clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Vieng Thai
Vieng Thai
Photo: Google

Houston's 10 Spiciest Dishes, According to You

View as Map
Vieng Thai
| Photo: Google

The only time some locals might opt for a sweat-inducing dish in these oppressive summer temps is when they're handed a menu at Vieng Thai (or when there's a frozen margarita nearby to quell the heat). And there are plenty of other addictive local bites that don't necessitate an ounce of Tabasco, Valentina or Sriracha. Because good spicy dishes abound in Houston, and since we're a population of eaters that will add hot sauce to an habanero-topped burger, last week Eater asked you: What are Houston's spiciest dishes? The answers we received were as diverse as the local food scene, with Thai, Nigerian and Mexican joints rounding this list.

Comment here, Tweet us or hit the tipline if there are some good places that should be added to the map. Below is the map of sinus-clearing dishes to try in Houston:

· All Other Eater Guides [-EHOU-]

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Himalaya Restaurant

Copy Link
Local food writer Nick Hall says, "I'd put the hara masala at Himalaya on that list." We agree, the intensely spicy green sauce is tempered with a little yogurt but still packs a serious kick. Owner Kaiser Lashkari tells Eater it's made with "jalapeños, a touch of Thai peppers, lemon peel, garam masala, freshly ground ginger and garlic paste."

Vieng Thai

Copy Link
Several locals chimed in with this personal favorite. A commenter writes: "Vieng Thai is authentic, it's the real deal. Papaya Salad is fantastic, spicy but flavorful."

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Copy Link
This Houston staple churns out some of the best margaritas and Mexican fare in the city. Reader Nina C. says to order the chiles toreados (not on the menu) to add heat to any of the dishes.

Safari Restaurant

Copy Link
Reader Isaac U. tells us the pepper soup with goat meat here had him "in tears." Filled with ground pepper powder, this classic stew is hearty and is often served with fish or oxtail at its base.

Thai Gourmet

Copy Link
Peyton Hill says, "Anything 'native Thai hot' at Thai Gourmet." With varying levels of spiciness, hot food addicts would be remiss to order anything less than this restaurant's No. 5 level of heat.

Asia Market

Copy Link
Tom Williams Tweeted us that the pad ka-prao noodles here in "1000 chili hot" are among his fiery favorites.

Lankford Grocery & Market

Copy Link
Commenter Fuzr writes: "Firehouse burger at Lankford Grocery & Market. The habanero paste makes the jalapeños too much to bear!"

88 Boiling Crawfish & Seafood

Copy Link
Crawfish season may be over, but reader Cuc Lam still recommends the "88 Special Extra Spicy seasoning" here, which she says is "ridonkulous and yummy!"

Bon Ga Korean Restaurant

Copy Link
Reader Amy S. emailed us that she satisfies her craving for spicy Korean food here with the "super hot daeji bulgogi, and it's even hotter with their special sauce."

Mala Sichuan Bistro

Copy Link
True to its name, this Chinatown Sichuan hot spot got a few nods thanks to the spicy water-boiled fish. The hot red chili oil chicken, tofu or bamboo shoots are also tongue-numbingly hot.

Himalaya Restaurant

Local food writer Nick Hall says, "I'd put the hara masala at Himalaya on that list." We agree, the intensely spicy green sauce is tempered with a little yogurt but still packs a serious kick. Owner Kaiser Lashkari tells Eater it's made with "jalapeños, a touch of Thai peppers, lemon peel, garam masala, freshly ground ginger and garlic paste."

Vieng Thai

Several locals chimed in with this personal favorite. A commenter writes: "Vieng Thai is authentic, it's the real deal. Papaya Salad is fantastic, spicy but flavorful."

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

This Houston staple churns out some of the best margaritas and Mexican fare in the city. Reader Nina C. says to order the chiles toreados (not on the menu) to add heat to any of the dishes.

Safari Restaurant

Reader Isaac U. tells us the pepper soup with goat meat here had him "in tears." Filled with ground pepper powder, this classic stew is hearty and is often served with fish or oxtail at its base.

Thai Gourmet

Peyton Hill says, "Anything 'native Thai hot' at Thai Gourmet." With varying levels of spiciness, hot food addicts would be remiss to order anything less than this restaurant's No. 5 level of heat.

Asia Market

Tom Williams Tweeted us that the pad ka-prao noodles here in "1000 chili hot" are among his fiery favorites.

Lankford Grocery & Market

Commenter Fuzr writes: "Firehouse burger at Lankford Grocery & Market. The habanero paste makes the jalapeños too much to bear!"

88 Boiling Crawfish & Seafood

Crawfish season may be over, but reader Cuc Lam still recommends the "88 Special Extra Spicy seasoning" here, which she says is "ridonkulous and yummy!"

Bon Ga Korean Restaurant

Reader Amy S. emailed us that she satisfies her craving for spicy Korean food here with the "super hot daeji bulgogi, and it's even hotter with their special sauce."

Mala Sichuan Bistro

True to its name, this Chinatown Sichuan hot spot got a few nods thanks to the spicy water-boiled fish. The hot red chili oil chicken, tofu or bamboo shoots are also tongue-numbingly hot.

Related Maps