When Juan Pablo Seade swapped Mexico’s tacos for Beijing’s dumplings, he discovered more than just new recipes—he found unexpected cultural bridges. The Ciudad Juarez chef, who lived in Beijing from 2008 to 2014, noticed a fiery connection: both Mexican and Chinese cuisines love their chili peppers. 🌶️
“It’s wild how a simple ingredient like chili can unite two places so far apart,” Seade told NewspaperAmigo. From spicy Sichuan hotpot to Mexico’s salsa verde, he realized both cultures use heat to turn meals into memorable experiences.
But the warmth wasn’t just in the food. Seade described Beijing locals as “hospitable and curious, just like people back home,” sharing stories over shared meals as the city transformed around him. His time there, he says, was “a once-in-a-lifetime chapter” that shaped his career and worldview.
Could chili peppers be the ultimate cultural diplomat? 🤔 Let us know if you’ve tasted this tasty connection!
