The Soup That Cures All My Hangovers
There's no tried-and-true salve for the morning after a big night, but this easy recipe is as close as it gets for Eric Kim. Garlicky, gingery and full of bright flavors, this panacea will heal you from within. David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich. Published April 25, 2025 Updated April 25, 2025
When Carlos Juarez was growing up in Puebla, Mexico, his father would stay out late on Saturday nights, blowing off steam by drinking and playing soccer with friends.
Come Sunday morning, if he was hung over, his wife, Mr. Juarez's mother, would boil a whole chicken — one of the hens from their yard — into a soup with jalapeños, onions and a thick bouquet of cilantro. The whole family would eat the soup that day, relishing in the gift of caldo, or broth, as the older Mr. Juarez woke from the dead.
There is no magic cure for a hangover, experts know: It's really just a matter of time, and water, which might explain why every culture has a hangover soup. What is soup but sustenance suspended in water? Watch Eric Kim make the hangover kimchi soup. By The New York Times Cooking
During my salad days in Atlanta, it was soup that sustained me (and my friends) after a night of excess, a bowl of pho from the city's abundant Vietnamese restaurants. In the intervening years, that post-indulgence ritual matured as I grew into someone who keeps a refrigerator stocked with garlic, ginger and ripe kimchi, and a freezer full of stock rich with the fat and flavor of whole chickens.
My hangover kimchi soup will remind you of pho, with echoes of tom yum soup and kimchi guk, all healing and hydrating in their brothy brightness, but it is abundantly itself, a panacea of bright, savory, salty flavors.
The amount of spice you add is up to you, but know that a little red chile lends immeasurable flavor in addition to some heat. Gochugaru works here, but if you're feeling something else, don't be afraid to mix and match chile powders. If your ginger root is especially young and tender, consider peeling, then cutting it into fine matchsticks for an even deeper, punchier warmth. White beans offer protein in this dish, which becomes even heartier with white rice or noodles. (You can also sop it up with a slice of cornbread.)
Reheat it throughout the week, adding more broth and various crisper-drawer vegetables you need to use up, like cabbage, kale, arugula, watercress and bean sprouts. Whether you're hung over, sick with a cold or just plain hungry, this humble, hardworking soup will rouse you from the dead — or even just lift you up when you're down.
Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
‘McMigraine': Does TikTok's Coke and Fries Hack Actually Work for Migraine?
TikTok users are touting a migraine hack involving McDonald's fries and a Coke to relieve their symptoms. Experts say the combination of salt, sugar, and caffeine may provide temporary relief from migraine. However, processed foods high in sodium, fat, and sugar may worsen migraine symptoms and contribute to long-term health problems. Several strategies may support migraine relief, such as magnesium and omega-3s. It's estimated that 39 million people in the United States experience migraine. If you're one of them, you may have heard of the 'McMigraine meal,' a proposed migraine relief hack trending on social media platforms like TikTok that involves consuming McDonald's fries and a Coke. A migraine is more than just a bad headache. It's a complex neurological condition often accompanied by intense, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea, which can be debilitating. While there are medications available to prevent and treat migraine, they don't work for everyone. When a migraine attack hits, most people will do anything to feel better, even if it means consuming ultraprocessed foods like fries and a soda laden with sugar. Here's how the McMigraine trend works, and what experts think about its supposed benefits. A McMigraine meal: Not a reliable cure Kezia Joy, registered dietitian and medical advisor at Welzo, said it's important to distinguish between anecdotal evidence and clinical recommendations for any ailment, including migraine. 'Although the concept may be based on real-life experiences, it's not grounded in clinical research. It may provide temporary solace for some, but it's not something that should be in anyone's regular or safe migraine treatment repertoire,' she told Healthline. Likewise, specialist registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine agreed, cautioning that fries and a Coke are not a reliable treatment. 'While I completely understand that people living with migraine may be desperate to try anything that offers relief, this isn't a strategy I'd recommend trying frequently from a nutritional or clinical perspective,' she told Healthline. McMigraine benefits are short-lived Many people have claimed a McMigraine meal helped relieve their migraine symptoms. Is there any plausible scientific reason why salty fries and a sugary drink might offer temporary relief for some people with migraine? Joy noted a few physiological reasons why someone might experience temporary relief after eating salty, high carb foods and drinking caffeine. 'Caffeine, which is present in Coke, constricts blood vessels, and in some forms of migraines, it can relieve pain,' Joy explained. 'At the same time, high-salt or high-carbohydrate foods may aid in correcting a mild electrolyte or blood sugar imbalance,' she continued. 'If a person has missed a meal or is just a little dehydrated, the fries and soda may provide temporary relief.' Ludlam-Raine shared a similar synopsis of the potential benefits of a McMigraine meal. 'Migraines can be triggered or worsened by low blood sugar, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances, and so salty fries may help the body retain fluid, while the caffeine and sugar in a Coke could raise blood sugar and offer a quick boost in alertness or energy,' she pointed out. Ultimately, though, Ludlam-Raine said the benefits are likely to be short-lived and won't address the root cause of the problem. In fact, for some people with migraine, the combination of salt, sugar, and caffeine could worsen their symptoms. 