A place where people can't live without chili peppers.

Chili peppers have become the most important spice in Guizhou cuisine, and are also the standard for judging whether a dish is delicious and appealing.

In Guizhou, China, chili peppers are considered an important part of daily meals, including breakfast. They are dried, pickled, fermented, and stir-fried with other foods. Unlike the "numbing spiciness" of Sichuan cuisine, the people in this remote region prefer a "sour and spicy" flavor.

Chili peppers are an indispensable part of meals in Quy Chau. Photo: CNN.

Sichuan cuisine is world-renowned for its spiciness, even reaching major cities like London and Los Angeles. However, few people know that Sichuanese people aren't afraid of spicy food, while Guizhou residents "only fear food that isn't spicy enough." Phoebe Yin, a native of Sichuan now living in Guizhou, says: "I thought Sichuanese people ate the spiciest food in the world, but after coming to Guizhou, I realized that's not true. At least we don't eat chili peppers every day like they do."

The most famous dish in Guizhou is spicy and sour fish hot pot. Locals catch fish in the small streams around the mountain slopes, then simmer them with tomatoes, pickled chili peppers, fresh chili peppers, cabbage, and various spices. It must be eaten while the broth is still boiling to bring the spiciness to its peak.

Spicy and sour fish hot pot - a popular dish in Guizhou. Photo: CNN.

Spicy flavors are a staple in many everyday dishes, and one that stands out is "spicy tofu." The tofu is cut into squares and stuffed with a mixture of fresh and dried chilies, onions, lettuce, and garlic. It's so spicy that those unfamiliar with it might find it difficult to take a second bite. However, tofu lovers and those who enjoy spicy food consider it the most appealing dish due to its strong and rich flavor.

Even Sichuan beans have to "bow down" to this dish. Photo: CNN.

For visitors wanting to challenge their tolerance for spicy food, Guizhou is a fantastic destination. Besides experiencing tongue-burning spicy dishes, tourists can also wander through local markets and find unique local specialties. One of these is zhu'ergen, often added to dishes to enhance flavor. It's typically grown alongside rice paddies and, according to locals, is good for the lungs. Guizhou residents believe zhu'ergen was the reason they survived the SARS epidemic in 2003.

According to VNE