)

Eulji Myeonok in Euljiro is famous as a Naengmyeon restaurant in Seoul. The Mul Naengmyeon broth is really refreshing, and the noodles are chewy, making it a place you want to visit every summer.

Characteristics of Naengmyeon Types

Mul Naengmyeon

Refreshing Dongchimi broth, mild and clean taste

Bibim Naengmyeon

Spicy and sweet seasoning, appetite-stimulating taste

Hoe Naengmyeon

A delicacy eaten with raw fish, a specialty menu of the Busan region

Summer Health Food TOP 5 - Kongguksu

Summer delicacy Kongguksu! When you look at Jinju House or famous Kongguksu places, the lines get really long in the summer. The savory soybean broth with cool noodles is truly fantastic.

Kongguksu is rich in plant-based protein, making it healthy, and the calories are moderate, so even those on a diet can enjoy it without worry. Especially when eaten with kimchi, it reduces greasiness and enhances the taste!

Recommended Restaurant: Jinju House (Yeouido)

Jinju House, known as the holy place for office workers in Yeouido! The Kongguksu here is really savory and rich, making you feel full after one bowl. It's a summer-only menu, making it feel even more special.

Honest Review After Trying Them

This weekend, I tried various health foods with my friend, starting with Samgyetang, and I really felt my body getting lighter! Especially Tosokchon Samgyetang had a really rich broth, and the chicken was tender, so I was completely satisfied.

The eel wasn't as greasy as I thought, and I tried Chueotang for the first time, and it was surprisingly delicious. Naengmyeon and Kongguksu were, of course, refreshing and tasty, haha.

Precautions When Eating Summer Health Foods

In the hot summer, you need to eat health foods properly to be effective!

• Moderate Amount: Eating a lot isn't always good. Eat in moderation!
• Time Selection: It's better to eat in the morning or evening rather than in the hot midday.
• Hydration: It's essential to replenish enough water after eating hot food.
• Personal Constitution: Those with a lot of body heat may find Naengmyeon or Kongguksu more suitable.

In Conclusion

In this scorching heat, it seems really important to replenish energy with proper health foods. If you only rely on air conditioning and cold drinks, your body might actually get more tired.

I'll explore more health food restaurants this weekend and update you! Don't let the heat get to you, and enjoy a healthy summer with delicious health foods!

Next Post Preview: "Top 5 Grilled Eel Restaurants in Seoul - Only the Really Delicious Ones!"