Nobody likes a hangover, and ever since booze was invented people have been trying to stave off the horrible feeling that comes the day after a night of frivolity. A Puerto Rican remedy suggests rubbing lemon on your armpits, while Estonians claim you should sleep in vodka-soaked socks. These old wives’ tales might work for some people, but they sound like they’d make you totally miserable—so here’s a few tried-and-tested culinary cures that different cultures around the world love to chow down on when they’re feeling under the weather.
1. Pad Kee Mao, Thailand
Referred to by locals as “drunken noodles,” Pad Kee Mao is a noodle dish with a powerful chili kick to knock you out of the funk brought on by having a few too many beers. Find out how to make it at RecipeTin Eats.
2. Aguadito de Pollo, Peru
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When they’re not feeling particularly perky after an evening of indulgence, Peruvians turn to a hearty chicken and cilantro soup called aguadito de pollo. They also call it “levanta-muertos,” which means “to wake the dead”—just what you want when you can’t get yourself out of bed. It’s packed full of vegetables, lean meat and some fragrant spices to really wake you up. Get the recipe here.
3. Buffalo Milk, Namibia
Don’t worry, you won’t need to go out and milk a 1,000-pound animal for this remedy. Buffalo milk is actually a milkshake employing the “hair of the dog” concept to help pick you up in the morning. It involves heavy cream, rum and cream liqueur, and you can learn how to mix it for yourself here.
4. Loco Moco, Hawaii
Photo by sstrieu, CC-BY
After a heavy night on the sauce, Hawaiians like to wake up to a steaming hot plate of loco moco—starchy rice topped with a hamburger patty, rich gravy and a sunny side up fried egg. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, filled with lots of protein and carbs to get you going. Learn how to make this simple but effective hangover cure here.
5. Cesnecka, Czech Republic
Seemingly better suited to warding off vampires than waking up after a hectic night on the town, this Czech delicacy is a soup laden with lots of nutrient-rich garlic. Cultures all over the globe have long used this pungent bulb to fight off all manner of ailments, and cesnecka couples garlic’s medicinal properties with a hearty broth for maximum effect. Get the recipe here.
6. Shakshuka, Tunisia 
Photo by cyclonebill, CC-BY
The popularity of shakshuka has exploded in recent years, with hip restaurants all over the world opening up to the simplistic wonders of this healthy North African dish. Packing in lots of protein, plenty of spice and tons of nutritious veggies, Tunisians love to wake up to this egg dish when they’ve over-indulged the night before. You can find a very good recipe for it at Smitten Kitchen.
