MEGHAN SMITH is an English teacher and holds Spanish and journalism degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. She considers herself a New Orleans native, and a "New Finn."

"Oh, you will love this restaurant. We MUST take you there. It’s Tex-Mex, your favorite! And, it’s REALLY spicy. It’s the best Mexican food in Helsinki!" Oh, loathe how many dreaded times I have heard this line, only to be disappointed with salsa that tastes like ketchup. Now, I am not going to tirade against any particular establishment, or look down my nose because I happen to think of myself as a Tex-Mex connoisseur, but I will attempt to persuade you about the benefits of REAL spice.

If it is neon green in a jar and purportedly from a fruit called an avocado, it is NOT guacamole and it is not to be eaten under any circumstances. If you would like some real guacamole, simply contact me for the recipe, which uses fresh avocadoes.

If you have congestion or a cold, do not go to the chemist’s. No, I dare you to eat half a jar of jalopeños. Bonus points for the ones with lots of seeds. That cold will be gone tomorrow. Think, instead of "an apple a day", "a jalapeño a day." Note of caution: DO NOT rub eyes after touching jalapeños, you will thank me later.

If you are on a diet, you should eat spicy food because it makes you eat less and drink more water. (Not true in my case, because even though I drink more water, I eat more when it is spicy food!)

Last time I found myself at a "Tex-Mex" restaurant with friends, I asked for a chimichanga. "Kemiö?!" the waitress looked at me confused. (Kemiö is an island in southwestern Finland.) "What is that?" my friends asked. "It’s kind of like a taco, but wrapped up, and crispier," I replied. "Like a burrito?" one asked. "Or one of those enchilada things we ate at your house, Meghan?" "No, not quite," I replied. "You should get a taco or some really yummy nachos," everyone agreed helpfully.

I settled on a boring taco, ordered another round of ritas, and asked for extra jalapenos. Then I decided that I should have my own Tex-Mex party, to quell my spice cravings, and baptise my friends by fire!

Yes, when searching for spice, you have to go with Finland’s strengths. I enjoy Finnish food immensely for the fresh, pure and unadulterated flavors, but when I find that perfect little ethnic place, I treasure it for a spicy treat, and remember it when I get my next mouth on fire, craving for more.