If you’re a fan of spicy dishes — particularly Spanish food — then you’re all too familiar with the feeling of a spice overload. When that burning sensation strikes mid-meal, even the strongest of spice connoisseurs find themselves seeking quick relief. To help you enjoy those hot dishes to the fullest, Mamajuana Cafe Queens shares a guide for best alleviating a spice overload.

Spice Overload? Try These Techniques

1. Eat Some Bread

When spices hit hard, reach for the bread. Providing instant relief to your burning mouth, bread soaks up capsaicin — the active component in chili peppers responsible for the hot sensation. Rice can also provide the same effect if bread isn’t an option, but its grainy texture may prevent it from soaking up as much oil as bread.

2. Drink Milk

Milk is one of the best things to drink to douse the flaming sensation from Spanish food. The protein in milk helps break the bonds that the spicy capsaicin creates, neutralizing the burning sensation. The same holds true for other dairy products; so, if milk isn’t available, yogurt, cheese, butter, or ice cream will also do the trick.

3. Eat a Piece of Chocolate

If spicy mouth has you ready for dessert, eating a piece of chocolate can be highly effective at reducing the burn. The high fat content in chocolate, specifically milk chocolate, will help remove capsaicin from the mouth, as it is more soluble in the fat.

If you’re in the mood for spicy and flavorful Spanish food, head to Mamajuana Cafe Queens in Woodside, NY. Serving authentic Latino cuisine, this popular Dominican restaurant proudly serves Saturday and Sunday brunch, fixed-price meals packages, and catering in their exclusive private rooms. To make a reservation, give them a call today at (718) 565-6454 or visit their website to view their Spanish food menu.