For as long as I can remember, I’ve preferred my water warm. Not iced or straight from the fridge, but just warm enough to sip slowly. When I was a kid, my mom would heat up a mug of water in the microwave for me to drink before bed, the same way other parents might offer milk or tea. It never felt unusual—it was just how things were done in our house.
That habit traces back further than I do. My Chinese grandfather (who we called Aa-Gung or grandpa in Cantonese) passed away before I was born, so I know him only through stories, but one detail always comes up: He loved his food and drinks piping hot. This was true even though he lived in Bangkok, where the air itself can feel like steam.
To Aa-Gung—and many members of my mother’s ethnically Chinese family—warm or hot water isn’t a preference so much as a belief. My mama, who is known to knock back scalding cups of coffee, tea, and water without flinching, says that the practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is thought to help balance the body’s yin (hot) and yang (cold) equilibrium.
Many believe drinking warm liquids instead of cold ones can also aid digestion and improve circulation. And long before modern plumbing, heating water was also a practical way to make it safer to drink.
The Surprising Rise of Hot Water Culture
Lately, I’ve noticed hot water having a bit of a moment—popping up on TikTok in a viral trend called “becoming Chinese,” where users jokingly but lovingly embrace everyday habits like squatting or wearing house slippers 24/7.
It’s such a vital part of life in many Asian cultures that hot water is often served instead of iced in restaurants, and some public water dispensers even offer hot, warm, and cold options. Whenever I come across one of those or am poured a mug of hot water with my meal, I feel instantly at home.
Benefits of Drinking Warm Water
Here’s a quick rundown of why warm water is still a go-to in many cultures—and why I still reach for it daily:
- Supports digestion: This is true especially if you drink it first thing in the morning or after a meal.
- Improves circulation: Some studies suggest warm water helps get blood moving.
- Balances internal energy: According to TCM, it helps stabilize the body’s natural rhythm.
Feels calming: Warm water can help relax the body and soothe mild congestion, fatigue, or sore throats. - Historically safer: Boiling water was one of the earliest forms of purification.
A Family Drinking Habit
These days, I still drink warm water before bed, but I don’t stop there. I carry a 1-liter insulated bottle with me everywhere, refilling it with freshly boiled water multiple times a day using an electric kettle. The habit has become part of my rhythm—something I do without thinking but deeply rely on, especially living in Colorado, where the air is dry and the elevation can sneak up on your hydration levels.
Drinking hot water keeps me grounded (literally and figuratively). It’s a small act of care I give myself throughout the day, and every sip feels like a quiet connection to something older and wiser. I hope Aa-Gung would approve.