Cover image via CBC.ca
You call yourself a chilli addict, but after biting into that cili padi you find yourself crying (tears of spicy joy) buckets because you have reached "mouth agape, feeling like a fire-breathing dragon" status
Fret NOT! SAYS is here to save the day and hopefully *naikkan* your macho standard with some DOs and DON'Ts.
Pssst: Trust me, you'll thank us when you go on that spicy food date!
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Let's see what you could have missed out on:
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1. So most chilli addicts know that water is practically the archenemy of chillis
**Why?**
The spices in most of the hot foods that we eat are oily, and like our school science teacher taught us, oil and water don't mix. Sure, water puts out real fires just fine, but when you drink it, **it simply spreads out the spiciness in your mouth and makes matters worse**.
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2. Instead, remember milk (and other such warm drinks) are your bestfriends
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**Why?**
**Milk cools the tongue**. Whole milk is the best as it has the most fats and fats will coat your tongue and cause the heat level to decrease.
3. Always have emergency bread. ALWAYS.
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**Why?**
As mentioned earlier, spices in most spicy food are oily, **bread will help to absorb the oil in the spicy food**. The slightly rougher texture also preoccupies your tongue and helps give spiciness a chance to fade away quietly.
4. Men, don't be afraid, but applying lip balm before indulging in spicy food prevents spice burns!
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**Why?**
Applying a layer of chapstick before eating will **form a semi-protective barrier to keep spices from burning your skin**. Just be sure to wipe if off once you're done eating so the spice doesn't soak in over time.
Fun Fact: Made within 10 minutes with 8 different types of chillies, Phall is considered the spiciest curry in the world with chefs wearing mask just to cook it
Image via Daily Mail
Phall is a British Asian Indian curry dish, which originated in Indian restaurants in Birmingham, UK. However, a restaurant in Manhattan has made a Phall so hot it includes the Bhut Naga Jolokia chilli which is used to make tear gas. The curry measures **ONE MILLION** units on the Scoville scale.
5. Sucking a spoonful of sugar works (or a pinch of salt if you have diabetes)
**Why?**
Sucking on a spoonful of **sugar will counteract the spiciness, and a pinch of salt will absorb it**. This trick also works when you're cooking and you've added a little too much spiciness to your dish.
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6. Lemon or lime will keep you from cursing out loud
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**Why?**
Chew a good sized slice of lemon or lime with the skin because the **oil from the citrus skin will strip the oil of the chili from your tongue**.
7. AND NEVER TOUCH YOUR EYES!
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The only exception is if— **NO! NEVER**.
