#Japan #Tokyo #Ginger Pork #Shoga-tei #Summer Chill

Beat the Summer Chills with a Special Dish from Shoga-tei

As summer heats up, many people face a hidden health issue known as "summer chill." While outdoor temperatures soar, air conditioning in offices and subways creates a stark contrast, leading many to feel lethargic and uncomfortable. Shoga-tei, a long-standing Western-style restaurant in Yoyogi, Tokyo, is stepping up to combat this with their newly developed special ginger pork dish, loaded with 7.3 times the gingerol to provide a warming effect from within.

Understanding Summer Chill

"Summer chill" is an often overlooked condition. It manifests as a sensation of coldness or heaviness in the body despite hot weather. Caused primarily by air conditioning, cold food and drinks, and sudden temperature changes, it significantly decreases the core temperature of internal organs, which in turn can impair immune function and metabolism. Left untreated, summer chill poses risks for health conditions in the fall, including lower immune resistance.

To enhance awareness of this hidden discomfort, Dr. Niina Ishihara, an expert in warming therapies, has introduced the concept of the “summer chill alert.” On days when the outside temperature exceeds 33°C, an alert is issued, signaling increased risks for summer chill due to the disparity between internal and external temperatures.

Shoga-tei's Special Response

Established in 1971, Shoga-tei has been a cornerstone for office workers and students in the area. Its famous pork ginger dish, crafted carefully by the owner Tsuji Yasuo, balances ginger and soy sauce, resulting in a flavor profile that patrons love.

With the emergence of the summer chill alert, Tsuji crafted the special pork ginger dish, ramping up the gingerol content to combat cooler internal temperatures. Available starting from July 22 for a limited number of 30 servings daily at a special price of 500 JPY, the dish aims to warm up customers from the inside out during summer heat.

Special Pork Ginger Dish Details

Where to Get It: Shoga-tei, located at 1-42-5 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo.
Operating Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Dish: Special Pork Ginger Set
Duration: July 22 to August 29
Normal Price: 750 JPY (tax included)
Discount: 500 JPY (tax included)
Conditions: Available only on days when the temperature is 33°C or higher.

The newly introduced Special Pork Ginger Dish has a higher concentration of gingerol than the regular menu, providing the distinctive zest and warmth that ginger is known for. Customers can expect a warming sensation that spreads pleasantly throughout the body, similar to the feeling after a sauna visit. This dish promises to not only be comforting but also serve as a solution to counter the effects of summer chill.

A Message from Tsuji Yasuo

Tsuji, who has inherited the traditional flavors from his father, expresses a deep commitment to delivering comforting, wholesome meals. He states, "What I value the most is our customers' joy. We strive to create dishes that satisfy both the appetite and the heart. Through this special menu, we aim to support our loyal customers and offer a bit of warmth during the sweltering heat of summer."

Dr. Niina Ishihara's Insights on Summer Chill

Dr. Niina Ishihara, Vice Director of Ishihara Clinic, emphasizes the issue of summer chill and the importance of self-care amidst the rising temperatures. She notes, "The need to address internal cooling due to excessive use of air conditioning can often be overlooked in modern summers. The summer chill alert serves as an essential reminder for individuals to take care of their bodies during this period of extreme temperature fluctuations. I encourage everyone to be mindful of the signals from their body and adopt small caring practices. By addressing both heat and chill, we can better protect ourselves this summer."

The Power of Gingerol

Dr. Ishihara also highlights gingerol from ginger as a natural ingredient to boost warmth. The special dish not only provides short-term relief but also ensures prolonged effects to help manage summer chill. With this initiative, Shoga-tei is leading the way in promoting health and well-being during the hot summer months.