Best Spicy Food in Melbourne

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated September 3rd, 2021

Chilli. You either get it, or you don't. Why would anyone want a mouth full of fire? A racing heart and constricted lungs? A streaming nose and eyes? And worst of all, a potentially painful trip to the toilet the next day?

Because the endorphin rush is pure bliss, that's why.

These spots get it. Collectively they offer some of the most volcanic dishes in Melbourne, with heat levels to challenge even the most seasoned chilli fiend.

For the less experienced: if the going gets too hot, know that water's not your friend. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chilli, isn't water-soluble and you'll just spread the heat around your mouth even more. You're better off with bread, rice, beer, or in the most extreme cases, a cold glass of milk.

Looking for something specific?

Dodee Paidang Little Collins Street
Restaurant
Tackle a tom yum soup, if you dare. The spice level is rated from zero to seven and owner Somporn Phosri once told us, "Level seven will blow your head off – even I can’t eat it.”

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Spice Temple
Restaurant
Kung Pao Chicken. Fire-Water Beef. As at Dainty Sichuan, you can't go too wrong.
The Rochester Hotel
Bar
This pub's menu is inspired by Kerala, a state in India's southwest renowned for its love of spice.

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Kustom Burgers
Restaurant
Order The Hot Rod burger with scorching habanero "Hero Sauce".
Chin Chin
Restaurant
The jungle curry and papaya salad are loaded with addictive scud chillies. But if you're a real hero, order the Isaan-style barbequed chicken.
Jinda Thai
Restaurant
Just look for the three red chillies beside the hottest dishes.
Leonard’s House of Love
Bar
Those XXX Wings are "spicy as".
Trunk Diner
Cafe
All about those Stupid-Hot Wings.
Belles Hot Chicken Fitzroy
Restaurant
Just ask for your chicken "Really Fucking Hot".
Udom House
Cafe
A Thai cafe serving Chiang Mai-style coffee, Thai toast with coconut jam, durian rolls and other sweets. It also has some of the best – and most unique – pies in town: glorious parcels of pastry with fillings inspired by Thai staples that might include chicken green curry and pork larb.
Hakata Gensuke Hawthorn
Restaurant
How about some "God Fire" ramen?