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Why do we willingly indulge in spicy food when we know we will feel the burn?
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Scientists are still unsure why people have developed so much love for all things spicy.
For some people, their bodies react to consuming spicy food, be it a burning sensation on their tongue, runny nose, teary eyes, sweating, or their faces turning red. Yet, through all this pain, they still continue to enjoy the heat.
If you love spicy food despite the burn, here is what it says about your personality:
1. You may enjoy the thrill and eventual pleasure that comes with eating spicy food
Image via Mic
Did you know that spice is not considered a ‘flavour’ but a specific sensation? Just like how we crave sweet or salty food, some people yearn for spice.
The spicy sensation comes from a chemical compound called capsaicin, which can be found in chilli. Capsaicin causes pain and makes the body think you’re in danger.
In response, your body releases endorphins, a.k.a happy chemicals, to get rid of the “danger”. This makes you feel good, which is what causes spicy food lovers to crave that feeling, despite the pain caused by the food.
2. You could be regarded as daring and a big risk-taker if you love the heat
Image via Loic Leray (Unsplash)
Based on a study done at the University of Pennsylvania, those who enjoyed chillies were found to have a passion for thrilling and risky activities such as fast driving, bungee jumping, and swimming in ice.
These types of activities require a certain mental effort in preparing the brain to overcome fear. Over time, they learn to manage and assess the risk, which makes the activity all the more exciting.
Similarly, eating spicy food gives them that same excitement and sense of fearless adventure.
3. People may see you as strong or health conscious, depending on where you come from
Image via Roberto Carlos Rom?n Don (Unsplash)
Different cultures around the world have different connotations for spicy food. For example, in Mexico, eating spicy food is regarded as a sign of strength and valour, and is associated with masculine attributes.
People who are cautious would rarely put their bodies or tongue to the test by adding excessive amounts of chillies to their dishes. As such, Mexicans who are able to handle the spice are considered bold and strong-minded.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, people who want to have a healthy gut eat more spicy food. This is because spicy food has natural antimicrobial properties and lowers blood pressure. Back in the days when refrigerators did not exist, they used hot peppers to preserve food and get rid of growing bacteria.
This is also why you tend to see more spicy food in hotter climate countries like China, Mexico, and Thailand, compared to other countries with colder climate.
4. ‘Chilli heads’ have a high degree of curiosity and tend to be easily bored
Image via Ting Tian (Unsplash)
When it comes to ordering food at a restaurant, those who play it safe usually order the same dishes over and over again.
However, spicy food lovers are known to be adventurous and like to test their limits by trying exciting new dishes. An example is something as simple as trying different levels of spiciness at a Chinese hotpot restaurant, instead of sticking with the same level one is comfortable with.
5. You are more likely to enjoy being praised or rewarded
Image via Bangkok Post
Surprisingly, a study showed that participants who liked being praised and winning competitions also happened to be spicy food lovers.
This interesting finding is also supported by a theory made by Rozin, saying that the association is related to how others perceive the individual with ‘machismo’, which is basically being macho.
When someone can stand the burn of a certain spice level in the food, their peers usually cheer them on. This is why chilli heads associate these positive experiences with a love for spicy food even more.
6. You probably acquired a love for spice from your family
Image via emy (Unsplash)
Our taste, wants, and desires are greatly shaped based on what we grew up having. If your household served spicy food, you probably would have developed a liking for it or not be as sensitive to it as others, as repeated exposure to spicy food makes us tolerate it better.
So, are you a big risk-taker or someone who can’t take the heat? Whether you are a chilli head or not, you’re sure to enjoy the hottest food served at the Tiger Street Food Festival.
Image via Tiger Beer Malaysia (Provided to SAYS)
The on-ground street food festival is finally making a big comeback after two years of being held virtually. Stroll through maze-like alleyways and unlock secret rooms with amazing prizes and rewards to get a street food experience like no other.
Tiger Street Food Festival is happening from 28 to 30 October and 4 to 6 November in Klang Valley, so mark your calendars!
Plus, if you RSVP now, you’ll be able to redeem a free Tiger Crystal at the festival!
Here are the deets:
Date: 28 – 30 October & 4 – 6 November
Time: 4pm – 12am
Venue: Factory 19 @ Section 19, PJ (Click here to open in Google Maps)
This time around, they’re on the lookout to find the hottest street food dish that pairs perfectly with Tiger Crystal
Image via Tiger Beer Malaysia (Provided to SAYS)
Have any street food vendors in mind that has one of the best dishes you’ve tried? Recommend them by dropping a location pin of your favourite street food on their website and win amazing rewards, such as exclusive Tiger bucket hats, or a bucket of Tiger Crystal.
Plus, if you collect 1,000 points, you can redeem a pair of AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds!
First come first serve basis.
The best part is that there will be Tiger Crystal Fire Trucks nearby, where you’ll be able to try specially curated lok lok with unique hot & spicy broth!
Image via Tiger Beer Malaysia (Provided to SAYS)
Leading up to the Tiger Street Food Festival, Tiger Crystal Fire Trucks will be located at selected pubs, bars, restaurants, food courts, and coffee shops within the Klang Valley, Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, and Johor. Don’t miss out on the chance to spot the truck, from now until 14 October. Check out the truck schedule here.
At the trucks, you will get to sample a variety of bold street food flavours with a twist, paired perfectly with ice-cold Tiger Crystal.
All you have to do is buy Tiger Crystal in participating outlets to enjoy the unique lok lok spread. For those who can handle the heat, you can take part in the Tiger Fire Challenge to test your spice tolerance and stand to win exciting prizes.
Image via Tiger Beer Malaysia (Provided to SAYS)
More excitingly, this year’s Tiger Street Food Festival will feature limited-edition packaging on the Tiger Beer and Tiger Crystal cans and bottles!
Image via Tiger Beer Malaysia (Provided to SAYS)
The design is inspired by a few renowned local street food dishes and will be made available at selected groceries stores, restaurants, and food courts.
So, make sure to hurry to the closest store and get your hands on the exclusive packaging!
Be sure to join the hottest hunt for the hottest street food dishes by logging on to Tiger Street Food Malaysia’s website. Don’t forget to nominate your favourite street food vendor!
*The Tiger Street Food Virtual Festival is strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only.
As a reminder, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old. That means you need to be at least 21 and a non-Muslim in order to buy and consume alcohol. Remember to always drink responsibly and in moderation. Do not drink and drive.