Even though the weather is hot, we like our food even HOTTER.
It may be a form of masochism, but there's something about subjecting our insides to extreme heat that's sort-of fun, no? We decided to compile a list of Austin's ten hottest meals to keep the temperatures above 100. This is Austin, where we celebrate heat in all its forms. Read on for meals that will both make your mouth water and your head spin. But after you bite in--don’t say we didn’t warn you!
contributed BY MARIEL LINDSAY
photo via yelp
4807 Airport Blvd
If you're reading this, we assume you can handle a good amount of spice—and enjoy the thrill of it. P Thai's new location on Airport offers some of the spiciest and most delicious noods in town. Their Spicy Boat Noodles are a must-try, featuring a savory pork five spice broth, pork meatballs, sliced pork, water spinach, and rice stick noodles. For those who crave even more heat, they offer a variety of spicy sauces on the side to add an extra kick to any of their dishes.
________________________________________
photo via instagram
Various Locations
Craving something spicy late night? Try out Fusion Everest Kitchen, a food truck serving some of the best Nepali and Indian food in town. For both flavor and spice, try the Lamb Biryani. They also have delicious noodles, gyro wraps, tikka masala, and more.
________________________________________
Various Locations
With locations outside well-known Austin breweries and bars, this nomadic food truck is making waves for its crispy and shockingly spicy fried chicken alongside favorites like the Tingly Gai Chicken Sandwich (served with Sichuan pepper and ghost chili). With so many locations, and at such an affordable price-point, there’s really no excuse not to try this place out and test what your taste buds can handle.
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
4104 W. Parmer Ln
This green curry, with a base made from fresh, young green chilis, is bound to be the spiciest curry you’ve ever tasted. Not every customer who orders this dish can handle the heat, and those who finish sometimes do so with tears in their eyes. Served in this family-owned authentic Thai spot, its spice is soothed by the all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar.
________________________________________
photo via tumble 22
Tumble 22 - “Stupid Hot” Nashville Chicken
Various Locations
Started by one of Texas’s finest chefs in a single food trailer, this Nashville-inspired fried chicken joint now boasts multiple restaurants. Its secret to some of the very spiciest chicken around is in the way the all-natural Texas-raised chicken is battered and spiced. Hand-breaded and tumbled 22 times (hence the name), the chicken is then fried in a variety of spices, including cayenne. This careful seasoning process is also repeated multiple times to ensure the freshest and most searing flavor. Daredevils are encouraged to try the “Stupid Hot” spice level...
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
1409 Lavaca St
Located near the State Capitol building downtown, this decades-old chili parlor and dive bar attracts locals with its cheap drinks and its famous XXX Chili. Boasting large chunks of beef and a unique smokiness created by the intensity of the chilis, this chili redefines Texas chili. Regulars recommend washing down the savory chili with a cold, cheap beer.
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
4534 West Gate Blvd
Craving Chinese with a kick? Head to this simple, authentic Chinese restaurant in South Austin and order the dry hot pot, but keep in mind that it is made with a generous dousing of freshly sliced jalapenos and chilis, granting the flavors of the meat and aromatic broth a spicy kick that could make your nose run.
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
Nasha - “Desi Hot” Curried Margarita
Various Locations
This Indian-Tex Mex fusion spot is described by its owners as “all Indian and a little Tex-Mex” due to the fact that throughout their culinary journey from India to Texas, the couple discovered that the seasonings and techniques employed in traditional Mexican fare actually lend themselves beautifully to rustic Indian curries. Up to thirteen vibrant seasonings are used in each dish, with all seasonings fresh and ground in-house. Those looking to blow their socks off with spice should ask for the “Desi Hot” level. What’s more: the inventive seasonings are not limited to food alone - their full bar boasts their famous curried margarita, made with jalapeno, cardamom, and curry leaves, among other exciting ingredients.
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
3300 W. Anderson Ln
This Mexican cantina in North Central Austin has won multiple awards for its fresh and flavorful salsas, least of which is the daringly spicy “El Scorpio”, which took home first place in its division in The Austin Chronicle’s annual Hot Sauce Festival competition. You can sample the salsa as part of the Eldorado Salsa Sampler appetizer, or go full-throttle by ordering the Michelada made with El Scorpio instead of one of the milder sauces.
________________________________________
Photo via Yelp
5353 Burnet Rd
There is a lot of hype surrounding this coffee specialty, and it is well-deserved. Looking to add some extra oomph to your morning caffeine routine? Stop by and order the Spicy Monkey Mocha, crafted with fair-trade coffee and generous, fresh dollops of chocolate, cinnamon, and potent cayenne pepper. Loyal fans of the blend say it is the perfect amount of spice and sweetness for those who can handle some bite. It’s not everywhere you can get some serious heat with your coffee!
