This thread reminded me of a food (coffee) habit that I witnessed when
I was working as an English language instructor for a US contractor to
the Saudi Arabian air force. Our mess facilities were very
democratic--ELT instructors, flight line blue shirts, personnel white
collars, Saudi warrant officers, and even the occasional Saudi jet
jockey all queued up and got served. I noticed that a large number of
the Saudi personnel were dashing their (black) coffee with Tabasco
from the condiments bar. I asked about this and many said it was a
custom. A few said it was the only way to make American-style brewed
coffee drinkable.

I tried it and I have to admit it's rather good though I wouldn't want
to do it regularly. It does seems to amplify the caffeine effect and
it can be especially helpful with one's first early-morning jolt.

--
Bob
Sidera errantia quibus procella tenebrarum in aeternum servata est
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