Summer Delights: Exploring Popular Asian Treats for the Season

By: Elaine Chau

4/15/23

As the season of blooming flowers and rejuvenation arrives, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the arrival of summer and its assortment of exciting treats and delicacies across many Asian countries. Sweet or savory, these delights are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Japan: Sakura Mochi

Sakuramochi: See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms, then Eat Them?! | Arigato Travel

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan with their popular Sakura mochi, a rice cake that embodies the essence of summer filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. The process of making Sakura mochi involves the pickling of the cherry blossom leaves in salt water, vinegar, and a touch of food coloring. This imbues the mochi with its signature blush tone. The intensity of the pink color can vary from gentle blush tones to striking magenta, but all versions capture the essence of cherry blossoms and the renewal they represent in Japanese culture.

China: Egg Rolls 2,100+ Egg Roll Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock | Bacon and egg roll, Easter egg roll, Bacon egg roll

In China, egg rolls are the quintessential dish during the summer season, as they embody the essence of summer. The crispy exterior mimics the freshness of the season’s new growth, filled with a variety of vegetables and meat. The texture of the outer layer is achieved by wrapping a

thin layer of dough around the filling and deep-frying it until golden brown. The filling is usually a blend of savory vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, along with protein like shrimp, pork, or chicken. further reflecting the vibrancy of summertime. Egg rolls are also versatile and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even peanut sauce, further enhancing the taste of this already delectable snack. The warming comfort provided by the snack acts as a perfect choice for celebrating the season.

Korea: Bingsu Pasiya's Injeolmi Bingsu — Greysuitcase

Another popular summer treat in Asia is Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert. As the warm sun rays kiss your skin, the smooth and velvety texture of the shaved ice provides a soothing respite from the heat. Bingsu, made with shaved ice, is delicately crafted into a fluffy mountain and then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. The icy peak is then topped with a range of decadent ingredients, including fresh fruits, red beans, and sometimes pieces of mochi. The flavor choices are vast, but one of the most distinctive options is the Injeolmi, a roasted soybean that has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Bingsu is the ultimate summertime indulgence, as its cool and creamy texture combined with the bold flavors of injeolmi and fresh fruits make it the perfect treat for a sunny day. So take a break from the heat and transport your taste buds to a refreshing paradise with a bowl of Bingsu.

Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice

Sticky Rice with Mango Recipe

Venture to Thailand for the irresistible mango sticky rice, a dessert consisting of sweet and creamy sticky rice, topped with fresh ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut milk, a symbol of summer’s abundance. It’s a treat that will transport you to a tropical paradise. To make this dessert, glutinous rice is cooked in coconut milk and a touch of sugar, giving it a subtle, sweet flavor and a soft, sticky texture that perfectly complements the fresh, juicy mango. The coconut milk also adds a velvety creaminess to the dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. The combination of flavors and textures is truly unique, and it's no wonder why it's a favorite among many during the summer season.

Vietnam: Banh Mi

Bánh Mì

Lastly, in Vietnam, Banh Mi is a popular summertime snack that's enjoyed throughout the country. The crusty baguette is filled with flavorful and colorful ingredients like pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and chili peppers. These ingredients provide a burst of fresh and crisp flavors that perfectly complement the warm weather of summer. Luckily, Banh Mi is a portable and convenient snack, making it perfect for outdoor activities like picnics, hikes, or trips to the park. It's a filling yet light option that won't weigh you down during your summer adventures!

As summer bursts forth, it brings with it a colorful and exciting array of culinary delights across Asia. From Japan's delicate Sakura mochi, China's crispy egg rolls, Korea's refreshing Bingsu, Thailand's sweet and creamy mango sticky rice, to Vietnam's flavorful Banh Mi, each of these treats are a symbol of the season's renewal and abundance. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, each dish captures the vibrancy and energy of summer, making it the perfect time to indulge in these delectable delights. So take a bite, close your eyes, and let the flavors transport you to a world of rejuvenation and renewal.

Jaelen Oh