________________________________________
6019 N Interstate Hwy 35
Traditional cuisine from Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is renowned for its unique brand of spiciness. Spice mixtures from the region, best known as Berbere spices, get their incredible heat and flavor from the dried, red long chilis included liberally throughout. For those who pride themselves on trying spicy foods of all kinds, this exotic seasoning is a must-try. This elegant restaurant serves its fare on a thin pancake called “injera” in lieu of silverware, making it all the more easy to lick your fingers afterward.
________________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
Pop on over to Cosmic Coffee (South) or Barton Springs Saloon, where Tommy Want Wingy is awaiting you right on the front porch. Although you may not think Texas is a prime spot for buffalo wings, allow Tommy Want Wingy (if that rings a bell, yes, it’s a quote from Tommy Boy) to reframe your thinking. Their motto is, “We fry. We lollipop. You munch!” And munch you will on the Holy Shnikes, Buffalo, and Ranch on Fire wings, each of which rank as “extremely hot” on the aptly (if not creatively) named hot-o-meter.
Photo Credit: ROGER HO
517 E. 6th St
Casino El Camino prides itself on being "your neighborhood bar - if your neighborhood is dark, cool and twisted." Doesn't that sound like quite the backdrop for you to enjoy some bloodys in? If you're craving some protein to accompany your booze, pair it with an award-winning hamburger! Helpful bartenders will rate your selected bloody with a 1-10 heat scale. We're enthusiastically rating the bloodys at Casino El Camino a 10 every damn time.
Various Locations
If you’re in the mood for ramen and fiery spice, Ramen Tatsu-ya offers the Mi-So-Hot (not to be confused with the Mi-So-Not) dish, a piping-hot bowl of ramen goodness loaded with pork, ajitama (seasoned egg), scallion, napa cabbage, bean sprouts, and corn. Ramen Tatsu-ya’s motto boasts that they aim to educate people on what ramen really is, and according to them, that’s “the soul food of Japan.” To add even more spice to your soup, be sure to order the "Spicy Bomb" (red pepper paste) or the “Fire in the Hole” (Thai chili and habanero paste). Our tongues are tingling just thinking about it.
Photo via yelp by becca f.
Thai Kun - Papaya Salad & Panang Curry
11601 Rock Rose Ave
Thai Khun is an establishment built around the promise of seriously hot and flavorful food. In fact, the restaurant’s very motto is to have food so good and so spicy, it’ll make your eyes roll back! This restaurant deserves two spots for two dishes on this list: one for the Papaya Salad and one for the Beef Panang Curry. The refreshing crunch of young green papaya helps counter the salad’s blazing flavor profile of fermented crab and Thai chili. The Panang Curry consists of slow-roasted short rib simmered in homemade panang curry, serrano peppers, kaffir lime leaf, basil, and coconut cream. Only a bite or two into these delectable dishes and trust us, you’ll be feeling the heat!
Photo Credit: Hopdoddy
Various Locations
At Hopdoddy, you'll find unexpected ingredients along with unwavering hospitality - and of course, spicy eats as well. El Diablo at Hopdoddy is a burger worth waiting in a line that wraps around the block for (and at certain times, you most certainly will). The burger contains Angus beef, Tillamook pepper jack, habanero and serrano peppers, caramelized onions, salsa roja, chipotle aioli, lettuce, and tomato. The punch of flavors this burger packs is truly unforgettable.
Photo by roger ho
Various Locations
If you’re an Austinite, chances are you’ve indulged in Tacodeli a time or two (or ten or twelve). But chances also are you may not have yet tried Salsa Doña, a surefire way to spice up the taco of your choosing. Tacodeli’s signature Salsa Doña is spicy, creamy, and simply delicious, and the fresh jalapeño garlic flavors will give your taste buds a fiery treat! The sauce is ranked with three peppers - for the unaware, this means it is seriously spicy. Tacodeli is proud of their all-natural ingredients, original recipes, and most notably, the several awards they’ve won at the annual Austin Hot Sauce Festival.
_________________________________
MORE PLACES WITH SPICY MEALS IN AUSTIN:
2529 S Lamar Blvd
11150 Research Blvd
6507 Burnet Rd
5501 N Lamar Blvd
2101 Manor Rd
Do you have a favorite spicy dish in Austin?
Let us know!
