Spice Lovers, Assemble! Spicy Dishes to Try from Asia

Asian cuisine is loved all over the world for its bold, exciting flavors. And when it comes to spicy food, it’s in a league of its own! From sizzling soups to fiery curries, Asia is home to some of the most iconic spicy dishes that have captivated food lovers globally.

Are you an adventurous foodie looking to spice things up? You’re in for a treat! Here are four delightfully spicy dishes from around Asia and they'll definitely set your tastebuds alight!

Tom Yum Goong

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Thailand is famous for its heat, and Tom Yum Goong is best example of this kind of deliciously spicy flavors. This tangy shrimp soup swells with mouth-watering ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, chili and fresh lime, creating the ideal balance of heat, sourness and refreshing aromatics. With its savory broth bursting with succulent shrimp, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, no wonder people think of this dish as a comfort food!

The spice level of Tom Yum can go from medium to seriously spicy,  and that is 100% up to your level of scaredness! What makes it so special is the wonderful flavor combination that not only wakes up your taste buds but also gives you that cozy and comforting warmth. Tom Yum Goong is a spicy delight you need to experience whether you are wandering the busy streets of Bangkok or grabbing a bite at your favorite local spot.

Find your halal food in Thailand here!

Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry

Image credit: Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry is the dish for you. This Chinese favorite features tender eggplant cooked in a rich, spicy sauce made with chili, garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce. The eggplant absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, creating a savory and intensely spicy dish. The sauce, packed with red chili and a blend of aromatic spices, delivers a powerful kick, while a hint of sweetness balances out the heat.

Combined with steaming bowls of white rice, Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry is a perfect medley of heat, umami and sweetness. It’s a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option, ideal for those who crave a fiery dish without any meat. Not a fan of too much heat? You can always adjust the chili oil to suit your spice tolerance when cooking at home!

Want to know more about food in China? Check out Halal Eateries In China You Wouldn't Want to Miss Out On!

Ayam Penyet

Indonesia’s Ayam Penyet is the perfect fusion of crispiness and heat. This dish features fried chicken that is smashed or penyet just before serving, giving it a unique texture. The real star, however, is the super spicy sambal that accompanies it. Made with red chilies, garlic, and a blend of spices, sambal elevates the dish’s flavor to fiery perfection.

Ayam Penyet is loved for its balance of textures, crispy chicken skin, tender meat, and punchy sambal that provides just the right amount of heat. Spice levels can vary depending on how much sambal you use, so it’s perfect whether you're a heat enthusiast or prefer a milder kick.

Jjamppong

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We couldn’t make this list without Jjamppong, a spicy seafood noodle soup that’s not for the faint of heart. The first thing you’ll be told when you sit down to a bowl of Jjamppong is to eat the noodles first. Why? Because the broth of the soup, which is infused with chilies from Korea, China, Vietnam, and India, becomes spicier the longer it sits.

One mouthful of noodles is enough to make your tongue tingle. A taste of the broth? Get ready for your whole head to feel like it’s on fire. The intensity of the dish is matched only by its rich, seafood-forward flavor. 

If you’re up for the challenge, Jjamppong isn’t just a meal, it’s a social event. Watch your dining companions laugh, wince, and bond over the shared pain and pleasure. Feeling bold? Go ahead and dabble in the soup, but make sure you have water or milk close at your hand.

Nothing beats tasting Jjamppong in Korea itself. Plan your trip now and savor the real deal!

Ready to Take on the Heat?

From the refreshing citrusy notes of Thailand’s Tom Yum Goong to the bold, numbing layers of flavor in China’s Mapo Tofu, to the spicy, savory heat of Korea’s Jjamppong, Asia presents a staggering array of spicy platters. Each one has its own story to tell of flavor, tradition, and culinary virtuosity. From newcomers to the world of spicy food, to seasoned professionals looking for the greatest dishes with some heat, this list has something for everyone.

Get ready to turn up the heat, we are taking you on a culinary adventure through the spicy streets of Asia. Take the leap, try something new, and let the heat inspire your next culinary story!