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Mexico City, Mexico
The birthplace of countless chili-based dishes — dive into mole negro and chile en nogada in the historic Centro Histórico. Visit the Mercado de Jamaica for an overwhelming variety of dried chilies. Explore the buzzing Condesa and Roma neighbourhoods by night.
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Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is the mole capital of the world, with seven distinct mole varieties all loaded with complex chili flavors. Stroll the Benito Juárez market and taste pasilla, mulato, and chilhuacle chilies in their purest forms. The Monte Albán ruins make a stunning day trip between food adventures.
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Nashville, United States
Nashville Hot Chicken is a rite of passage — head to Prince's Hot Chicken, the legendary originator, and test your heat tolerance. The honky-tonk bars on Broadway are perfect for celebrating turning 18. Explore East Nashville's indie food scene for creative spicy bites.
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New Orleans, United States
New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine packs serious chili and spice heat — try a fiery crawfish étouffée or spicy andouille gumbo in the French Quarter. Bourbon Street is legendary for nightlife once you're 18. Don't miss the spicy beignets with a kick at some of the city's creative cafés.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a chili lover's paradise — order pad kra pao (holy basil stir-fry) with maximum chilies or a fiery som tum papaya salad at Chatuchak Market. The street food scene around Yaowarat (Chinatown) runs late into the night. Take a longtail boat through the canals for a memorable 18th birthday experience.
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Chengdu, China
Chengdu is the home of Sichuan cuisine, where málà (numbing-spicy) chili oil defines every dish — don't miss a traditional hot pot experience on Jinli Street. The giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base are an unmissable stop. Kuanzhai Alley is perfect for exploring local snacks and chili-laced street food.