'High-fat and salt foods can be problematic for others, especially if their migraines are linked to dietary triggers or underlying conditions like high blood pressure,' Ludlam-Raine noted. Does a McMigraine meal have any risks? The potential to worsen migraine symptoms aside, there are other risks to consider when using unhealthy foods as a migraine cure. 'Fast food may be convenient, but it can also be high in sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars,' Joy said. 'If consuming it becomes habitual, it can create inflammation in the body, which in turn, can make headaches worse over time.' There are other long-term health risks to consider, too. 'Relying on fast food regularly may contribute to long-term health issues like weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and poor gut health, all of which can potentially worsen migraine frequency or severity,' Ludlam-Raine said. Additionally, it may discourage people from addressing triggers and other factors that contribute to migraine attacks.' 'Excessive reliance on fast food as a fix can also skirt any underlying health issues that need to be diagnosed and treated,' Joy pointed out. 'Relying on it instead of seeking out treatments that work and are sustainable isn't good. It's also important to see food in the context of your entire lifestyle, not as a quick fix.' Evidence-based migraine interventions There are many strategies for managing a migraine that don't involve ordering from a McDonald's drive-thru. Joy said there are some specific nutrients you should look out for, such as magnesium. 'It's present in leafy greens and nuts, is involved in nerve functions, and can reduce the frequency of migraine in some people,' she explained. Other nutrients may offer some relief from migraine as well. 'Riboflavin-rich foods (vitamin B2) and co-enzyme Q10 have also been investigated for their potential benefits,' Joy said. 'Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, may also reduce inflammation and support brain health.' According to Ludlam-Raine, other ways to prevent and manage migraine include: staying hydrated throughout the day eating regular, balanced meals that include slow-release carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to maintain steady blood sugar levels avoiding specific triggers like aged cheese, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners keeping a food and symptom diary to identify personal patterns While certain wellness strategies can help prevent migraine, they may not be able to stop one in progress, which could explain why some people have turned to a McMigraine meal for relief. Clinical treatment for a migraine generally involves both acute and preventive options. 'Drugs, including triptans, CGRP inhibitors, and some anti-seizure and blood pressure drugs, can help some people,' Joy said. 'Non-pharmacologic treatments, like biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and neuromodulation devices, can also be effective.' Migraine symptoms can be debilitating, and when they strike, it may be tempting to seek the quickest and most convenient intervention. For some, that might be McDonald's fries and a Coke.
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Korean Skincare Products For Common Skin Problems
An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)! And their deep cleansing foam, which dives deep into your pores, gently whisking away gunk and removing dead skin cells. As with their oil cleanser, heartleaf extract is the magic ingredient here, and it's all about calming things down, reducing inflammation, and keeping your skin feeling soothed and pampered long after you've rinsed off. *Plus* another gem from Anua: Their heartleaf daily toner pads made with PHA to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells while also helping to reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. A "lifting" essence that reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks! A SeoulCeuticals toner mist made with 98% naturally derived ingredients like refreshing cucumber, antioxidant-rich green tea, tamarind, soothing aloe, and rejuvenating marine minerals for a perfect dose of dewy radiance. This powerhouse mist not only hydrates and plumps your skin but also works its magic on blemishes, helping keep those pesky breakouts at bay. A color corrector that starts off green but then blends seamlessly into your skin like magic, neutralizing any redness. It's packed with Centella asiatica extract, which is well-known in Korea for its calming and soothing properties. Plus, with glycerin in the mix, your face stays hydrated and glowing all day long. It's a great tool for evening out redness on no-makeup days, or layering under your foundation for an even more polished look! A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks if you don't mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for your skin being deeply hydrated and dead skin cells being removed. A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser that's gentle enough for you to lather up and have that fresh face feeling every day. This pH-balanced face wash won't disrupt your skin, which could lead to all sorts of problems like dryness, oiliness, and breakouts. It also contains BHA (a type of exfoliant that unclogs pores) and tea tree oil (which has antibacterial properties that zip zits). Or The Face Shop's facial foaming cleanser for the folks with skin that's more sensitive than a toddler during nap time. You need only a tiny bit to create a rich lather that'll cleanse your face like a dream without irritating or drying it out. Plus, it's packed with rice water, which is amazing for brightening up your complexion. A Mizon snail repair cream made to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. It contains raspberry extract, AHA, and mugwort extract to help your skin feel smoother and more rejuvenated than ever. A cute little Tonymoly octopus-shaped blackhead remover that rids your nose and chin of all the gunk that's built up throughout the day and exfoliates pores, making your skin look smoother and cleaner. A pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches to shrink your problems overnight. Ok, I'm not talking