FOOD: Winter foods to get us through the cold days left of this season

Winter Delights for What’s the Rest of the Cold Season

Take a peek inside each hot, soupy bowl!

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

As we begin February and the winter season lingers, here is a list of five entrees and culinary delights from Asia that warm our bodies from head to toe.

1. KATSU CURRY (Japan)

As an iconic hot Japanese dish, katsu curry is made up of fried chicken in a crispy panko casing, slathered in a mild, yet spicy garam masala infused curry sauce that tops a scoop of fragrant rice.

Local Restaurants:

Kokoro | Tatsu Izakaya | Katsu Ramen

2. HOT POT (China)

Hot pot is the perfect dish for family gatherings and staying warm. Gather around a dining table with a simmering metal pot at the center. Everyone can cook all kinds of ingredients, including sliced meat, beef, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and seafood.

Local Restaurants:

Aki Asian Hotpot Restaurant K+ Hotpot | Old Town Hot Pot

3. SINIGANG (Philippines)

Sinigang is a Filipino sour soup prepared with tamarind, plus meats like pork, beef, shrimp, or fish. Served with rice and soy sauce or fish sauce, it’s comfort food for many Filipinos.

Local Restaurants:

ChowSun | Julie’s Kitchen Manila Bay Filipino Restaurant

4. PHO (Vietnam)

Pronounced “fuh”, pho is a flavorful broth with charred aromatics, toasted spices, beef bones, and brisket. It’s satisfying but not heavy. Fresh ingredients are added to keep it healthy, alongside tasty vermicelli noodles.

Local Restaurants:

Pho Duy | Pho 97 | Pho 75

5. OX BEEF BONE SOUP (Korea)

One of the most popular soups served in Korea, the ox beef bone soup is renowned for its milky white color, remarkably thick taste and its richness in protein and calcium. Taking several hours to even an entire day, the bones of the soup are simmered over a low flame to infuse the flavor to be extracted from the bones. At the table, additional ingredients of green onions, minced garlic are added to the soup. Variations of this soup are available in local restaurants.

Local Restaurants:

Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot Silla Restaurant | Tofu House