Delhi, a vibrant blend of cultures, offers more than just food – it’s a celebration of bold, spicy flavours! From fiery street food to rich, heat-packed curries, the city knows how to balance spice and taste. On this International Hot and Spicy Food Day, dive into the bold flavours that make Delhi a paradise for spice lovers.
Delhi’s spice scene is magical, not just for its heat but for its depth of flavours. Whether it’s tangy chole kulche, crispy kachoris, or rich curries like Nihari and Lal Maas, each dish offers a unique taste experience – from smoky kebabs to fiery curries.
In Delhi, spice is a way of life. If you’ve ever stood at a roadside stall with tears in your eyes and your tongue burning, you know it’s not for the faint-hearted. So, gear up to explore the city’s fiery dishes and celebrate International Hot and Spicy Food Day, where every bite promises to tingle your taste buds!
440 Watt Ka Jhatka at Sikandar Omelettes
Let’s start with something that will test your spice limits right from the morning. Not exactly the ordinary omelette that one usually makes or eats. Masala Omelette, by Sikandar Omelettes, is an outright challenge to all the spice lovers. A tiny joint situated deep within the lanes of Purani Dilli, Sikandar Omelettes has variety down pat; if you want to really test your limits, go for 440 Watt Ka Jhatka. This spicy omelette sandwich is stuffed with a huge amount of green chilies, sour mayo, and wrapped inside an omelette that’s battered with the fire of spicy heat. It’s a test that will either take your breath away or win it back. Gather all your friends around and prove you can devour it. So much is riding on your ego and your taste buds.
Where: Sikandar Omelettes, 1425, Sita Ram Bazar, Old Delhi
Timing: 5 PM – 11 PM
Spicy Avocado Sushi at Yum Yum Cha
For all the lovers of Pan-Asian cuisine, Yum Yum Cha brings something truly spectacular to the table. While sushi is often associated with delicate flavours, their Spicy Avocado Sushi takes a daring approach by combining the coolness of avocado with the heat of chili-infused sauce. This sushi is not only spicy; they perfect the refreshing, sizzling experience with a special spicy topping drizzled over it. Every bite gets the subtle heat building up, offering a fiery kick that will leave you looking forward to your next bite.
Where: Yum Yum Cha, Khan Market, DLF Cyber Hub, & Other Outlets
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Spicy Chicken Tikka Roll at Khan Chacha
The person who does rolls best is definitely Khan Chacha. This legendary place in Delhi has mouth-watering rolls. Spicy Chicken Tikka Roll is the top favourite of every customer. Their chicken is spiced up well and grilled on the grill perfectly. Then they just wrap it with soft, fluffy paratha. But what really elevates this roll is the spicy red chutney, which gives it an unexpected heat that’ll make your mouth tingle. It’s spicy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious, making it an essential stop for spicy food lovers in the city.
Where: Khan Chacha, Vasant Vihar, Aerocity Dwarka, & Other Outlets
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Aloo Ko Achar at Yeti – The Himalayan Restaurant
Yeti – The Himalayan Restaurant brings the heat in a different way with Aloo Ko Achar. It is a must-try for all those who like their spice game very strong. Tangy, spicy flavours are obtained from special pickling spices coating boiled potatoes. Each bite is a delightful mix of sharp and spicy, just the right zing. If you like something more meaty, they also serve Spicy Lamb, but the Aloo Ko Achar really shines with its fiery, mouth-watering punch.
Where: Yeti – The Himalayan Restaurant, Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Haji Shabbarati and Kallu Nihari’s Morning Nihari
For those who believe that Nihari is the ultimate comfort food, this one’s for you. Start your day with spicy Nihari at Haji Shabbarati or Kallu Nihari. This rich, slow-cooked stew is brimming with aromatic spices, simmered to perfection with tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. Garnished with fresh green chilies and paired with Khameeri Roti, this dish is the perfect way to embrace the morning spice. It wakes you up much better than the best cup of coffee, by the heat from the chilies combined with the richness of the gravy. The ideal soft, chewy texture adds to the Khameeri Roti, which makes this a perfect spicy breakfast.
Where: Haji Shabbarati and Kallu Nihari, Old Delhi
When: 6 AM – 10 AM
Noodles at Wok To Walk
If noodles are what you are craving to be spicy, then Wok To Walk is the place. Known for serving stir-fried noodles that are bold with punchy flavours, they take spice to the next level. Whether it is mild or the ultimate fire challenge, the place lets you choose the level of intensity that you want to go for. The noodles tossed with fresh veggies, meats, and your choice of sauce make the spicy stir-fry sauce add a whole new dimension to the hotness. With each bite, the flavours go richer, and the spice gets hotter – it’s a noodle lover’s haven. Bring the spice gang here and see who can handle the Wok To Walk challenge!
Where: Wok To Walk, Green Park
Time: 11 AM – 11:00 PM
Qureshi Kabab Corner
In Jama Masjid is a landmark that is a must-visit when anyone is hunting for fiery or smoky tastes. The kababs here are made with the perfect balance of spices, and the Chicken Tikka is a standout. Marinated in a secret blend of spices, the chicken is tender on the inside while retaining a smoky char on the outside. Paired with a spicy green chutney, every bite is bursting with flavour and heat. Don’t miss out on the delectable Seekh Kababs, perfect for those who love their food grilled to perfection with a side of spice.
Also Read: The year on my plate: How we ate, connected, and innovated in 2024
Where: Qureshi Kabab Corner, Jama Masjid
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Tandoori Momos at QD’s Restaurant
Everyone loves momos, but Tandoori Momos at QD’s Restaurant take the spice game up several notches. These tandoori momos are marinated with a spice mixture and grilled to perfection, adding a distinctive smoky flavour that gets beautifully balanced with the fiery heat. Their serving of spicy momo sauce is a game-changer—it’s tangy, spicy, and fantastic to dip into. If you thought you’d had your fair share of spicy momos, forget it. QD’s will challenge your spice tolerance with every bite, leaving your taste buds tingling long after the meal.
Where: QD’s Restaurant, Lajpat Nagar & Hudson Lane
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sexy Spicy Chicken Curry at Laxman Fast Food
Laxman Fast Food is a must-visit for those craving a bold, fiery chicken curry that’s packed with flavours and heat. Their Sexy Spicy Chicken Curry is a challenge to the core—intense spice leaves you burning with every last bite. If you are up for it, the Lal Maas will take you to a new level of hotness. So, get ready for a drooling experience and sweat and stretch for more.
Where: Laxman Fast Food, Qutab Institutional Area Road, Katwaria Sarai
Timings: 4 AM to 11 PM
Lotan Ke Chole Kulche
For real Old Delhi street food, Lotan Ke Chole Kulche are a must-have. These kulche are filled with a spicy punch served along with extra hot chili oil that is sure to make your tongue tingle. The softness of the kulche mixes well with the butter, while the chili oil just sets the spiciness perfect for spice lovers. Whether you want the subtle heat of the spice or something much hotter, this Lotan Ke Chole Kulche offers you an exciting adventure that can only be challenged by someone daring enough.
Where: Lotan Ke Chole Kulche, Manohar Market, Daryaganj
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Delhi is the city that does not hide its spice. There is no street in Old Delhi, no market or restaurant that’s not buzzing and full of spiciness; your tongue is going to be dancing, and your senses awakened. So, what are you waiting for? Come with your friends, turn on the heat, and indulge yourselves in some of the spiciest food the city has for you! Happy Hot and Spicy Food Day!
