What comes to mind when you think of Asian food? Maybe beautifully brothy dishes, vibrant colors, or exotic meats, all flavored perfectly? Asian Cuisine is a mystery of flavors—some dishes are simple, yet when you taste them, they burst with tastes, surprising your palate with new and exciting flavors. However, there are common myths about Asian food, especially in the West, where it’s often seen as too spicy. This belief has been fueled by viral videos featuring spice challenges, making many think all Asian food is fiery hot.
But is this true? Is all Asian food spicy? In this blog, we'll dive into the diverse world of Asian Cuisine to explore its flavor profiles and spice levels, taking you on a journey of taste—straight from the best restaurant in NW Calgary.
Random facts about Asian Cuisine
Asian Cuisine is super diverse, with every region having its own unique flavors and dishes. Before we answer the big question, "Is all Asian food spicy?"Let's learn some crazy facts about Asian food from our restaurant in NW Calgary!
. Momo, originally from Tibet, has made its way into various Asian cuisines, especially in Nepal, India, and Bhutan. These delicious dumplings are often stuffed with minced meats or veggies and are beloved for their palate-pleasing qualities.
Enjoy a wide range of Momos at our eatery: The best restaurant in Calgary.
. Chyang is a traditional alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice or millet. It forms an important part of many occasions and traditional festivals and is popular among the Sherpa and Tamang communities in Nepal.
At our NW Calgary restaurant, we serve a range of beverages that perfectly compliment the dishes you pick. Try one yourself today!
. Did you know that the world’s most expensive coffee comes from animal dung? That’s right! Kopi Luwak, a unique coffee from Indonesia, is made from beans that have been extracted from the dung of a civet, a small mammal.
. Thali is native to Nepali culture, where a beautifully decorated platter consists of several dishes, including rice, pickles, lentils, vegetables, meats, and salad. Often considered a complete meal, Thali is consumed as a staple in various parts of Nepal and India.
Enjoy traditional Thali in different options at the best restaurant in Calgary, where every bite takes you on a journey of soul-soothing flavors.
. You might have often come across the word Kimchi or might have tried Kimchi several times. This traditional Korean dish is fermented in clay pots, which are buried underground to control the temperature.
. Do you know about Nepal’s wild honey? Also known as mad honey, this honey is produced by wild bees who feed on the nectar of the rhododendron. Wild honey is known for its hallucinogenic and medicinal properties.
While we might not have wild honey in stock right now (lol), we do have traditional flavors that will make your taste buds go wild! Come experience the best place to eat in NW Calgary!
Regional Differences in Spice Levels
Let’s have a look at how different regions of Asia embrace spice in their Cuisine.
South Asia
Starting with the South Asian regions of the Asian continent, countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka each have their own unique approach to spice levels in food. Generally, the heat level in the cuisines of these countries is quite high, though it can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Some common ingredients used to infuse heat into dishes in these countries include black pepper, red chilies, green chilies, mustard, and a variety of regional chilies.
When you visit our restaurant in NW Calgary, we ensure that you craft an experience that goes far beyond just dining. Each dish at our restaurant can be customized to suit your taste preferences and wants.
Southeast Asia
Different Southeast Asian regions, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, feature dishes infused with varied heat levels. The Cuisine often focuses on balancing two contrasting flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—resulting in dishes that are complex and layered. Some common ingredients include fresh herbs, bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass, and fish sauce.
East Asia
East Asian countries in Asia like Korea, Japan, and China infuse their dishes with mild to slightly more spicy heat levels depending upon the dish and personal preferences. Common ingredients like ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and scallions are used to add heat to several dishes.
Central and West Asia
Parts of central and western Asia, including Middle Eastern, Persian, and Central Asian Cuisine, use mild to moderate spice levels to add heat to their dishes. Traditional spices, sumac, saffron, and other regional chilies are used to add a kick of heat depending upon the type of preparation and preference.
Is All Asian Food Spicy?
We’ve highlighted several different regions in the Asian continent, each featuring its own unique ingredients, flavor profiles, textures, and methods of preparation. Asian Cuisine is incredibly diverse, and it’s impossible to club all dishes together. Some regions have a milder spice level, while others are more towards a spicier profile. The level of heat in a dish often depends on the method of preparation and the traditional recipe used.
When it comes to Asian food in Calgary, our restaurant offers a range of authentic Nepali dishes, each featuring distinct ingredients and varying spice levels. You can always ask our servers about the flavors of each dish and how they’ll feel on your palate. Plus, you can request to adjust the heat level to suit your taste!
While every region in Asia has its own unique style of preparing food, the use of ingredients truly makes a difference in the taste, texture, and flavor profile. At our restaurant in NW Calgary, we offer a wide and exciting range of traditional and authentic Nepali dishes from various regions of the mountainous country.
Explore our beautifully curated menu, where each dish is prepared with love, served with passion, and is committed to delivering pure brilliance to your palate. Come savor the goodness of authenticity, one dish at a time, only at the best restaurant in NW Calgary—Calgary Momo House!
