Many Asian countries have embedded spicy food in their culinary culture, not only as a flavor but also as a valuable traditional heritage.. The high interest in spicy food among both locals and tourists reflects the desire to experience unique and appetizing spicy sensations. This article discusses recommendations for five spicy foods in Asia that are not only inspiring but also have the potential to be adopted in the development of retail food products, such as instant noodles or snacks, which follow global trends and consider the diversity of flavors to meet consumer tastes.

Dakdoritang (Korea)

Dakdoritang is a Korean dish consisting of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and chili peppers cooked in a spicy sauce. Dakdoritang offers spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The spiciness of the dish comes from a mixture of chili peppers and gochujang (fermented chili paste), while the sweetness comes from the addition of sugar, corn syrup or honey. The savory taste generally comes from the broth used.

Chicken Chettinad (India)

Chicken Chettinad is an Indian dish consisting of chicken and spicy Indian spices. This Indian dish has a spicy, savory, and rich flavor. The spicy flavor of Chicken Chettinad comes from a mixture of chili peppers and spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin. The savory taste comes from the coconut milk used in the sauce.

Hot Pot (China)

Hot Pot is a Chinese dish consisting of meat, vegetables and other ingredients cooked in a pot of spicy broth. The dish offers a spicy, savory, and rich flavor. The spiciness comes from the mixture of chili peppers and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The savory taste comes from the broth that is used as the core of the soup.

Bo Kho (Vietnam)

Bo Kho is a Vietnamese dish consisting of beef cooked in a spicy sauce and served with rice or noodles. This dish has spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The spiciness of Bo Kho comes from a mixture of chili peppers and spices such as garlic, salt, pepper and sugar. The savory taste comes from the addition of broth and coconut milk.

Chili Crab (Singapore)

Chili Crab is a Singaporean dish consisting of crab cooked in a spicy sauce. Chilli Crab has a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet taste. A mixture of red chili and spicy tomato sauce produces the spicy flavor. The savory taste comes from the addition of eggs and oyster sauce used in the cooking process.

This food can inspire the creation of flavors for application in retail food products. By tapping into this potential, food companies can create unique flavors to differentiate the brand from competitors. For example, companies can develop products such as instant noodles with Korean Dakdoritang flavor or chips with Chicken Chettinad flavor from India. Falmont, a flavor company, is able to create and blend these flavors with a high degree of accuracy, so that the final product not only has an authentic taste, but is also able to appeal to consumers’ tastes.

Adapting these food flavors into retail food products can also serve as a strong marketing strategy. This is because the company can customize the level of spiciness according to the preferences of local consumers in various Asian countries. Not only that, Falmont utilizes modern technology and has a team of flavorists who are experienced in creating and crafting high-quality flavors.

Therefore, collaborating with Falmont in developing flavors inspired by Asian cuisine can be the first step to continue innovating and meeting the needs of a diverse market.