Whether it's a mild massaman or a hot bowl of tom yum, a hint or hit of chilli can make you feel warm no matter how cold it is outside. Overdone it? Mouth burning up? Yes, a gulp of milk really does help (this is why).
Here are 32 ways to enjoy a chilli hit, starting with a curry and ending with dessert.
1. Indian spiced fish and potato curry
The fish and potatoes combo make fish and chips a winner, and it does here, too, with a spicy, saucy spin.
2. Pork belly curry (kaeng hang lay)
Fresh chillies and chilli sauce are both used - along with soy sauce, turmeric, ketchup and marsala powder - are used to flavour the pork in this popular Thai dish.
"The rich, spicy sauce is thick enough to cling to the meat. We eat it with Indian breads and it is lovely with a little raita on the side," says Anjum Anand. Red chilli powder and whole green chillies are among the rich blend of spices adding flavour here.
Diana Chan says the unique thing about massaman curry is that it bucks the trend of a typical Thai curry, with a focus on warm spice and not a spicy kick. This recipe from Asia Unplated S2 is a good one for when you want a tickle not a burn.
Spicy bowls
8. Spicy pork and miso udon noodle soup
This one's rich and thick but only moderately spicy - although you can easily up the chilli heat.
9. Spicy braised fish stew (smor ikang)
Chilli is part of the spice paste that gives this warming fish stew its distinctive flavour.
Chilli chicken
10. Stir-fried spicy chicken with rice cakes (dak galbi)
Fresh chillies and Korean chilli powder (gochu galu) add a kick to this stir-fry, made with Korean rice cakes (like thick noodles, sold at Korean food shops) - or you can substitute udon noodles.
Spiced with long green chillies, dried red chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves, this is ready in just 30 minutes.
12. Balinese grilled chicken with coconut sambal
With chilli on the marinade and chilli on the side, this birdseye-packed Balinese grilled chicken recipe is sure to knock your socks off with flavour and a refreshin amount of heat. This recipe comes from chef Jerry Mai via Asia Unplated S2 where she cooked it for Diana Chan.
On the side
16. Stewed green beans with tomato, chilli and cinnamon
This delicious dish is just as good served cold as it is warm - perfect for a winter dinner side or summer picnic fare.
17. Sri Lankan devilled potatoes (ala thel dala)
It's a symphony of flavour in this side, with onion, green chilli, mustard seeds, dried chilli flakes, turmeric and tomato all contributing to the I-want-more effect.
Snacks with bite
21. Smoky chilli popcorn with chorizo chips
Get crunch and flavour: smoky paprika popcorn combined with almonds and chorizo baked until crisp.
Pakora a popular street food in Nepal calls on green chillies for added flavour, which is then served with tomato chutney (adjust the chilli in the chutney to suit your definition of tangy).
Who doesn't love classic dumplings with a crisp pan crust?
Put this on top
You can use this versatile preserve in sandwiches, on grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
The ginger adds a twist to chilli sauce - and this is one where you can go to town if you like things hot, hot, hot. The recipe uses "as few or as many as you like" red bird's-eye chillies. Serve as a dipping sauce for yum cha, drizzle over chargrilled chicken or use it to add pep to any sandwich.
Use small hot red chillies to make a punchy harissa, or the milder long red chillies for a less fiery result.
Keep it sweet
31. Mexican sweet tamarind balls with chilli sugar
Did someone say no-bake treats? You're in luck with these sweet and spicy bite-sized balls, that pop chilli powder and a little kick in your step.
Chilli and chocolate take their friendship to the next level in this spiced tart. Don't be afraid to use small red chillies here as the flavours of this decadent dessert are balanced perfectly by the bitter chocolate and the sweetness of the vanilla bean.
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