From street-style heat to global fire, the spicy food obsession growing in India

Team L& M

Long before spice became a trend, it travelled the world. When traders and explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail for India centuries ago, they were chasing black pepper and rare spices that were worth more than gold back then. Across India, spice changes every few hundred kilometres.

In Kashmir, it comes from dried red chillies that give dishes like Rogan Josh their deep colour and slow warmth. In Rajasthan, Mathania chillies turn laal maas into something that builds heat with every bite. Andhra Pradesh is known for Guntur chillies, the kind that makes chilli chicken and pickles spicier. In the Northeast, Bhut Jolokia which is considered as one of the hottest chillies in the world, finds its way into chutneys and pork dishes. And down south, from Chettinad gravies to pepper-loaded rasams, spice is not just about heat, it is about flavour, warmth that stays with you long after the meal is over.

Across India, the love for spicy food is best seen in the places people queue up at. From old-school restaurants to busy food streets, heat is often the main reason people show up.

Hyderabad

Bawarchi and Paradise for biryanis that come loaded with green chillies and spicy masala.

Chennai

Anjappar and Buhari for Chettinad and Andhra dishes where pepper and red chillies do the heavy lifting.

Kolkata

Chilli chicken and chilli fish from Tangra that bring the Indo-Chinese fire people swear by.

Street food across cities

Pani puri with green chilli water, roadside schezwan noodles, Mirchi bajji in Andhra, and chilli momos in Delhi and Bengaluru, all made to make you stop, smile, and go back for one more spicy bite.

The global love for heat is no longer limited to restaurants or food challenges. Korean fire noodles, Mexican chilli sauces and Thai-style spice blends have all found their way into Indian kitchens through packaged foods and ready-to-cook options. Today, people can find Buldak noodles, Ching’s Schezwan sauces, Knorr spicy noodle cups, Wingreens hot sauces, and spicy frozen snacks from Godrej Yummiez on regular grocery apps. It shows how both international and desi spice flavours are now easy to access, without stepping out. For people who love heat, bringing bold, fiery food to the table has become simpler than ever.