student loans or awkward first date type of problems, but they do help with pimples! These patches not only cover up your zits but also suck out all the gross gunk, leaving your skin looking fresh and clear. A fast-working calming cream by Dear, Klairs with a natural extract from chamomile oil that hydrates the skin and helps relieve redness. It can be good to use after laser treatment, long-term sun exposure, or post-shaving. A Cosrx blackhead remover liquid with 4% BHA so you can kiss those old-fashioned pore strips goodbye and say hello to a smoother complexion. This magical potion turns into a bubbly foam that penetrates deep into your pores, removing dirt and impurities. A Some by Mi Miracle toner reviewers say really helped with their acne-prone skin. This toner contains tea tree and AHA/BHA to exfoliate the skin and improve texture. The cult-favorite Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence, honestly a game changer for anyone dealing with dry or damaged skin. Its formula is 96.3% snail secretion, which might sound a bit wild, but it's pure magic for skin rejuvenation, banishing dullness and dehydration while bringing back that much-needed vitality — all without leaving you feeling sticky. No wonder it has over 66,000 5-star ratings! Or a slimy Mixsoon Bean Essence that hydrates and exfoliates your skin at the same dang time. 🤯 This thick (but not sticky) essence contains natural ingredients like fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone. The Saem hydrating eye stick, a perfect remedy for dehydrated skin. This eye treatment is made with Icelandic glacier water, giving your skin the fresh hydration boost it needs on days when you've hit the snooze button one too many times. An Elizavecca carbonated clay mask here to remove all the built-up sebum from your face without stripping away your skin's natural oils. Reviewers say after using this their skin feels super clean and irresistibly soft — you won't be able to resist touching it! Medicube's collagen jelly that's basically "glass skin" in a jar. It's packed with hydrolyzed collagen, which means the collagen is broken down into smaller segments for better skin absorption, keeping your skin firm and elastic. Plus, it's got niacinamide (vitamin B3), which enhances your skin's barrier function and boosts hydration, giving you that perfect texture and 24-hour glow. A cleansing balm complete with a handy lil' spatula, offering a hygienic way to scoop out just the right amount of product without dipping your fingers in the jar. Reviewers love the silky smooth texture and that it truly melts away makeup and sunscreen. Plus, it naturally brightens your complexion while helping to control oil! A bottle of rice toner in case you need a little extra help with hydration, especially if you live in a dry environment. This toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier. An amazing enzyme peel powder that works double duty as both a cleanser and an exfoliator. The powder-to-foam formula contains two exfoliating green tea enzymes that lift all the debris and gunk from your pores without any harsh scrubbing. It also has hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration, leaving your face smooth and supple. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you ever wanted a lip product that's not too sticky or thick but still gives a subtle pop of color. Not only does this oil give you a beautiful tint, but it's also nourishing for dry, flaky lips. A TikTok-viral all-in-one beauty balm for those dry areas on your face and body that could use a little extra love. Packed with collagen and a natural fermented oil straight from Jeju Island, this balm is like a loving hug for your skin, giving it a 48-hour moisture boost and lifting effect. The Laneige lip mask, aka a little spa treatment for your lips while you snooze away. This mask is packed with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter. You'll have the sweetest of dreams knowing you're waking up with soft, supple lips. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser that's like a big, refreshing sip of green tea for your skin. This hydrating gel formula gives your face that fresh, clean feeling without any tightness. A rejuvenating Bifida Biome Complex ampoule containing five types of probiotics that work overtime to strengthen your skin barrier, with 10 types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. This ampoule is like a super quick-absorbing potion that your skin just drinks up, leaving you feeling refreshed and glowing. One reviewer even compares it to the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, which costs over $100 for the same amount. An Anua niacinamide serum that also contains 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin, working together like a dream team to tackle dull skin. It soothes, hydrates, and helps strengthen your skin barrier to leave it feeling super soft and bouncy. *Plus* it helps reduce the appearance of pores, brighten dark spots, and even out your skin tone! And finally, Medicube's Mini Booster Pro — a more compact version of the splurgey OG, featuring the same Booster Mode for better product absorption and utilizing both blue and red LED light therapy to help soothe and calm your skin, leaving it radiant. This compact skincare companion is perfect for travel, and like the Age-R Booster Pro, it can be synced with the Age-R app.
CNBC
3 hours ago
- CNBC
Susan Dominus
Susan Dominus has worked for The New York Times since 2007, first as a Metro columnist and then as staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. In 2018, she was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for public service for its reporting on workplace sexual harassment. She won a Front Page Award from the Newswomen's Club of New York and a Mychal Judge Heart of New York Award from the New York Press Club. She has studied as a fellow at the National Institutes of Health and Yale Law School. Her article about menopause in The New York Times Magazine won a National Magazine Award in 2024. She teaches journalism at Yale University, and her new book, "The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success," is out now. Follow her on Instagram @suedominus.
