Turn up the heat at these spicy restaurants around Toronto
Thanks to its multicultural makeup and culinary diversity, Toronto is rich in hot and spicy options for daring diners who are willing to put their taste buds to the test. You’re going to want a glass of cold milk on standby as you sample these fiery dishes from the city’s spicy dining destinations.
Thai Room
243 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2L2Find a little taste of Bangkok in the heart of the Entertainment District at this celebrated downtown hotspot. The menu features traditional and contemporary Thai dishes (as well as some vegan and gluten-free options) and lets you modify your spice level from zero to 11. Start with a spicy tom yum soup and move on to the signature pad gra prao, which features your choice of meat mixed with red bell pepper, onion, garlic, fresh green chili, holy basil and fried egg served on a bed of rice.
Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
691 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L3Start a five-alarm fire in your mouth at this casual Korean eatery with locations in Koreatown and uptown at Yonge and Finch. The eye-watering tofu hot pots come with a variety of sides including pickled bean sprouts and spicy kimchi. Most dishes are under $10 each so you’ll have plenty of cash leftover for a second round once your taste buds recover.
Salad King
340 Yonge, Toronto, ON M5B 1R8You control the spice level at this bustling downtown restaurant where traditional Thai noodle dishes and curries are made-to-order with your own palate preferences in mind. Owners Linda and Ernest Liu let you bring the heat and encourage customers to personalize their orders with up to 20 chilies. Make sure to heed the warning on the menu’s spicy scale: 20 chilies may cause stomach upset.
Kinton Ramen One
51 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L1Test your spice tolerance at this popular ramen joint with locations in Baldwin Village, Koreatown and Queen West. Start with the hot karaage (spicy fried chicken) from the tapas menu and then crank up the heat even more with a customized bowl of noodle soup. Daredevil diners should opt for spicy garlic with chili pepper and add in zesty Jalapeno paste.
Banjara Indian Cuisine
796 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L7There’s always a line-up at this Christie Pitts curry house so you know chef Raj Veerella is doing something right. The menu features a mix of traditional North Indian and South Indian recipes made with handpicked spices from the region. The vindaloo is a fiery meat dish (your choice of lamb, beef or goat) simmered with potato in a hot sour sauce that’s sure to alight your senses. There are also plenty of milder meat, seafood and vegetarian options for your less adventurous pals.
Khmer Thai Restaurant
1018 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1A4This family-owned St. Clair West eatery is home to some of Toronto’s finest authentic Cambodian and Thai cuisine. The service is quick and friendly and the portion sizes won’t disappoint. A cartoon chili pepper scale on the menu helps guide newcomers through the list of dishes that range from mild to very spicy.
Duff's Famous Wings
558 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B1The chicken wings at this popular downtown chain restaurant aren’t just hot, they’re totally tongue scorching. With names like “Death” and “Armageddon” on the menu you know these guys aren’t kidding around with run-of-the-mill hot sauce. The habanero-based sauces are sure to cause a sweat and satisfy your hunger — if you’re able to get through an entire basket, that is.
New Hopper Hut
880 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2W6Be prepared for some serious spice at this authentic Sri Lankan restaurant in Scarborough. Traditional South Asian curries, lampries and rotis are seasoned with cardamom, clove and turmeric, and served with starchy South Asian hoppers on the side designed to soak up savoury sauces.
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