As one of Europe's most diverse cities, the capital's top of the list when it comes to spicy grub. Whether you're constantly on the lookout for a fiery curry, looking for a burrito to blow your head off or simply can't get enough of all-things habanero, there are plenty of amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy spicy food in London, pushing you to your limits when it comes to scoville ratings. To help you separate the cayenne from the Scotch bonnet, try out our recommendations below.
Barrio might be known for its wild parties and boozy club nights, but the food menu should definitely not go amiss. Featuring the usual South American comfort food treats - tacos, grilled meat skewers, pork belly topped with salsa - it's the extra salsa menu that holds all the punch. With 6 different salsa to choose from, there are few better places to eat spicy food in London than this colourful restaurant.
Kruk in Peckham is a must-visit for lovers of spicy food and authentic Thai flavours. Nestled beneath the train arches alongside other bustling bars, this bar and restaurant offers a dynamic atmosphere ideal for groups, with delicious small plates, tasty cocktails, and plant-based alternatives that make it a top pick for vegan diners. For those craving bold Asian flavours and a night out with great vibes, Kruk delivers every time.
Spice Klub does what it says in the name – delivering fiery dishes from their vibrant Indian restaurant in Ealing. Most of their curries pack a chilli punch, from the desi chicken to lamb rogan josh and masala prawns. Keep the heat at bay with a classic or signature cocktails, or something from the wine list.
We can also vouch for the appetisers and light bights coming out hot and spicy, including chilli mushrooms and tandoori wings.
A culinary masterpiece by chefs Andy Oliver, Mark Dobbie and Tom George; prepare for a wild ride of bold and fiery flavours as well as classicaly vintage interiors at Som Saa. From the lesser-known Thai dishes like five spice soy braised pork for £16.5 and red jungle curry of harewood estate venison for £15.5 to the classic ones with a twist, you're in for a real treat.
Spice up your taste buds with Smoking Goat's delicious Thai cuisine in Shoreditch. With a seating capacity of over 100 people, you can relax and unwind with some mouth-watering pan-Asian food like stir-fried mussels with wild ginger and chilli (£8.5) or sour curry of salted mackerel (£13.0).
For a taste of West African cuisine that's out of this world, head to Ikoyi in 180 Strand. With signature dishes like plantain with smoked scotch bonnet and raspberry dust, as well as Jerusalem artichoke moin moin, you're in for a deliciously fiery adventure.
Tonkonstu in Peckham is serving up some seriously delicious ramen alongside an epic selection of spicy small plates and sides. Trust us when we say these guys take their cooking seriously, with their signature noodles boiled for precisely 32 seconds – the perfect temperature for a droolworthy sluuurp.
