Thịt Bò Kho, lunch in the office

As incongruous as it sounds, a well known technique for staying cool in tropical climates like Vietnam is to eat the hottest, spicy food possible. This ensures a good healthy sweat which in turn evaporates, cooling down your body. Although Thịt Bò Kho (Vietnamese beef stew) is more of a winter dish, the lemongrass and star anise coupled with green chilies is enough to work up a mild sweat. Traditionally served with Vietnamese baguettes for breakfast, it can also be eaten with steamed rice to the same effect.