Clean plates, no milk and no regrets; that’s the win on International Hot and Spicy Food Day on Jan. 16, when heat turns a normal meal into a full-on dare. This is spice with intent, where heat levels run from playful to punishing, snacks arrive coated to tingle the tongue and familiar dishes get pushed past their comfort zone. The goal stays clear from first bite to last: finish strong, eyes watering, pride intact and absolutely no backup dairy in sight.
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