Beyond Bak Kuh Teh: Singapore's Best Hangover Foods (and the Myths to Avoid)

We’ve all woken up to that internal debate. After a big night out, your body is screaming for something specific, a comforting dish to soothe the soul and silence the pounding in your head. The great Singaporean hangover food debate begins: will it be a soupy Bak Kut Teh, a savoury plate of Roti Prata, or perhaps a comforting bowl of fish soup?

Every social circle has its sworn-by remedies. But which of our local favourites actually help, and which are just wishful thinking? Let’s dig into the science behind the best hangover food Singapore has to offer.

The Local Favourites: What Works and Why?

Going beyond a simple list, here’s the scientific reason why these Singaporean staples can actually make you feel better.

• Fish Soup / Bak Kut Teh: There’s a reason you crave a warm, brothy soup. After a night of drinking, your body is dehydrated and depleted of sodium. These soups are champions of rehydration, delivering water and replenishing those lost electrolytes in a gentle, easy-to-digest format. The warmth is also incredibly comforting for an unsettled stomach.

• Roti Prata / Nasi Lemak / Maggie Goreng: The intense craving for carbs is real. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to dip, which is a major contributor to that feeling of fatigue and weakness. These dishes provide a quick hit of carbohydrates to help restore those levels. Nasi Lemak is a particularly strong choice, as the eggs provide high-quality protein and cysteine, an amino acid that helps your body break down acetaldehyde, the main hangover-causing toxin.

• Fruits (Bananas, Watermelon, Oranges): Don't overlook the simple fruit bowl.

  • Bananas are famously rich in potassium, a key electrolyte lost during drinking.

  • Watermelon is over 90% water, making it a delicious way to rehydrate.

  • Oranges provide a dose of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help prevent the depletion of glutathione, your body's master antioxidant which takes a hit when your liver is busy processing alcohol.

The Hangover Food Myth: Why Greasy Food Isn't the Answer

Here’s where we need to bust a pervasive myth. Many people swear by a greasy meal like char kway teow or a fast-food burger, believing it "absorbs" the leftover alcohol.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. By the time you’re hungover, the alcohol has already been processed. A heavy, greasy meal can actually make things worse by increasing inflammation and placing additional stress on your already-taxed digestive system, potentially slowing down your recovery.

The Perfect Pairing: Supercharge Your Recovery Meal

So you’ve made a smart choice and are sitting down to a restorative bowl of fish soup. What's next? You can give your recovery an incredible boost by pairing your meal with targeted nutritional support.

This is where UpSide comes in. Think of it as the perfect partner to your recovery meal.

While you're enjoying that comforting soup to rehydrate your body, an UpSide Jelly is working behind the scenes. Its powerful herbal ingredients are giving your liver the specific support it needs to process toxins more efficiently. It's the one-two punch your body needs for a much better morning.

Conclusion: Eat Well, Feel Better

The right food can make a world of difference in your recovery. By choosing meals that rehydrate, replenish electrolytes, and restore blood sugar, you are actively helping your body heal.

Next time you reach for your favorite hangover food, give it a boost. Pack an UpSide Jelly.