The hotter they are, the better. They spice up a meal and take away the blandness. Some people can survive just on rice and sambal belacan , a pounded mixture of chillies and shrimp paste. Chillies are so popular that it was reported that some RM90 million worth are consumed each year. They are eaten raw, dried, pickled or ground.
Studies also claim that red chillies are natural painkillers for people suffering from rheumatism.
Capsaicin, the heat source in chillies, is an antioxidant with various benefits. The degree of heat in chillies depend on the amount of capsaicin. The hottest part of the chilli is in the membranes with seeds, believed to contain up to 90 per cent capsaicin. According to Clemens Faber, the hotel's resident manager, special crockery were used to serve up the dishes to enhance the dining experience. The crockery were designed after a wok, frying pan, seashell, lotus flower, triangle and bamboo holder.