Why Do We Crave Different Foods Each Season?
Do you crave hot kimchi stew in the scorching summer or cold noodles in freezing winter? Probably not. Our bodies need different nutrients and temperatures depending on the season, so we naturally gravitate toward foods that match the time of year.
Additionally, seasonal ingredients are more nutritious and flavorful. Produce that grows in harmony with nature is at its freshest and most delicious. In this article, we'll introduce popular foods for spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Spring (March - May): Freshness and Renewal
Spring herbs and light dishes are popular as they energize bodies that have been cooped up all winter. Let's explore menus perfect for this season of new beginnings.
Popular Spring Dishes
- Mugwort Soup/Rice Cakes: Iconic spring dishes with fragrant mugwort that awakens the appetite
- Spring Herb Bibimbap: Healthy rice bowls loaded with wild vegetables like shepherd's purse and wild chives
- Clam Soup/Noodles: Spring is when clams are at their best—refreshing broths are a must
- Baby Octopus: Peak season March-May, with chewy texture and spicy seasoning
- Strawberry Desserts: Cakes, tarts, and smoothies made with spring strawberries
Spring Dining Ideas
Spring is perfect for outdoor dining. Try a picnic lunch or dine on a restaurant terrace enjoying the spring breeze. Light pasta, sandwiches, and brunch menus pair well with the season.
Summer (June - August): Cooling Down and Energizing
Cool dishes and energy-boosting foods are popular for relieving bodies exhausted by the heat. Here are summer menus to restore appetite and stamina.
Popular Summer Dishes
- Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon): The quintessential summer food—icy broth that makes you forget the heat
- Soy Milk Noodles (Kongguksu): Healthy cold noodles in creamy soy broth—great for protein
- Samgyetang: Traditional summer tonic—fighting heat with heat
- Cold Chicken Noodles: Chilled chicken broth with noodles—light and refreshing
- Watermelon Punch: Sweet watermelon and milk—the ultimate summer dessert
- Chicken & Beer: Cool beer with crispy chicken—perfect summer night combo
Foods to Avoid in Summer
It's best to avoid very greasy or hard-to-digest foods in summer. Also be careful with raw foods or dishes left out too long due to food poisoning risks.
Fall (September - November): Abundance and Satisfaction
True to the harvest season, fall overflows with abundant ingredients. Appetites return and cravings increase—here are perfect fall menus.
Popular Fall Dishes
- Grilled Gizzard Shad: A Korean saying claims "fall gizzard shad brings runaway daughters-in-law home"
- Grilled Jumbo Shrimp: Fall shrimp are plump and sweet
- Blue Crab Stew: Rich, spicy stew with fall crabs—ultimate rice companion
- Braised Mackerel: Fall mackerel has peak oil content for maximum flavor
- Pine Mushroom Dishes: Fragrant pine mushrooms are a fall delicacy
- Roasted Chestnuts/Sweet Potatoes: Street vendors selling these are fall vibes personified
Fall Outdoor Dining
Meals paired with autumn foliage viewing are wonderful. Pack acorn jelly, Korean pancakes, and rice wine for an outing. Camping BBQ is also a perfect match for fall.
Winter (December - February): Warmth and Comfort
In cold winter, we need foods that warm body and soul. Hot soups and hearty comfort foods are the season's favorites.
Popular Winter Dishes
- Kimchi Stew: A bowl of bubbling kimchi stew melts away the cold
- Army Base Stew: Hearty, spicy broth—popular for winter gatherings
- Knife-Cut Noodles/Sujebi: Hot broth with chewy noodles—perfect winter snack
- Fish Cake Soup: Warm fish cakes from street carts—winter night vibes
- Steamed Buns/Fish-Shaped Pastries: Classic street snacks of winter
- Oyster Dishes: Winter oysters are large and flavorful—soups, pancakes, steamed
- Rice Cake Soup: New Year's tradition—enjoyable all winter long
Winter Tonics
Immune-boosting foods are especially important in cold winter. Teas and soups with ginseng, jujubes, and ginger warm the body and protect health. Bone broth soups like seolleongtang also make great winter tonics.
It's Winter Now! January Recommendations
We're currently in January—deep winter! Here are foods that are especially delicious now.
- Oysters: January-February is peak season. Months with "R" (September-April) are prime time
- Gwamegi (Semi-dried Fish): Winter specialty from Pohang—best with vegetable wraps
- Pollack Stew: Refreshing stew with winter pollack
- Rice Cake & Dumpling Soup: A New Year dish perfect all winter
Conclusion: Eat Seasonally for Health and Flavor
Eating seasonal foods means better taste and better health. Enjoying nature's gifts at the right time is the best way to experience food.
If you're wondering what to eat today, think about what's in season. Still can't decide? What to Eat is here to help!