Here in the U.S., it’s common to eat a steaming hot bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather. There’s something about the hot broth, silky noodles, soft vegetables, and tender chicken that can help ease the pain of a bad cold or flu. And there are variations of this so-called “cure-all” meal all around the world.
Famously, Italy has Pastina—a comforting bowl made simply with a small-shaped pasta (stars, usually), chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. From there, add-ins can include ingredients such as chicken breast, onion, carrots, and so on. And Matzo Ball Soup is a common sick-day meal in many Jewish families. But what about other cultures?
Recently, Redditor @ThisPostToBeDeleted posed the question “What is your culture’s penicillin dish?” and dozens of Redditors from around the world answered. We’re sharing 13 of the most comforting answers—plus recipes to make these meals in your own home.
Congee
“Plain congee,” said one Redditor from Hong Kong. Congee is a popular rice porridge found all across Asia. While it’s often associated with China, where it’s known as zhōu, rice porridge is a staple dish in India, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, and beyond, where it goes by other names. It gets its thick and soft texture by boiling rice in much more water than you’d use to make rice traditionally. Once the congee is made, it can be topped with all sorts of aromatics, alliums, meats, and sauces. But plain congee is the go-to when you need a hot and comforting meal without all the fuss.
“After a violent attack on my tummy, I am eating mild food, so I decided to make this,” shared an Allrecipes reviewer. “I’ve eaten congee on buffets in Hong Kong. This is so tasty and easy to prepare. I’m testing congee recipes and this first one delights my soul.”
Pepper Soup
Pepper Soup is a hearty Nigerian stew that is renowned for its medicinal properties, according to Nigerian recipe developer and blogger Chef Lola. “It is believed to help alleviate colds and boost immunity due to its spicy and warming ingredients,” she says.
It’s traditionally made with goat (can substitute chicken) as well as a Maggi seasoning cube, which is a non-negotiable. “Pepper soup,” said one Redditor. “As a Nigerian, the spice will knock out anything you have.”
Khichdi
“I’m Indian, I’d say khichdi,” shared one Redditor. “It’s similar to congee but with added lentils. In my opinion, it’s best the next day when reheated with added ghee and toasted caraway seeds.” Other Redditors added that they love it with pickled lime, and eat it as “hangover food.”
“Khichdi with kadhee (kadhi) for us Gujaratis,” added another Redditor. “Khichdi is made with rice and lentils. Kadhee is made with yogurt and chickpea flour and whole spices cooked in oil. It’s pretty unique in my opinion.”
Nyponsoppa
“Nyponsoppa is rosehip soup,” shared a Swedish Redditor. “Basically, rosehips (the fruits of the rose bush) are de-seeded, boiled and puréed, either through a sieve or with a blender, sugar to taste is added along with a little cornstarch to thicken if needed and…that’s it. Tasty, easy to swallow, high in vitamin C, and only slightly less energy dense than gasoline, it’s everything ill people need.”
“Creamy, mildly fruity, sweet, and floral all at once,” added another Redditor. “Just lovely!”
Pho
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“Vietnamese here,” shared a Redditor. “I have two for me personally, but pho or bun bo hue.” Other commenters shared that pho is the “greatest medicine,” and that it is the “Vietnamese cure all.”
This popular noodle soup is endlessly customizable and feels so great to eat when feeling under the weather.
“A friend (Vietnamese) gave me phở gá once when I was sick,” shared one Redditor. “I have NEVER looked back. And now when I can feel the sore throat and a sniffle…better get some pho gá!”
Lutefisk
“Lutefisk,” said one Norwegian Redditor. “As soon as Gramma threatened to cook it up, you miraculously felt better.”
If you haven’t heard of Lutefisk, it’s a Scandinavian dish made with preserved fish. The dried protein gets rehydrated—sometimes for several days—in a mixture of water and lye. Over time, the fish rehydrates, turning into a unique, gelatinous texture. These days, Lutefisk can be purchased already prepared and ready to eat.
“Lutefisk: curing colds through sheer fear in Grandma’s kitchen,” added one Redditor. “Nothing boosts the immune system like the threat of gelatinous fish!”
