From spicy Thai stir-fries to Friday night curries, it’s no secret that us Brits like a little spice. If you’re hungry for heat, here are six London restaurants that will definitely get you hot under the collar.
BarShu – Bringing authentic Sichuan flavours to London’s West End, BarShu is a firm favourite with diners who like to feel the burn. Their Dan Dan noodles are guaranteed to get your lips tingling and the ‘fragrant chicken in a pile of chillies’ is as hot as it sounds. Their fish and seafood dishes are excellent, so be brave and try the sea bass in sizzling chilli oil or the ‘lavishly spicy’ shell-on prawns.
Busaba Eathai – Perfect for lunch or a mid-week treat, Busaba serves classic crowd-pleasers like pad Thai and mussaman duck curry. If you fancy something with extra heat, try the chilli beef rice with Thai basil, their authentic som tam salad, or the chicken and butternut squash stir-fry with dried chilli.
Aladin Brick Lane – If you love a curry with a kick, head to Brick Lane and get your chilli fix at Aladin, one of the most popular spots on the Curry Mile. They serve a properly punchy jalfrezi, a killer lamb vindaloo, and the infamous phall – a searingly hot curry that will have you begging for a lassi.
SUDA Thai – Just a stone’s throw from Leicester Square, SUDA is a top spot for traditional Thai dishes and exotic cocktails. If you really want to feel the burn, order the pad kraprao (chicken, beef or duck in a feisty chili and basil sauce) or the jungle curry – a Northern Thai curry made without coconut milk so it’s extra fiery.
Silk Road – With rave reviews from food bloggers and critics alike, Silk Road serves rustic, flavour-packed dishes from China’s Xinjiang province. Take a gang of adventurous mates on a trip to Camberwell and get stuck into the legendary ‘big plate chicken’ and home-style cabbage with preserved chilli. Save room for the cumin-spiced lamb skewers – they’re so good you’ll probably need two portions.
Red Dog Saloon – Feeling brave? Head to this Hoxton BBQ joint and take on the hot wing challenge. Only a handful of heat-seekers have managed to polish off these hot wings made with fresh naga viper chillies.
Where’s your favourite place for a spice fix? Let us know in the comments below.
