Reserve a table at these lip-smacking Indian joints that pack a spicy punch!

Ever been asked on a date about your spice tolerance? Before you assume we’re treading on an NSFW trajectory, let me clear the air: food is serious business for many — in platonic relationships and otherwise. Come to think of it, having veritable culinary compatibility makes everything a lot easier.

Doesn’t it?

On that note, if you’re on the lookout for ways to tantalise your taste buds with signature spicy Indian dishes in Bangkok, regardless of whether you have a significant other to keep you company or not, look no further than these haute dining spots that rank high on ambience, culinary finesse, and of course, max spice quotient!

NILA

Everyone’s eating out of the chef’s hands at NILA — and for good reasons. While the exhaustive menu is far from disappointing for discerning foodies who’d like to sink into authentic Indian flavours, our vote unanimously goes to the crowd-puller: Chicken Ghee Roast. “It’s a Mangalorean dish originating from Karnataka, where ghee roast dishes are very popular, especially in coastal cuisine,” shares Vinod Verma (Vicky), Restaurant Operations Manager at NILA. As one of the most sought-after dining hubs in town, nestled within Amari Bangkok, drop by if you have an eye for the finer and spicier things in life.

TAPORI

Tapori prides itself on being an Indian eatery that brings regional specialties, forgotten favourites, and enhanced sensory allure (through vibrant Indo art deco) to the table. Located in a sun-dappled spot right on Soi 47, the restaurant caters to the Indian palate in every sense of the word, with the bells and whistles of a sophisticated dining spot in Bangkok. But, is this where you must whet your appetite if you’re in the mood for fiery desi fare? Totally. “Try our Beef Ularthiyathu — an unmissable signature Kerala specialty,” says Chef Patron Rohit Sharma, adding, “This is a spicy beef chili fry, cooked with coconut and curry leaves, served with a flaky flatbread (Malabari parotta).”

CHANDNI CHOWK

Fuelled by a yearning to transport true-blue Indian food enthusiasts to the by-lanes of Old Delhi’s iconic food street, Chandni Chowk, this BKK eatery has pulled out all the stops to get noticed (and satisfy) those with a strong hankering for rich Indian cuisine. Besides the usual suspects on the menu, the Zafrani Tiger Prawns are well-loved by foodies for taking the delicacy of seafood cuisine to a whole new level, owing to its freshness and enhanced spice levels, reveals Vinay Chawla. “Hand-picked tiger prawns are steeped in roasted mustard seeds, saffron, caraway, and guntur chili, then flamed in the tandoor for a smoky and succulent taste in every bite,” opines the restaurateur.

FINCH

Faithful to India’s culinary heritage within its expansive and modish interiors, Finch offers discerning new-age patrons the best of both worlds. While there’s plenty for those with a high spice tolerance, Corporate Executive Chef Rahul Khare drops his top pick: Kolhapuri Chicken Taco. “This dish comes with an authentic Kolhapuri masala twist, with the perfect Indo-Mex fusion.” Besides balanced textures and a fusion appeal, the dish is very Instagrammable. And that’s a plus. Yes?

PATIALA PEG

Staying true to the authenticity of Indian cuisines, steeped in history and nostalgia, Patiala Peg fuses the decadence of Patiala’s traditional fare with the charm of Bangkok. Result? A diner’s spot that delights in more ways than one. “Chicken Kolhapuri is a spicy favourite among patrons and new visitors alike,” reveals Awika Visitthanon, Marketing Officer at Patiala Peg.