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Food & Receipts

Summer Feast Suggestion: A Cooling Menu for a Family of Four, All Under $10 (USD)

2 June, 2025

A Summer Feast: Simple, Refreshing Meals for Four

For just under VND 180,000, you can easily prepare a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meal for your family. Check out this suggested menu of five easy-to-cook dishes that are perfect for the summer heat:

Sour and Spicy Catfish Soup

A bowl of this sour and spicy catfish soup is the perfect way to wake up your taste buds on a hot day. The sour tang from the tamarind, tomatoes, and pineapple, combined with the refreshing herbs like basil and mint, make for a delightful and cooling dish.

Crispy Fried Pork Belly

Golden-brown and aromatic, this crispy fried pork belly is a crowd favorite. It’s perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of fat and lean meat, making it a go-to option when you’re unsure what to cook.

Boiled Water Spinach with Ginger Dip

Simple yet mouthwatering, this dish is a true classic. The crisp, green water spinach goes perfectly with the spicy and pungent ginger dip, making it a surefire way to get everyone asking for more.

Tofu in Tomato Sauce

This vegetarian dish is a delightful surprise. The soft tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a tasty and light option. Serve it with hot rice for a satisfying meal.

Watermelon for Dessert

End the meal on a refreshing note with juicy watermelon slices—the perfect way to cool down and conclude a wonderful feast.

A summer feast: refreshing, nutritious, and budget-friendly meals for a family of four.

Why Prioritize Cool and Refreshing Dishes in Summer?

The hot weather can be exhausting, causing dehydration and a loss of appetite. That’s why cool and refreshing dishes are a priority during the summer months. Light and easy-to-digest meals, like vegetable soups and boiled dishes, along with fresh fruit, help replenish lost fluids and minerals. Additionally, lighter evening meals improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of fullness or indigestion that can come from heavier, protein-rich dinners.

Mix It Up to Avoid Monotony

To keep things interesting, feel free to mix and match the following dishes:

Replace the sour and spicy catfish soup with a vegetable and shrimp soup or a crab and spinach soup.
Swap out the fried pork belly for fried eggs with beef bacon, braised pork and quail eggs, or chicken with chili and lemongrass.
Instead of boiled water spinach, try boiled mustard greens, steamed winter melon, or steamed kidney beans with fermented bean curd dip.
For the tofu in tomato sauce, try fried tofu with soy sauce dip or steamed tofu stuffed with meat.
Finish with a variety of refreshing desserts: watermelon, dragon fruit, yogurt, oranges, or mangoes.

This flexibility not only keeps your meals exciting but also ensures a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.

Summer Cooking Tips: Quick, Easy, and Cool

Mrs. Thanh Van, an experienced homemaker of 15 years, shares her insights: “To cook delicious meals on a budget, shop for fish and meat early at the morning market, and always opt for seasonal vegetables and tofu. With a little creativity, you can prepare a hearty and economical feast for your family.”

The secret to summer cooking: shop for ingredients early and cook with ease and efficiency.

Some Helpful Tips to Try

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time, either in the morning or the night before.
Use a rice cooker or air fryer to reduce oil usage and cut down on cooking time.
Opt for quick-cooking methods like boiling, steaming, and stir-frying instead of long-simmering stews.
Reuse the water from boiling vegetables to make a light and nutritious soup.

Estimated Costs for the Summer Feast

Catfish: VND 60,000 per fish
Pork belly: VND 50,000
Tofu: VND 10,000
Water spinach and sour soup vegetables: VND 30,000
Tomatoes, condiments, and watermelon: VND 30,000

Total estimated cost: VND 180,000

A Feast for All the Senses

While summer heat may make cooking a chore, the joy of gathering around a well-prepared meal with your loved ones makes it all worthwhile. Sometimes, a little creativity and a lot of love are all you need to transform a simple family meal into an unforgettable dining experience—one that no fancy restaurant can replicate.