When putting the spotlight on Indian cuisine, most would agree that it’s made up of colourfully bold flavours that are sure to pack a punch on your palate with its hearty mix of spices. Melding savoury, sweet, and spicy all in one tasty dish, many Indian dishes aren’t for the faint of heart as every bite delivers strong flavours.

India’s culinary delights are often an acquired taste for those who are not used to all the spices, but if you’re looking to spice up your gastronomic explorations and enjoy Indian staples, then it’s time to boost your tolerance to heat so you can learn to enjoy spicy favourites. 

How to Improve Your Spice Tolerance for Indian Dishes

If you want to increase your spice tolerance, then the tips below should help you drive the heat of your dishes to the next level! 

Tip #1: Don’t Burn Yourself and Start Small 

The best way to start a new habit is to take it one step at a time, so the same concept applies to your spice tolerance. Eating a mouthful of spicy food like curry may be overwhelming, so it’s better to introduce heat levels that aren’t as overpowering.

For example, adding a dash of Tabasco to creamy dishes can help cut the richness with its tang, plus it adds a pleasant spice that can drive up your appetite. Adding more freshly-ground black pepper to your meals can also help you get used to spicy kicks in your daily diet. 

Tip #2: Focus on How the Spices Enhance the Dish’s Flavour 

Many people make the mistake of overloading their dish with a spicy edge for the sake of boosting your heat tolerance, but spices aren’t there to burn your tongue. Instead, different spices aim to elevate the taste of your dishes by adding more savouriness to the flavour profile. 

If you enjoy the flavours of your food, then the added heat will only improve the experience rather than detract it from being an enjoyable dish. Who knows? Maybe you’ll learn to understand why people find spicy foods more appealing since it has the effect of boosting your appetite in unique ways. 

Tip #3: Be Sure to Beat the Heat with Creamy Side Dishes or Drinks 

You don’t have to suffer all-throughout your efforts in increasing your spice tolerance. Be sure to eat your food slowly since heat can build up in your mouth over time, resulting in an unpleasant, burning sensation that essentially kills the flavours of your meals. Other than eating slowly, it also helps to follow up the dish with a creamy side dish or drink to help neutralise the heat!

The Bottom Line: Learning to Take the Heat and Enjoy Spicy Indian Food 

Taking inspiration from different mouth-watering cuisines, Indian foods don’t come short in delivering strong flavours as diverse as its colourful culture. By building your spice tolerance, you can explore more Indian dishes without holding back! 

Where Can I Get the Best Indian Food?

Craving for a hearty taste that will introduce your taste buds to an explosion of spices? Dig into our rich menu at Tower Tandoori, one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger for authentic delicacies. Book a reservation today!