foods

Dayton’s vibrant food scene is not short on heat.  If you are looking for HOT, you can find it in the Miami Valley.  “Burn Baby Burn” like a Disco Inferno you will, you just have to know where to look.

Did you know Hot Food boosts your metabolism?  It also clears you sinuses, helps ulcers and can lower bad cholesterol.

“See people rocking — Hear people chanting — Feeling hot hot hot” –Buster Poindexter

Chef House (Dayton’s Original Sriracha Mama), Hungry Jax (Utica Grind Red Pepper and Cayenne Guru) and the The Big Ragu (a wing connoisseur) are Dayton’s Food Adventure Crew and have compiled their list of the spiciest dishes in Dayton.

These are not the sweet sixteen, they are the HEAT 16 – Dayton’s best spicy foods.

These foods are not only incredibly spicy, they are delicious as well.  So, we went not only for fire, but for good flavor too.

Without further delay, let’s see the list of these “MUST EATS.”

 

THE TOP 16 SPICY FOODS OF DAYTON: “THE HEAT SIXTEEN”

—1) THAI 9’s DUCK CURRY
This is Chef House’s favorite. Order it at the highest hot level and be prepared for scorching, exotic flavors.  Sliced duck meat, with vegetables in a red curry sauce. Coconut milk, pineapples, tomatoes, lime leaves, red and green peppers seal the deal.  Amazing how a creamy sauce can get so hot.  Is your mouth on fire?   It is ok, they have plenty of tea and local beers to put out the heat.

 

—2) MIKE’S NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN – NASHVILLE HOT WHOLE WINGS:
These wings don’t fool around. Every knee must bow, and every brow must sweat. The thing is, even though it is so hot, you can’t help trying to risk another insane bite. This is not for the timid. If you like crazy hot, with good flavor, this is for you.  This is southern fried comfort food at its most spicy.

 

—3) MONGOLIAN CHICKEN, EXTRA SPICY at NORTH CHINA:
A dish you must order by special request, and you must order it extra spicy. Also, ask for a side of Chinese Chili Paste and Hot Cayenne Powder. This dish is more delicious than super hot, but if you doctor it up with the hot sauce they provide, you will sweating seeds at the table, and smiling the whole time.  Easily makes the list, as this dish is a classic.

 

—4) VINDALOO FISH at AMAR INDIA RESTAURANT:
This is a delicious dish. Light up your day by getting it at level 5 or ask them for the hottest level. The only thing that will put out the fire is the white basmati rice and the Naan Bread which are both fantastic accompaniments.

 

—5) “I’M ON FIRE AND READY TO DIE” WINGS at ELSA’S RESTAURANTS:
These wings are so good. They are not breaded, but deep-fried to perfection before the hot sauce is slathered on top. The result is an eye-popping experience, with plenty of napkins. A couple of Bad Juans may help you, but we suggest a couple of Corona Lights at your side to wash things down.  We don’t think you will be cheering on your favorite sports teams.  You won’t be able to talk since your mouth will be full of hot wings, or something dousing the heat.  Oh by the way, you have to sign and waiver and NO refunds!

—6) THE EXTRA HOT CHICKEN TENDERS at BARGOS:
Bargo’s will catch you by surprise. Underground foodies know this place is known for their extra crazy hot sauces. It is a place where mild means medium, medium is hot, and hot is crazy hot. So you can imagine what extra hot is. These breaded tenders are tossed in a hot sauce, then rolled in crushed red pepper. What kind of crazy cook is back in that kitchen? Hot food lovers can’t get enough of the tenders but keep the tall draft beers coming. Wowsa, they are spicy!

 

—7) FISH WITH HOT THAI CHILI SAUCE at THAI9:

An absolutely huge piece of Walleye is served (you get choice of Tilapia or Walleye, but we always go with the walleye). The fish is deep-fried and topped with red chili paste, Order it at the hottest level. The fish is amazing and the sauce makes the whole dish. Served with rice, the portion is so big, we bet you get a take home box. But the walleye is so good, you might finish the whole, big thing.

 

—8) FRICKIN EX-SCREAM KILLER WINGS at FRICKERS:
The local king of wings has an entry to the list.  Breaded and ready to roll, you have to order these babies WELL DONE.  The result is crispy hot wings in an extreme sauce.  Dip them in ranch for some relief, but resistance is futile.  You may have met your frickin match on the hot scale.

