Yemen

Yemen has a strong chili tradition, using medium-hot green and red Capsicum annuum (similar to jalapeño and serrano) and smaller hot chilies in sauces and stews. The most famous chili product is zhug (zhoug/skhug), a fiery herb-and-chili sauce made with green chilies, cilantro, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and cardamom. Zhug is eaten with bread, grilled meats, rice, and beans and has spread throughout the Middle East.

Yemen also uses dried red chilies in salta and stews. Most chilies are locally grown or imported regionally; Yemen is not a major global chili exporter.

Yemeni chili flavours are vivid, herbal, and aromatic, with chilies integrated into complex, spice-laden condiments rather than used purely for heat.