Did chilli's really originate in South America?

North, Central and South America .

Black pepper - Black pepper grows near shore so it got planted all over the tropics so it's now extremely common. Before ships sailed the world the type of pepper that was probably more common is long pepper native north of the Himalayas. Long pepper is not as hot and tastes like Worcestershire sauce.

Szichuan peppercorns are native to that area of China. They are hot like Malabar peppercorns but also floral.

It's easy to imagine that all ethnic foods have always been like they are now, but all styles evolve. As we roll back through history fewer and fewer domesticated crops were available except as their wild ancestors in their native regions.

"I can't picture any Asian cuisines with out chilli's."

Then you clearly don't know a whole lot about Asian cuisine.

Traditional Japanese cuisine is not spicy. Neither is Hunan.

Sichuan, for instance is known for using a type of peppercorn that has a very strong, spicy flavor that causes your lips to go numb and certainly predates the use red chiles.

It's true. Now try picturing Italian food without tomatoes! -- they're also South American.

"i cannot picture any asian cuisines with out chilli's........."

then you clearly don't know a whole lot about asian cuisine.........

traditional japanese cuisine is not spicy......... neither is hunan.........

sichuan, for instance is known for using a type of peppercorn that has a very strong, spicy flavor that causes your lips to go numb and certainly predates the use red chiles.........

it's true......... now try picturing italian food without tomatoes! -- they're also south american.........

Yes that is true...potatoes too are South American in origin.

Yes it is true. The Indians and other Asians may have relied on black pepper meanwhile.