Top 20 Spicy Foods in the World and Their Heat Levels

Collage of the world’s spiciest foods: hot pot, Mapo Tofu, Buldak, vindaloo, som tam, jerk chicken, Carolina Reaper sauce and other fiery dishes conveying heat and aroma

This definitive list of the top 20 spicy foods in the world explores origins, signature ingredients and how hot each dish really is. Perfect for foodies, spice-hunters and content creators seeking context, cultural notes and a clear heat ranking. Learn what makes these dishes fiery, how we measured heat and tips for enjoying them safely.