Spicy is an essential part of Mexican food, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and is not suitable for the most delicate palates. In Mexico there are chili peppers of all types (red, green, yellow…) and all flavors! They are the secret touch in many classic preparations that make us enjoy local gastronomy even more.
Therefore, it’s wise to keep your guard up when a Mexican assures you that a dish is just “a little bit” spicy. Their familiarity with fiery flavors has strengthened a tolerance that can be overwhelming to those less accustomed.
TikToker Sally Riz was the victim of a “hoax” of this type. During her trip to Mérida, Yucatán, she decided to stop to eat at a typical restaurant there and asked the waitress if the dish was “very” spicy. The worker, accustomed to this type of delicacy, replied no.
As soon as she took a bite of her food, the Colombian influencer started crying. She had a stuffy mouth, her eyes were swollen and she could barely speak: “She is very itchy.”
The friend who was accompanying her recorded Sally’s reaction and scolded her: “Never ask a Mexican if the food is spicy or not, because they will tell you that it is a little spicy.”
This viral video has unleashed a wave of fun on TikTok, and while many have revealed the tricks to avoid falling into a trap like this again, others have explained their different experiences with spicy food. “You get used to it in the long run,” writes one user.