Vegemite
“Vegemite,” said one Redditor “Specifically, Vegemite on toast, cut diagonally,” added another. Another Redditor shared that it must be served with a strong sweet cup of tea, while another shared that the use of “cheap white bread” was mandatory.
Vegemite, the controversial Australian yeast spread, is enjoyed by Aussies year round, but especially when they’re under the weather.
“Vegemite with the most sickening layer of butter you could ever imagine,” shared a Redditor. “I’m talking, lift the toast off the plate, and you have a puddle of butter. It’ll cure the most dreadful hangover and basically anything else.”
Avgolemono Soup
“Avgolemono Soup,” said one Redditor. Another added “100 percent avgolemono! With extra lemoni!”
Avgolemono soup is an incredibly bright and silky but simple chicken soup made with chicken, short-grain white rice, eggs, lemon, salt, and pepper. With so few ingredients, the technique really makes this shine. Lemon juice gets added to the whisked egg, then hot broth is slowly incorporated (You have to whisk constantly.) to temper, but not cook, the eggs. That mixture then gets added to your big stock pot of broth, and the whole thing comes together quickly.
“This is my favorite because it’s both delicious AND super easy to make when you don’t feel well,” said one Redditor.
Arroz Caldo
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“Arroz Caldo,” said one Redditor from the Philippines. “It’s a Filipino chicken rice porridge.” “Same,” said another. “It’s a requirement when I’m sick.” Arroz Caldo is a delicious, creamy chicken and rice broth with ingredients such as fish sauce, ginger, and other aromatics that elevate this dish into something seriously special. You’ll want to eat this regardless of how you’re feeling.
“This is total comfort food for me,” said a Redditor. “I grew up eating this for breakfast as much as any other meal.”
Sofkee
Sofkee is a cracked corn porridge that can be found in several Indigenous American Indian tribes in the U.S., including Choctaw, Muskogee, Seminole, and more. Cracked corn is a coarsely-ground dried corn—much like grits or polenta.
“It’s cracked corn soaked in water and wood ash; it’s got almost an oatmeal consistency,” said one Redditor. “My Pokni would add chopped up wild onions and bits of bacon, but my mom would usually do a more sweet preparation with brown sugar.”
Pelmeni
Photographer: Grant Webster / Food Styling: Skyler Myers / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
Pelmeni is a dumpling, usually filled with meat, that is eaten while sick, and throughout the cold weather season. “I just moved to a new town and my friend introduced me to pelmeni last week,” shared another. “It’s amazing.”
Variations on this dish can be found across Ukraine and Russia, as well as other Eastern European countries. “[Pelmeni are] Ukrainian/Eastern European dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms and served in a bowl of broth with dill and a dollop of sour cream,” shared one Redditor. “They’re amazing and just what the doctor ordered for many ailments.”
“My wife is Ukrainian and her family eats them just by dipping them in vinegar with some pepper,” shared another Redditor. “Interesting to hear about other ways!”
Pozole
“Pozole is my suggestion for Mexican penicillin,” said one Redditor. Another added that it’s “basically a spicy chicken soup with chilies, chicken, and hominy (corn but not corn). Served with avocado, sliced radishes, and shredded cabbage.”
If everyone in your house is down for the count, try this bright and well-rounded Mexican soup. It’s very hearty, but the addition of fresh radish, lime juice, cabbage, or avocado lightens the whole dish.
“My Mexican wife makes that for me when I’m feeling [bad],” added a Redditor.
“Sopa de Fideo also. Both are like warm hugs.”
Kimchijigae
“Hot bubbling kimchi stew is perfect for a cold,” said one Redditor. Kimchijigae is prepared simply, with kimchi, water, a protein (tofu or pork belly are popular options) as well as different Korean chili peppers and pastes to add a solid kick that will knock your cold away.
“That was the first meal we had when we went to South Korea,” said one Redditor. “Such good food.”
Another added that they’re “not even Korean and I’d take this over anything while sick.”
Learning about all these international sick day meals is preparing me for a tasty winter ahead. With so many great dishes to choose from, most using simple ingredients and preparation, I can take a trip around the world from the comfort of my own kitchen.