—9) SPICY CHICKEN AND PORK SATE SOUP at LITTLE SAIGON:
This unsung restaurant has some of the best food in town.  This is a meal sized soup.  Choose rice or egg noodles, and choose pork, shrimp, chicken or a combo of meats.  The Sate soup means spicy and you must ask for hot sauce as well, so they bring out the squirt bottle of Asian Vietnamese Sriracha.  Drizzle that on top of soup and add some hot chili paste that is sitting on the table in a clear plastic container.  Your nose will be running as the steamy soup clears your sinuses.  Drink plenty of cold ice water provided, that will help keep things in check, as will their Oolong tea.  This meal is perfect on a cold day.  Many of us believe it has special immunity boosting and healing powers as well.  Try it and tell us what you think.

—10) THE RED SALSA at TAQUERIA GARCIA MOBIL:
Located in Huber Heights near Harshman and Burkhardt by a Shell Gas Station, or on E. Third St., this mobile food truck is gaining a following.  The cup of red hot salsa is a hot, yet delicious addition to any taco, huraches, sopes and Tacos Al Pastore.  Try the red hot salsa .. it will slap your butt and call you Sally.

 

—11) ASS KICKER WINGS at HINDERS SPORTS BAR & GRILL:
There is a cult following for this place of heat and eat in Tipp City.  We love sports bar with beer and wings.  Who doesn’t love hot spicy food and cold beer?  In the land of delicious wings, the Ass Kickers are the hottest option at Hinder’s, who many say are the best wings in Dayton. See for yourself and wear your big girl pants when you order this sauce.  Napkins … Ready !

 

—12) CHICKEN PAD THAI at HOUSE OF THAI:
Chef Dang, a well schooled owner in Beavercreek has gained a small following in the area, but still

this restaurant is relatively unknown.  They pride themselves  with no pre-packaged sauces, no MSGs, and no pre-chopped, frozen vegetables. Every single meal is carefully prepared from scratch in traditional Thailand customs.  We have had pad Thai many places, from Vegas to California and New York.  This is some of the best we have ever eaten.  Get it at the hottest level and light your pants on fire.

 

—13) EL TORO’S SPICY HOUSE TABLE SALSA (SERVED BY REQUEST):
Spicy salsa with seeds floating in it is the hallmark of this restaurant.  The key is, you have to request the spicy salsa, which they bring out separately.  The dipping of tortilla chips immediately becomes more intense.  The salsa has slightly brown tint compared to the traditional red one.  And it is much spicier.  Sprinkle the sauce over enchiladas, tacos, burritos and more for a full appreciation of this hot sauce.  An absolutely delicious way to kick you meal up a notch is to drizzle the salsa over your dinner plate, for shizzle.

 

—14) SMOKED WINGS WITH HOT HABENERO SAUCE at LOCK 27:
What goes great with the great beers like Mouth Breather at lock 27? The answer is the smoked chicken wings. Hot food lovers love these wings because there is an option for Hot Habenero and the plate is served with an in-house sriracha sauce.  Foodies Unite, these wings are sure to be a favorite of your taste buds.

 

—15) VOLTZYS CHEESEBURGER WITH SWEET HEAT MUSTARD and HOT SAUCE:
You have to ask the hamburger wizard for this “off the menu” specialty. But, he always lights up with a smile when people ask him to add hot sauce. “You’ll wake up singing touch me in the morning.” Voltzy always says.  His burgers are hearty sliders, yet kind of small.  If you go hot, get his 10 cheeseburgers for $12 deal and make them all hot sauced.  You can split it with a friend or take home half of them.  It’s the hot way to go in Voltzy’s land of steamed onions, cheese, fresh ground chuck and insults.

 

—16) THE CHICAGO DOG from CHICAGO GYROS and DOGS:
Holy hot peppers Batman.  Mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes and those damn hot sports peppers! Served whole on the dog, this will light you up like Christmas!  Enjoy the heat on a hearty bun, with a delicious hot dog.  It is good, and so hot, but you cannot stop eating it.   A power packed dog full of flavor.  This is the kind of thing that makes Dayton food choices so great.

There you have it, the HEAT SIXTEEN !  The best of Spicy Dayton as picked by the Food Adventures Crew.

Honorable mention to the SPICY BROCCOLI side at MEADOWLARK !  Chef Wiley will sometimes offer this as a side to one of her fabulous dishes.  If you see it , get it!

Food Adventures is a local food blog that has feature articles every week on Dayton Most Metro. We have been a favorite of Dayton foodies since 2008, writing over 400 feature food stories for this website. Follow FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking here and join the 7500 Miami Valley residents who love local eats!

You’re gonna love trying these hot favorites, and if you’re not a crazy heat fan, try the foods in their mild version. Good food is good food, and we know you will enjoy those dishes if they have a little kick, instead of a blazing fire.