Turn up the heat: Top spicy dishes to try in Auckland

If you’re craving bold flavours and lip-tingling heat, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has more than enough spice to keep your palate entertained. Across the city, chefs are crafting dishes that showcase the many personalities of spice, from the slow-building warmth of sambal to the fiery crunch of Korean fried chicken.

Whether you’re a certified chilli-chaser or simply seeking a warming dish of comforting heat, here’s where to find the best spicy food in Auckland.

Gochu spicy fried chicken from Gochu

Tucked inside Commercial Bay with views overlooking the ferry building and waterfront, Gochu’s elevated Korean flavours are anything but shy. Their spicy fried chicken is a go-to for heat-lovers, glazed in a gochujang-based sauce that builds slowly and hits with a satisfying kick. There’s even an extra spicy version for those who dare (just ask your server).

Mexico fried chicken and taco-crumbed gambas from Mexico

Don’t be fooled by the casual vibe, Mexico’s menu is serious about bringing the heat. Their crispy fried chicken is dusted chilli powder and served with a punchy jalapeño mayo. Add the taco-crumbed gambas — juicy prawns coated in a crunchy, spicy crumb and smothered in spicy buffalo sauce — for a one-two flavour hit. 

Beef & ghost chilli fritter and lamb seekh from Cassia

Cassia’s modern Indian menu is designed to surprise, and these plates will give your taste buds the jump-scare they need. Kick things off with the beef and ghost chilli fritter, a crisp bite layered with heat from one of the world’s hottest chillies. Served with curry leaf emulsion, this starter is warming rather than overwhelming.

Moving to the mains, try the rich and aromatic lamb seekh. It’s served with a dreamy spiced masala sauce that adds warmth without overshadowing the lamb.

Mātangi brisket from Ghost Street

Tucked beneath the bustle of Britomart, Ghost Street is dishing up big flavour in a moody, lantern-lit setting. For beef that bites back, try the melt-in-your-mouth Mātangi brisket with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and smokey dried chillies. It’s tender, tingly and moreish.

Chilli Sichuan noodles from Hello Beasty

Playful and packed with pan-Asian flavour, Hello Beasty delivers a punch with its Sichuan chilli noodles. The heat level is assertive without being overpowering and perfect for those who want warmth, complexity, and a satisfying bite with every forkful.

Dumplings in spicy sauce from Eden Noodles Cafe

This is Auckland’s worst-kept secret for spice lovers, but why would anyone gatekeep on something so good? These legendary dumplings, typically pork or beef, are smothered in a house-made chilli oil that delivers both heat and that distinctive Sichuan numbing buzz. There’s a reason they’ve been featured on Auckland’s Iconic Eats list every year since 2020.

BBQ jalapeño poppers from Inca Ponsonby

Sweet, smokey and spicy; these poppers tick all the boxes. Charred jalapeños are stuffed with soft goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with sticky honey. It’s a flavour party in one delicious bite (but trust us, you’ll want more than one).

Smashed fried chicken with Crazy Hot Sambal from Java

As Java’s take on the Indonesian classic, Ayam Geprek, this dish features crispy smashed chicken drowned in their house-made Crazy Hot Sambal. The sambal packs a slow-building burn, with deep peanut-chilli flavour dominating every bite. Bring tissues; it’s the kind of heat that will make your nose run. If you prefer to turn down the burn a little, choose the OG Sambal Geprek or the Sambal Balado for a more subtle spice.

Signature classic curry laksa from Selera Malaysian Cafe

This rich, coconut-based broth is spiked with just enough chilli to warm you through without blowing your head off. Packed with noodles, tofu puffs, and beansprouts, it’s a deeply satisfying bowl that balances spice and creamy comfort in every slurp. Add a side of sambal if you’re chasing that extra lingering glow.

Chole bhature from Mumbai Chaat

No one can accuse vegetarian food of being bland at this iconic Blockhouse Bay eatery. This classic Indian meal pairs a rich, tomato-spiced chickpea curry with fluffy, golden fried bread. It’s a staple dish with a loyal following, especially at this humble spot where it’s made to reflect the vibrant street food of Mumbai. Tear, dip, repeat.

Mee goreng from Sri Pinang

This cosy spot on Karangahape Road has long been a local favourite for honest, home-style Malaysian cooking, and their mee goreng is a must-try. Egg noodles are tossed with prawns, tofu, and egg, then coated in a smoky, chilli-laced sauce that doesn’t sizzle, it smoulders. It’s the kind of comfort food that hits all the right spice notes, especially on a wintery Auckland night.

Spicy potato gnocchi from Bar Magda

Bar Magda’s take on gnocchi is anything but ordinary. This dish layers tender gnocchi with earthy button and oyster mushrooms, a smokey romesco and their signature Salpicao sauce. It’s a garlic-y, peppery Filipino-style punch that packs some heat. 

Insane wings from The Lumsden Freehouse

Smothered in a sticky, unapologetically spicy sauce, Lumsden Freehouse’s Insane Wings live up to their moniker. Their fiery, finger-licking flavour is not for the faint-hearted. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and served with plenty of napkins (you’ll need them). Pair with a cold pint and some courage.