Heat Seekers' Guide to Spicy Food in Singapore

There’s a reason Mott 32's Free-Range Chicken, Dried Chillies, Szechuan Red Peppercorns has become a must-try for spice lovers. As soon as it hits the table, the aroma of smoky spices fills the air, promising a tongue-tingling sensation. The tender and juicy chicken, melds elegantly with a numbing spice, creating a heat-infused dish that pairs wonderfully with the Chinese spirit Moutai.

Unlike traditional rendang, the Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang at RISE Restaurant is in a league of its own. This entree features a symphony of spicy, salty, and nutty notes from a combination of spices like chillies and lemongrass that give it a slow burn that lingers on the palate.

If you are in the mood for something invigorating, sip on the Hot & Sour Prawn Soup. Made with an assortment of aromatics such as ginger, lemongrass and garlic, the result is a hearty broth with a kick that can be quite addictive.

Get transported to the home of authentic Southern American cuisine, where the Roasted Young Hen are sure to unleash a wave of sensory euphoria with crushed chillies, chimichurri and lime. Delight in the signature Chicken & Waffles, perfectly complemented by Honey Hot Sauce.

Fuel your late-night dinner and drinks, go for the Yardbird Chicken Wings which you can match with either the fiery Nashville Hot Chicken Dip or Smoked Spice Chili Rub for a more nuanced kick. Wash down all that heat with a cold, crisp craft beer.

With a dish named “Chong Qing” Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli and Peppercorn that is infused with a variety of herbs and spices, you can guarantee that your senses will spruce up with explosive flavours.

Take your tastebuds on a joyride to China’s capital of spice with the Sichuan Mapo Tofu with Prawn Paste. This dish, a showpiece of fiery flavours, masterfully combines the numbing spice of Sichuan peppers with a subtle sweetness from the prawn paste that weaves through the layers of minced meat and silken tofu to capture the essence of Sichuan's famed spice culture.

Another treasure from Sichuan's bountiful culinary repertoire, Hot & Sour Soup in Sichuan Style is a traditional spicy Chinese cuisine that stands out for its unique ability to soothe and stimulate the palate simultaneously.

From the first whiff of vinegary steam, it envelops you in a warm, gauzy embrace of comfort. Meticulously simmered with ingredients like mushrooms, tofu and bamboo shoots, the broth is thick and spicy, offering unadulterated satisfaction.

Discover a refined take on traditional Teochew cuisine with a serving of Sautéed Angus Beef with Sichuan Peppercorn featuring premium Angus Beef renowned for its tender texture. The dish’s aromatic blend hits with the peppery fragrance and slightly woody notes of Sichuan peppercorn, elevating it among one of the best spicy foods in Singapore. Bursting with flavour and spice, this dish is an ideal appetiser to kickstart your meal at this award-winning Chinese restaurant.

Each spoonful of a soul-warming bowl of spicy ramen noodles in Singapore at IPPUDO is a balm for your appetite and a rollercoaster of flavours with their highly recommended Karaka-men. The classic tonkotsu broth takes a spicy twist with Sichuan peppers and a sweet-spicy miso paste. Blending the unbridled flavours of pork bone with the slightly sweet notes of miso, relish the piping hot soup and sink your teeth into the tender chashu pork, for a ramen experience like no other. Dig into tantalising sides like the Spicy Boiled Gyoza and the Teba Kara, perfectly glazed with a fiery rub.

Unwind in the laid-back ambience of PS. Cafe at The Shoppes, where abundant natural light creates the perfect backdrop for your spicy food adventure. Taste the delectable Spicy King Prawn Aglio Olio, featuring ocean-fresh prawns permeated with a fragrant garlicky flavour profile that perfectly delivers the heat of the chilli peppers in the dish.  

Diners seeking local fare can opt for the PS. Prawn and Crab Laksa—a creamy and spicy elixir that carries a hint of sweetness, accentuating the richness of coconut milk.

Discover the kaleidoscope of authentic Indian spicy food with Punjab Grill’s curated selection of the best spicy food in Singapore. 

Start your meal right with the Onion Lemon Green Chilli, a light and tangy salad that will whet your appetite for the bold and robust flavours ahead. Follow up with the mouthwatering Kadai Paneer, a spicy and fragrant vegetarian-friendly curry that delights the senses. With cottage cheese as its key ingredient, this curry boasts a subtle tartness that balances its richness, making it the perfect companion to your naans or rotis.

There's no denying the appeal of Chinese cuisine at Din Tai Fung, making it a popular family-friendly dining spot. Famed for its Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes that cater to those who crave something hot and delicious.

For an all-out spicy gastronomic journey, begin with the refreshing Crunchy Mini Cucumber in Spicy Sauce, a crisp salad that primes your palate. Follow it up with Oriental Wantons with Black Vinegar & Chilli Oil and the iconic Noodle with Spicy Sauce as your main course. Finally, cool off with the invigorating Double boiled Papaya & Snow Fungus with Rock Sugar to round off your meal.

For a quick and delicious meal, nosh on spicy Singaporean delights at Toast Box, such as Mee Rebus, a Malay dish featuring noodles and a sweet and spicy gravy that is sinfully rich. For those craving classics, go for the Curry Chicken with Rice, a deceptively simple dish but abundant with flavour and a touch of spice.

Treat yourself to a hotpot extravaganza at Haidilao, featuring an exquisite selection of premium meats and seafood. Spice lovers can opt for the Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot, a delightfully bold broth that delivers intense, numbing heat. Crafted with a blend of traditional Sichuan spices, the spice level can be adjusted to your preference and is typically a vibrant red colour that leaves a lingering spicy kick. For those who prefer milder spice with a satisfying kick, the Pork Stomach and Pig Soup is a milky broth that features sweet, peppery notes and a deep flavour from being simmered over low heat for a long time.

Boasting a colourful assortment of delicious eats from different cuisines, Rasapura Masters is a one-stop haven that showcases a vibrant spectrum of spicy dishes. Gourmet stalls serving mala xiangguo, one of the most popular spicy foods in Singapore, beef rendang, and various curries can be found at Rasapura Masters to satiate spicy food desires.

Indulge in one of Singapore’s best-loved dishes of all time, a sinful meal of spicy chilli crab fresh from the ocean. For an exceptional gastronomic experience, look no further than their Alaskan King Crab cooked with their award-winning chilli—a thick and luscious gravy highlighting crab meat with a delicate sweetness and layered umami undertones.