Spicy food enthusiasts are constantly on the hunt for dishes that push the boundaries of heat and flavor. For those who revel in the burn of hot peppers and spicy seasonings, there are plenty of cuisines around the world that offer a fiery experience. From Southeast Asia to the Americas, some dishes are so hot that they leave even the most daring eaters with watering eyes and mouths aflame. In this article, we’ll take a global journey to discover some of the spiciest foods in the world that have left a lasting mark on culinary history—and palates!
Phaal Curry – India/United Kingdom
At the top of the spice scale is the infamous Phaal Curry, a dish that originated in Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom. This British-Indian curry is considered one of the hottest curries globally, made with a blend of some of the most pungent chilies, including the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper). This pepper ranks over a million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which makes Phaal an eye-watering experience. The curry is so spicy that some restaurants offer a “Phaal Challenge,” where patrons attempt to finish the dish without tapping out. It’s an extreme dish not just for the flavor but for the intensity of heat that quickly overwhelms the senses.