Check out these meat & protein matches for different weather:
Cooling Protein (for Heat): Cold Chicken Salad / Vietnamese Bun Cha (with cool herbs) (Global/Vietnam – pre-cooked, chilled proteins served with fresh vegetables and herbs, light and refreshing) 🥗🐔
Warming Protein (for Cold): Braised Beef Stew / Lamb Shank (Global – slow-cooked, fatty cuts that become tender and hearty, perfect for winter warmth) 🍖🔥
No-Cook Assembly (for Hot Days): Caprese Skewers (Mozzarella) / Summer Rolls with Shrimp (Italy/Vietnam – fresh cheese or pre-cooked protein assembled with raw veggies, no heat needed) 🧀🍤
Protein to Warm Your Hands: Grilled Satay Sticks / Hot Dogs (Indonesia/Global – skewered meats or sausages served hot off the grill, often eaten by hand) 🍢🌭
Tastes Better in Cold Air: Grilled Meats (Barbecue) / Sizzling Fajitas (Global – the smoky aroma and sizzle of grilled meat is more appealing and satisfying in crisp, cold weather) 🥩❄️
Ruined by Humidity: Fried Chicken / Crispy Pork Belly (Lechon Kawali) (Global – the crispy skin or batter absorbs moisture from the air, turning soft and soggy) 🍗💧
🍗 Protein preparation is deeply tied to climate. Light, cold proteins for summer; slow-cooked, rich meats for winter; and any crispy fried protein is a race against humidity.
Note: In many cultures, fatty and preserved meats (like sausages and hams) are traditionally consumed in colder months for their high energy content and preservation qualities.