So spicy! Why do the Chinese love spicy food and which province eats spicy food the most?

Have you ever wondered why many people think of spicy flavors when it comes to Chinese food? China’s cultural and geographical diversity makes each region have different tastes, but one thing that many regions have in common is its preference for spiciness.

According to the survey, Chinese people, especially in the central and western regions, such as Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, and Guizhou, enjoy spicy food! Spicy is not only a taste but also a part of Chinese eating culture.

Why do the Chinese love spicy food?

Drive away humidity: In southern China, it is humid. Eating spicy food expels moisture from the body, which makes you feel refreshed.

Add more flavor: Chili peppers and spices increase the flavor of the food, making the food more appetizing.

Appetizing: Spicy stimulates the taste buds, increasing appetite.

How much of the spiciness is considered spicy enough?

The spicy food that Chinese people eat varies from region to region.

Southern part: Like medium spicy flavors: Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong.

Northern part: The least spicy: Beijing, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang.

Each region has a different spicy flavor.

Hunan Province: Every dish needs chilis

The Hunan people are very good at eating spicy food. No matter which meal, there must be at least a few spicy menus. Its menu will focus on fresh chili peppers and aromatic spices with a variety of spicy including sour spicy, salty spicy, oily spicy, and hot.

Guizhou Province: Sour and spicy

In addition to being good at spicy food, Guizhou people also enjoy a very sour taste. The famous menus of Guizhou are sour fish soup, red soup boiled from tomatoes, mixed with garlic, young ginger, fresh chili, white liquor, and spicy seasoning.

Sichuan Province: The famous Sichuan pepper (Mala)

Speaking of Sichuan, of course, this is one of the provinces famous for its chili peppers and another unique type of chili pepper is the spicy Huajiao, also known as the indispensable ‘Mala’ on the Sichuan menu.

Guangxi Province: Every meal is spicy

Guangxi is another province where people like spicy food, especially in the North and West, such as Heshi, Guilin, and Liuzhou. Their food tastes spicy, while southern Guangxi, which is next to the sea, will eat less spicy.

Nanning Province: More and more spicy

Nanning is an interesting city. Although more locals can eat spicy food, the fact that more people from other places living here making popularity of spicy food increased. Currently, we see many spicy restaurants opening up in Nanning.

Chinese people’s preference for spicy taste is interesting because it reflects China’s cultural and geographical diversity. If you have a chance to taste spicy Chinese food, you will experience a new and memorable eating experience.

References from
jinbu-scholarship / thaibizchina