How spicy do you like it? A gentle burn, a little sweat, or full-on Hot Ones-level fire? Whether it’s on chicken wings, mala noodles, or som tum, Bangkok’s very own Chilli Fest has something for every spice lover.
Get ready for the spiciest event of the year as the capital’s hottest festival returns on Saturday, April 5, for its third exciting edition. From 2pm to 9pm, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will feature a cornucopia of scorching dishes from around the globe. Expect everything from mouth-searing curries to sizzling street food, all served in a lush marketplace that feels more like a green oasis than a fiery battlefield.
Don’t panic: if you think you can’t handle the heat, we're here to help you survive and sweat in the summertime – right before Songkran.
Book early
Think of it as buying sunscreen – you wouldn’t wait until you’re burnt, right? Not only will you secure your spot, but you’ll also nab a bargain – tickets are just B200 if you’re quick, compared to the B300 you'll pay once they're gone from Megatix.
Discover culinary experiences
Yes, spicy dishes are definitely having their moment in Thailand, with some daring chefs even throwing in a fiery ‘bomb’ for good measure. This year’s lineup could be the finest so far, with a whole host of iconic restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs ready to set you on fire – metaphorically speaking, of course.
For a little tease… Zaabniran, run by Chef Ton of Le Du, takes Thai cuisine up a notch, while 80/20 brings elegant Thai fine dining to the table. For Michelin-starred delights, K by Vicky Cheng is your Hong Kong connection. If Indian food is more your thing, JHOL on Sukhumvit Soi 18 will spice things up in the best way possible. And if you’re a fan of seafood, Ministry of Crab from Sri Lanka is ready to reel you in. Thought you could handle a bit of spice? Just hop to Tina’s, bringing a taste of New Orleans, the world’s best city for food in the world, according to our fresh new global poll. Over at Sababa, Mediterranean cuisine meets a Japanese izakaya vibe. Bon appetit, globe-trotter!
Cool off with a drink
The heat has a knack for turning everything into a slow-motion struggle – your energy melts faster than ice cream on a sunbed. Still, there’s plenty of booze to help you survive the spice. Enjoy the likes of Crispy Boy Lager and Wila Weizen from Beervana. Peddlers Gin and Aperol are shaking things or Corona and Guinness will be on hand. If you want to keep the drinks flowing, Patron Tequila, Mekhong and Giffard will. And if bubbles are more your thing, Maison Perrier and Drappier Champagne will be popping corks all weekend.
Shop before you drop
You don't just grab only food and drink, you can spice things up by shopping for exclusive items like That Daeng Sauce, Firepower Hot Sauces, Mae Kay, Siamaya Chocolate and even get a chilli tattoo from California Ink Bangkok. It’s even hotter than a ghost pepper with fire-shows lighting up the scene and live bands keeping the energy high. DJs will keep the beats flowing, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Enter the chilli-eating competition… at your own risk
It’s free to enter, so all you need is a strong stomach and an even stronger sense of humour. Chilli Fest’s competition is where brave souls prove who can handle the spice tornado. Contestants will chow down on increasingly fiery peppers, eventually reaching a blistering 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. Last year's winner, Vorachai, managed to gobble down more than 30 chilis, including the final 14 – now that’s what you call dedication (or maybe some questionable life choices). The last person standing will walk away with B10,000, while second can enjoy a one-night stay and third place will receive B4,000 dining credit at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Just sign up on the Google Form by March 21 and start training for battle.
For more information about Chilli Fest, check out the spicy content on their website.