Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Toronto
Toronto has always been a city that embraces flavor from around the world, and for spice lovers, it’s paradise. From ramen bowls with chili oil so fiery they fog up your glasses to Caribbean jerk chicken that lingers long after the last bite, the city has plenty of ways to turn up the heat.
Here are 25+ restaurants across Toronto and the GTA where spice isn’t just an option—it’s built into the menu.
Top Spicy Food Restaurants in Toronto: Where to Find the Hottest Eats
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen (Thai)
Known as one of Toronto’s busiest Thai restaurants, Pai is where locals go for spice that tastes like it came straight out of Chiang Mai. Order “Thai spicy” and you’ll understand why regulars keep coming back.
- Location: 18 Duncan St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Northern Thai
- Menu Highlights: Khao soi, curries, pad gra prow.
Som Tum Jinda (Thai)
This spot in North York is all about heat on your own terms. Their 1–10 scale makes it easy to test your tolerance without missing out on authentic Thai flavors.
- Location: 4850 Yonge St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Northern Thai
- Menu Highlights: Papaya salad, larb, curries with spice levels from 1–10.
Soos (Malaysian)
Soos brings Malaysian street food to Ossington, with sambal at the heart of the menu. It’s casual, colorful, and perfect for sharing plates with friends who can handle a little fire.
- Location: 94 Ossington Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Malaysian
- Menu Highlights: Sambal edamame, cumin noodles, small plates.
Rasa Bar (Global Small Plates)
More than just spice, Rasa blends global flavors with heat in dishes that are fun to share. It’s a favorite for groups who want variety with a little burn.
- Location: 196 Robert St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Fusion small plates
- Menu Highlights: Chili-spiked sharing plates, creative cocktails.
MIMI Chinese (Modern Chinese)
MIMI takes traditional Chinese dishes and gives them a sleek, modern edge. The chili oil noodles are a must-order, especially if you like a slow-building heat.
- Location: 265 Davenport Rd, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Modern Chinese (Hunan & Sichuan)
- Menu Highlights: Chili sea bass, wide belt noodles in chili oil, shrimp toast.
Sunny’s Chinese (Sichuan)
Hidden in Kensington Market, Sunnys is where peppercorn meets chili oil in full force. It’s bold, buzzing, and one of the most authentic Sichuan experiences in town.
- Location: 60 Kensington Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Sichuan
- Menu Highlights: Mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, cold beef in chili oil.
Hot Spicy Spicy (Sichuan)
The name says it all. Hot Spicy Spicy is unapologetically fiery, serving up huge bowls of chili-heavy dishes that don’t pull any punches.
- Location: 173 Ravel Rd, North York
- Type of Cuisine: Sichuan
- Menu Highlights: Fish soup, hot oil dumplings, dan dan noodles.
Szechuan Mama (Sichuan)
For fans of the numbing Sichuan peppercorn kick, Szechuan Mama is a go-to. The menu is loaded with wok-fried dishes that balance heat with deep flavor.
- Location: 43 Baldwin St unit basement, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Sichuan
- Menu Highlights: Stir-fries, chili chicken, hotpot.
Hunan Restaurant (Hunan)
Compared to Sichuan, Hunan cooking is all about fresh chili burn without the numbing peppercorn. If you want straight-up fire, this is the spot.
- Location: 474 Yonge St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Hunan Chinese
- Menu Highlights: Chili pork, preserved vegetable stir-fries, stews.
Banjara (Indian)
One of Toronto’s most popular Indian restaurants, Banjara is where you’ll find fiery curries that still keep flavor front and center.
- Location: 796 Bloor St W & 777 Danforth Rd, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Indian
- Menu Highlights: Vindaloo, madras curry, butter chicken.
Udupi Palace (South Indian)
Located in Little India, Udupi Palace is a staple for vegetarian dishes with plenty of spice. Their dosas are huge, crispy, and filled with chili-seasoned potatoes.
- Location: 1423 Gerrard St E, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: South Indian Vegetarian
- Menu Highlights: Masala dosas, sambar, thalis.
Curryish Tavern (Modern Indian)
Curryish Tavern blends tradition with creativity. Think classic spice levels, but with modern presentation and pairings.
- Location: 783 Queen St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Modern Indian
- Menu Highlights: Reimagined curries, tandoori plates, cocktails.
Miss Likklemore’s (Caribbean)
Bold jerk flavors meet downtown dining vibes. Perfect for nights when you want a punch of Scotch bonnet heat with your meal.
- Location: 433 King St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Highlights: Jerk chicken, pepper shrimp, scotch bonnet sauces.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen (Jamaican)
A cozy space with a menu rooted in Jamaica’s spice traditions. Chubby’s jerk chicken is a staple for anyone who loves fiery Caribbean food.
