From blazing buffalo wings in New York to fiery hot pots in California, the U.S. is home to some of the spiciest, tongue-numbing dishes that challenge even the bravest heat seekers. Here’s a guide to 21 of America’s spiciest dishes that promise to test your spice tolerance and leave you reaching for a glass of milk.
1. Hot Chicken – Nashville, Tennessee
The birthplace of hot chicken, Nashville offers this fiery dish at multiple heat levels. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is legendary for its mouth-searing hot chicken that draws both locals and tourists alike.
2. Suicide Six Wings – Buffalo, New York
Anchor Bar, the home of the original Buffalo chicken wing, serves up a challenge with its Suicide Six Wings, drenched in a sauce so spicy it requires a waiver before eating.
3. Inferno Soup – Los Angeles, California
Served at Orochon Ramen, the Inferno Soup contains a blend of hot spices that can induce tears and challenge the most experienced spice lovers.
4. Spicy Tuna Rolls – Seattle, Washington
Sushi Kudasai offers spicy tuna rolls with a special sauce that takes the heat to the next level, challenging even seasoned spicy sushi aficionados.
5. Hellfire Chili – Houston, Texas
Made with a variety of super-hot peppers including Carolina Reapers and Ghost Peppers, the Hellfire Chili at Burns BBQ is not for the faint of heart.
6. Volcano Curry – San Francisco, California
Muracci’s Japanese Curry & Grill offers a dish called Volcano Curry that lives up to its name with an intense heat that builds with each bite.
7. The Ghost Pepper Burrito – Denver, Colorado
Illegal Pete’s serves up a burrito filled with ghost pepper marinated meats and topped with extra hot salsa that has diners sweating at first bite.
8. Phaal Curry – New York, New York
Brick Lane Curry House offers this extremely spicy Indian curry that holds a reputation for being one of the hottest dishes served in Manhattan.
9. Fire in Your Hole Wings – Salem, Massachusetts
At Binga’s Wingas, these wings are so spicy they were featured on “Man vs. Food.” Only the bravest dare to try more than one.
10. Diablo Pizza – Portland, Oregon
Sizzle Pie brings heat with the Diablo Pizza, topped with jalapeños, hot sauce, and a spicy marinara that keeps diners reaching for water.
11. Spicy Challenge Pho – Las Vegas, Nevada
Pho Kim Long offers a challenge with its bowl of pho loaded with some of the spiciest peppers on the planet. Finish it and you’re on the Pho Hall of Fame wall.
12. Five Alarm Salsa – Miami, Florida
At Taqueria Viva México, the Five Alarm Salsa is made fresh daily with habaneros and ghost peppers, providing a fiery kick to any dish.
13. Lava Wings – Charlotte, North Carolina
The Wing Shop’s Lava Wings come with a warning label and boast a heat that lingers long after you’ve finished eating.
14. Spicy Ramen Challenge – Chicago, Illinois
Strings Ramen offers the Monster Hell Ramen, which comes with a broth infused with a secret blend of chilies. Finish it within a time limit and earn a place on the wall of fame.
15. Death Taco – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mad Mex’s Death Taco is so spicy, it’s served with a side of waivers. Loaded with habaneros and ghost pepper sauce, this taco challenges the most seasoned spice lovers.
16. Firecracker Salmon – Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Fish Market’s Firecracker Salmon is topped with a spicy habanero glaze that adds a significant kick to the flaky, tender fish.
17. Atomic Hot Wings – Omaha, Nebraska
The Blazing Wings at Oscar’s Pizza and Wings are coated in a sauce made from pure capsaicin extract, requiring patrons to sign a waiver before attempting the challenge.
18. Scorpion Pepper Sushi – Phoenix, Arizona
Yama Sushi offers an off-menu sushi roll made with scorpion peppers. This dish is not advertised and is only available to those who know to ask for it.
19. The Scoville Burger – Boise, Idaho
The Boise Fry Company offers the Scoville Burger, which is topped with ghost pepper cheese and a fiery jalapeño spread.
20. Spicy Alligator Bites – New Orleans, Louisiana
Cajun Seafood’s alligator bites are seasoned with a mix of Cajun spices and hot sauce, making for a spicy, crunchy treat.
21. Firebrand Chili – Albuquerque, New Mexico
At the Chili Pepper Cafe, the Firebrand Chili contains a secret blend of hot peppers that make it an unforgettable dish for any chili lover.
A Tour of Flames
Each of these dishes offers a unique blend of flavors and heat, making them must-tries for anyone looking to test their spice tolerance across the U.S. Remember to proceed with caution—these dishes are not for the uninitiated and can turn up the heat to extreme levels!
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.