The thing with spicy food

Spicy food doesn’t make much sense to me. Would I douse noodles in chilli oil or order a medium curry? No way. What is so enticing about red eyes and a runny nose that makes people say “I’ll have what they’re having”? Why do millions of people around the world put themselves through tongue tingling pain each time they go for a mouthful, only then to come back for more?

People love spice

When I say that spicy food is popular, this is an understatement. According to their 2021 survey, Kalsec reckons 95% of people worldwide enjoy spicy and hot foods, ranging from mild to holy sh*t that’s hot. More people prefer their food to pack a punch than not and it’s clear that people get a real buzz from it. Mexico, India, Thailand & South Korea are home to some of the world’s spiciest dishes, with India among the top consumers of spicy food in the world in 2020. Chilli is a hot commodity and there is a huge variety of hot sauces, chilli oils and chutneys being exported across the globe. Most people can handle spice in just about anything – crisps, sweets, pizza, even ice cream.

Despite the numbers, I still don’t get it.

As much as I’ve tried, I just can’t get on the spice bandwagon. You might’ve guessed that I have a mild spice tolerance. You’d be right. For me, being brave is ordering a mild curry. Or eating a couple of Sweet Thai Chilli Dorito crisps (which are epic btw). Unlike some who take to spice like a duck to water, spice and I have a complicated relationship, built on uncertainty, pain and curiosity. Frankly, I’ve been burned one too many times and the experience is enough to put me off for life. Spice enthusiasts never fail to baffle me.

What flavour??

If you were to ask me what spice tastes like, I’d say it tastes like numbness. Or bonjela. Or regret.

And yes, I am aware that capsaicin (the chemical from chilli peppers) creates the hot, tingling sensation that you feel in your mouth. It causes you to sweat out of your eyeballs. Forget a relaxing evening at your favourite restaurant. You take one bite and it’s so hot that the flavour is no longer relevant. It’s an afterthought at this point. Instead, it’s more about pushing through the pain and the sweat. And for what?

Spice has the ability to enhance or ruin any eating experience. Hence why people, like me, tread carefully around it.

The Hubris of Spice

There is a reputation attached to being able to withstand spice. People who can eat spicy food without coughing up a lung are regarded as superhuman. Besides, being able to boast that you can handle more than a mild butter chicken is a big deal. In this day and age it’s a signal of strength. Of coolness (if you pardon the pun). It’s admirable.

However, there is a difference between confidence and competence. This is where it tends to separate the winners from the losers.

Me, for example, I know I’m not good with too much spice. A tickle at the back of the throat is enough for me. I know my limits. Others are up for more of a challenge. Spice is unpredictable and it can floor even the most seasoned of spice enthusiasts. It has a habit of bringing people back down to earth, typically in a hail of flames, whilst reaching for milk. It’s only here that you are reminded of your actual spice tolerance.

I am aware being bad with spice also gives you a reputation, but I’m not phased.

Respect the Spice

It must be liberating to order whatever is on the menu without questioning it, asking if it’s “really hot?” or checking what you have on tomorrow before ingestion. At the crux of it, spice comes down to a bunch of factors, like personal preference, culture, and your own tolerance. Some are just better at handling the heat than others.

It continues to amaze me how people can eat something incredibly spicy and not bat an eyelid. I have a huge respect for spice lovers, mainly because I’m awe struck.

Spice continues to leave me with questions, but I haven’t gone off it. I’ll continue to dabble in the odd spicy crisp and hot menu item but always with caution and plenty of milk on the side.

Are you a spice lover? Or do you give spice a miss? Got any favourite spicy foods? Leave me a comment below 🙂

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