Leave me alone! I enjoy hot water, okay? With or without the lemon!
Actually, I probably enjoy it more without the lemon. Blame it on age (although I’m not retired yet), or the fact that I’m Chinese (yes, I am a “fake Korean”… Pak is just a really rare last name for Chinese people), but I honestly love hot water. I never understood it before, but I get it now.
My name is Mijune, and I am a hot water addict.
Note: I apologize in advance if this is offensive, so continue reading with a sense of humour. I’m expecting to get some blacklash, and I understand I’m stereotyping, but these are my people… so free pass?
If you’re in the service industry it should be no surprise when a Chinese or Asian person orders hot water with their meal. At first you might think they’re being frugal, and some may be, but for the most part they really just want hot water. On that note, I still wouldn’t charge for it, and if you do, let them know before adding it to their bill.
I didn’t even know hot water was a “Chinese thing” until my non-Asian friends confronted me about it after dinner once. I was pretty shocked because I thought it was normal. One even asked if they could try it. It was weird. She asked, “what does it taste like?” and I gladly let her have at it. She didn’t get it and I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
So what’s up with hot water? Why is it the preferred digestif amongst the Chinese community?
Besides it being comforting and part of the cultural drinking habit, it’s good for your health and digestion – or so we’re told by the older generation.
It depends on what kind of doctor you’re talking to, but some will say it doesn’t make a difference because the body naturally balances all food and water temperature internally. On the other hand, some say it helps “melt the fat and oils”, and others say stomach acids do that. Regardless, the body needs to use energy to convert cold water temperature to warm to match your body, and this is energy that could be used elsewhere.
According to Dr. Mee Lain Ling, a Richmond-based doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, drinking warm water helps improve blood circulation, controls appetite, prevents stomach aches and constipation.
While Dr. Ling recommends warm water, personally, I prefer to drink hot water because that’s how I like it.
• Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
