6 Quality-approved restaurants serving global spicy delights

Head to Kowloon City to dine at Mrs Hunan, one of Hong Kong’s authentic Hunan-style restaurants that plates up rustic fiery fare that’ll make you work up a sweat. Diners can expect to enjoy generous portions of classic Hunan-style dishes created with traditional culinary skills, such as steamed large fish heads with marinated red and yellow peppers. Can’t handle the spice? Mrs Hunan allows you to choose between three intensities for all their spicy dishes, or you can also order a wide variety of non-spicy dishes such as fried rice vermicelli or steamed egg custard to keep the heat at bay. 

354 Prince Edward Road W, Kowloon City, Kowloon, 2718 8033

Experience elevated takes on traditional Thai dishes at Mue Mue in Mira Place. This casual dining venue is decked out with ivory white decor and tropical plants, which creates a lush tranquil oasis for all diners to relax in. No Thai meal would be complete without tom yum kung, and Mue Mue’s version of the dish is not to be missed. This rich soup is made with a flavourful river prawn and fish broth accentuated by aromatics like galangal, lemongrass, and chillies that give the soup its signature kick. If you can’t handle the spiciness, Mue Mue’s whiskey red bean ice fleecy is a must-try beverage. This whiskey-based cocktail has ingredients like coconut milk, red beans, coconut meat, and brown sugar ice cream, which’ll soothe your taste buds and enhance your dining experience.

Shop 302, 3/F, Mira Place 1, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 9833 0788

Escape the hustle and bustle in East Tsim Sha Tsui and drop into Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant. This humble family-style eatery may have a simple interior, but the real star of the show here is the array of flavour-packed dishes that will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. Signature menu items at Sangeetha include tantalising Andhra chilli paneer, sizzling paneer tikka, spicy ghee dosa crêpe, and flaky paratha infused with spicy chilli paste served with yoghurt raita. Health-conscious diners will find navigating the menu a breeze, as everything here is vegetarian-friendly, with an impressive selection of vegan and dairy-free options available.

UG 1-5 & 31, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road East, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 2640 2123

Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui is home to plenty of international restaurants that warrant a visit, and one of them is definitely the Indian restaurant Spice. Here, diners can try a wide range of dishes made with authentic aromatics and spices like ginger, horseradish, and chillies, among others. Start with delectable bites like potato and chicken-filled samosas, aloo tiki paapdi chaat covered in chickpea gravy, and crispy onion bhajiya. For mains, Spice whips up curries of varying spice levels. Order mild options such as chicken tikka masala or butter chicken, or challenge your taste buds with fiery plates like prawn vindaloo and chilli paneer. Don’t forget to pair your spicy curries with chilled glasses of mango lassi, or savour delightful desserts like gulab jamun or creamy bowls of rasmalai. In the mood for a drink? Flick through Spice’s menu to find a variety of cocktails, beer, wines, and spirits at happy-hour prices from 12pm to 10pm daily.

2/F, No. 1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 2191 9880

Need a change from your usual hot pot haunt? Check out Thai Pot, an elevated hot pot chain that offers a vibrant twist on traditional flavours. Order their signature tom yum broth for a uniquely Thai hot pot experience, or go for other options like aromatic lemongrass soup, Malaysian laksa, lime and coconut tom kha gai, and even mala spicy soup. Once you’ve chosen your desired broth, head to Thai Pot’s communal area to browse through large fridges and pick your favourite hot pot ingredients, or even catch unlimited portions of fresh shrimp from the restaurant’s large shrimp tank. If you’ve still got room, be sure to try classic Thai dishes like spicy boneless chicken feet, green papaya salad, or holy basil and pork stir-fry. As for drinks, this laidback hot pot spot offers freshly brewed beverages like Thai tea, green Thai tea, Thai iced coffee, and lemongrass-infused water – all of which pair perfectly with this restaurant’s fiery dishes.

Find out the restaurant locations here

Since opening in the 1990s, Under Bridge Spicy Crab has remained a beloved restaurant for their typhoon shelter-style seafood dishes. If there’s one thing you must order here, it has to be their signature spicy crab smothered in fried garlic and chillies, which can be customised to six levels of spiciness, so you’re bound to find your ideal balance of heat. Don’t be surprised if the crab comes with the shell intact – you’ll be given a pair of plastic gloves so you can chow down without getting messy. Additionally, Under Bridge also offers Cantonese classics like stir-fried clams in black bean sauce, steamed razor clams with garlic and vermicelli, and salt and pepper mantis shrimps. Be sure to pair your dishes with an ice-cold beer or a glass of lemon tea for an irresistible combination of flavours.

G/F & 1/F, Golden Jubilee House, 391 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, 3619 7268