The Internet has rebranded an old favourite flavour profile — sweet and spicy — to swicy. And along with new slang, we’re wondering if there are newer and bolder combinations for it. Two experts share their take on pairings and tips on how to achieve the right balance.

Chef Sachin Pereira, proprietor, Occasions Mumbai and East Indian cuisine consultant, tells us that while balancing flavour is both a science and an art that is based on experience and intuition, the best way to hit the right notes is to taste as you cook. Chef Pereira explains the importance of striking a balance, “Sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami are five tastes that build our overall perception of flavour. Each element should be perfectly balanced across the meal and not just in one dish for the dining experience to be elevated.”