Events from 1550

Vasari publishes Lives of the Artists in Florence - creates concept of Renaissance, biography as art history

Portuguese introduce chili peppers to India - transforms Indian cuisine forever, spreads through Asia via trade routes

Portuguese traders introduce chili peppers to Thailand - becomes 'prik', fundamental to Thai cuisine within generations

Portuguese create vindaloo in Goa - 'vinha d'alhos' (wine and garlic) adapted with local chilies, becomes iconic dish