- Location: 104 Portland St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Highlights: Jerk chicken, patties, curry goat.
Rhum Corner (Haitian)
A casual favorite serving Haitian comfort food. The pikliz—a spicy pickled slaw—is the dish that ties everything together.
- Location: 926 Dundas St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Haitian
- Menu Highlights: Griot, pikliz, plantains.
Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu (Korean)
This late-night go-to serves bubbling tofu stews in customizable spice levels. Even medium heat is enough to clear your sinuses.
- Location: Multiple GTA locations
- Type of Cuisine: Korean
- Menu Highlights: Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), bibimbap.
Sarang Kitchen (Korean Fried Chicken)
Known for crispy chicken with sauces that range from sweet chili to blazing hot. Great for sharing with friends.
- Location: 730 St Clair Ave W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Korean Fried Chicken
- Menu Highlights: Spicy fried chicken, rice bowls.
Owl of Minerva (Korean)
A long-time favorite for students and night owls. The food is hearty, simple, and always served with a fiery edge.
- Location: Multiple GTA locations
- Type of Cuisine: Korean
- Menu Highlights: Kimchi jjigae, spicy pork, noodles.
Ikkousha Ramen (Japanese Ramen)
Not just ramen, but a spice challenge. Their “God Fire” levels climb quickly, and even the lowest packs a serious punch.
- Location: 249 Queen St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Japanese Ramen
- Menu Highlights: God Fire Ramen, tonkotsu broth with chili oil.
Santouka Ramen (Japanese Ramen)
A classic ramen spot with spice levels that warm you up without overpowering the broth’s rich flavor.
- Location: 91 Dundas St E, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Japanese Ramen
- Menu Highlights: Spicy miso ramen, pork cheek ramen.
Chen Chen’s Nashville Hot Chicken (Nashville Hot)
Nashville hot chicken, Toronto-style. Order higher heat levels only if you’re ready for it—they don’t hold back.
- Location: 1184 Queen St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Nashville Hot Chicken
- Menu Highlights: Fried chicken sandwiches, “Hot AF” spice option.
Chica’s Chicken (Nashville Hot)
Known for its crisp coating and juicy chicken, Chica’s brings the Nashville spice tradition to the Junction.
- Location: 2853 Dundas St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Nashville Hot Chicken
- Menu Highlights: Spicy fried chicken, tenders, sandwiches.
Crown & Dragon Pub (Wings)
A neighborhood pub with a reputation for some of the spiciest wings in the city. The ghost pepper wings are more of a dare than a snack.
- Location: 890 Yonge St, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Pub / Wings
- Menu Highlights: Ghost pepper wings, classic pub grub.
AllStar Wings & Ribs (Wings)
Known across the GTA for variety, AllStar is where wing fans go to push their spice limits.
- Location: Multiple GTA locations
- Type of Cuisine: Wings & BBQ
- Menu Highlights: 200+ wing sauces, extreme heat options.
Barque Smokehouse (BBQ)
A smokehouse that doesn’t shy away from heat. Their sauces add a fiery kick to already bold BBQ flavors.
- Location: 299 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: BBQ
- Menu Highlights: Smoked brisket, ribs, hot BBQ sauces.
Fonda Lola (Mexican)
Playful Mexican dishes with plenty of chili heat. The Camarones Diabla is a smoky, spicy favorite.
- Location: 942 Queen St W, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Mexican
- Menu Highlights: Camarones Diabla, tacos.
The Lunch Lady (Vietnamese)
Inspired by Saigon’s street food, The Lunch Lady is lively, colorful, and never afraid to add extra chili oil to your bowl.
- Location: 93 Ossington Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Menu Highlights: Pho, spicy noodle soups, street-style dishes.
Pho Thien Thanh (Vietnamese)
A go-to for bun bo hue, this spot serves lemongrass-rich broth that carries a satisfying chili kick.
- Location: 57 Ossington Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Menu Highlights: Bun bo hue, spicy beef noodle soup.
Himalayan Kitchen (Nepali & Tibetan)
A smaller neighborhood restaurant where spice feels warming and hearty, rooted in Nepali tradition.
- Location: 1522 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Type of Cuisine: Nepali & Tibetan
- Menu Highlights: Momo dumplings, curries.
Tabülè (Middle Eastern)
Tabülè’s menu isn’t centered on chili, but when heat shows up, it’s balanced with bright herbs and spices.
- Location: 2009 Yonge St & other GTA locations
- Type of Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Menu Highlights: Mezze, dips, lamb dishes.
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