The spiciest foods in the world

We have had foods that left us reaching for a sip of water. We are sure that whatever it was you had last will pale for comparison with some of the world's spiciest foods.

These daring creations feature some of the spiciest chili peppers in the world - many of which are standard fare in the countries they originate from.

10. Phaal Curry – Southern India

Phaal, also sometimes spelled phall, is a dish that was originally created in Southern India. While the dish contains 10 different pepper varieties, the distinct taste of this thick curry comes from the Bhut jolokia chili pepper, referred to as a Naja pepper in other areas of the world. This particular pepper has been named the "most potent pepper on earth" by the folks at Guinness World Records.

9. Neua Pad Prik – Thailand

 Neua pad prik, also known as Thai pepper, is an incredibly popular stir-fry dish unique to Central Thailand. The main ingredient - giving the dish its searing heat - is the birds-eye chili pepper, also referred to as the Thai chili padi. It's a staple ingredient in kitchens around the country.

8. Pork Vindaloo – Goa, India

The original pork vindaloo is a Portuguese dish that was brought to India during the 16^th century occupation. This incredible curry dish has been jazzed up with local ingredients including the same Bhut jokokia chili pepper used in the phaal curry mentioned above. The dish also features local seasonings and spices such as cardamom, garlic, and turmeric.

7. Hot Pot – Sichuan Province, China

 A hot pot is a traditional Sichuan dish that features a pot of vegetable broth simmering over heat at a table. As the meal goes on the meat and vegetables are added to the pot as it cooks on the table with visitors and guests surrounding it. The hot pot is particularly hot because of the Sichuan “flower” pepper. The pepper is so spicy it can cause a numbing sensation in the mouth.

6. Hot Suicide Wings – Chicago, Illinois

When you walk into Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap in Chicago, Illinois you’ll be faced with a choice: sign the health waiver or forego ordering their famous “XXX HOT” wings. The sauce made to smother these wings includes the Red Savina habanero pepper – also known in some areas as the Ball of Fire or the Dominican Devil’s Tongue.

5. Frango Piri-Piri – Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa

Frango piri-piri is a chicken dish featuring a distinct chili pepper marinade. The main ingredient in the marinade is the red piri-piri pepper, also known as the African devil, and provides a considerable amount of kick to any dish it’s used in. The pepper is especially popular in marinades throughout Angola, Mozambique, and other nearby countries.

4. Caribbean Jerk Chicken – Jamaica

Order Caribbean Jerk Chicken at a Jamaican restaurant in the United States and you’ll get a deliciously spicy dish. Order that same chicken in Jamaica and you’ll have a completely different experience. The red Scotch bonnet pepper is a key ingredient when it comes to seasoning the chicken and adds a blazing heat you’ll grow to respect.

3. Papas a la Huancaina – Peru

Don’t let the look of this appealing dish deceive you when it arrives at your table. Papas a la Huancaina consists of boiled potatoes and eggs smothered in a cold cheese sauce. What you won’t realize until you begin to eat is that the sauce is heavily spiced and includes the Aji Amarillo pepper. Known for being the hottest in the region, the pepper is usually dried and ground to be used in a powdered form when cooking.

2. Devil Pork Curry – Malacca, Malaysia

The devil pork curry dish made in Malaysia is yet another Portuguese inspired creation. During the 16^th century, Malacca was a major stop for traders carrying spices. This particular dish packs a wallop because of its unique blend of vinegar, mustard, turmeric, and – of course – the birds-eye chili pepper.

1. Kimchi Jjigae – South Korea

Kinchi jjigae is perhaps one of the spiciest dishes you’ll eve encounter. Made in Korea, this stew dish features a mix of pork, seafood, or tofu and vegetables in a kimchi base. Kimchi is a pickled garnish made out of a special cabbage and a distinct blend of herbs. The spiciest kimchi dishes are made with red chili peppers which, when mixed with the mixture used to pickle the cabbage, becomes lethally spicy. It’s a dish you’ll never forget trying.
Remember to make sure you have water at the table before you dig into any of these tasty dishes. We’re sure you’ll enjoy them but want you to live to tell us about the experience!