What are the best hot and spicy dishes in Denver?

Denver's top spicy dishes, as chosen by local Tastemakers, include the Cazuela Colombiana at Cafe Brazil, the Diablo Roll at Sushi Sasa, Drunken Noodles at U.S. Thai, and the Crispy Shrimp at Mister Oso. For serious heat, Kickin' Wings in Wheat Ridge offers a progressive XXX hot sauce ladder.

Where should I go for spicy food in Denver?

For spicy dining in Denver, Tastemakers recommend Cafe Brazil for its coconut-and-cayenne Cazuela Colombiana, El Taco de Mexico on Santa Fe Drive for addictive lengua tacos, The Spice Room on West 38th for vegetarian Indian heat, and Mister Oso on Larimer for serrano-spiked Crispy Shrimp.

What is the signature spicy dish at Cafe Brazil?

Cafe Brazil's signature spicy dish is the Cazuela Colombiana — a rich stew of large prawns and chicken breast simmered in a spicy, herbed tomato broth with coconut milk, Gorgonzola cheese, and cayenne pepper, served over rice and garnished with green onions, cucumbers, and Italian parsley.

What is the Diablo Roll at Sushi Sasa?

The Diablo Roll at Sushi Sasa is a spicy tuna roll with seared tuna on top and spicy ponzu sauce. Tastemakers recommend adding Macho sauce and jalapeños for extra heat. Sushi Sasa sources its fish daily from the Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan.

Is The Spice Room's Sweet Potato Masala vegetarian and gluten-free?

Yes. The Spice Room's Sweet Potato Masala is explicitly listed as gluten-free and vegetarian. It is simmered in a creamy tomato-butter sauce with dry fenugreek leaves, and can be made dairy-free upon request. It pairs well with Pinot Grigio or an IPA beer.

How spicy are the wings at Kickin' Wings in Wheat Ridge?

Kickin' Wings offers four escalating heat levels: Hot, X Hot, XX Hot, and XXX Hot sauce. Tastemaker Christina Richardson recommends the hot wings as her top spicy pick. The restaurant is located at 4990 Kipling St #15 in Wheat Ridge.

What spicy dish does El Taco de Mexico in Denver serve?

El Taco de Mexico on Santa Fe Drive is known for its Lengua (tongue) tacos served with salsa, onions, and cilantro. Chef Elise Wiggins calls the house salsa addictive, making it one of Denver's most beloved spicy taco destinations.

What is the best spicy pizza in the Denver metro area?

Pizzeria Lui in Lakewood is the Tastemaker pick for spicy pizza. The Original features Ezzo pepperoni cups, mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, jalapeño, and wild oregano — a heat-forward pie that Tastemaker Cindhura Reddy simply calls 'The OG.'

Favorite Hot and Spicy Dishes According to Local Experts

Written By:

Published on January 17, 2023 • 5:08 AM MST

Updated on September 2, 2026 • 10:10 PM MST

Favorite Hot and Spicy Dishes According to Local Experts

Along with honoring Dr. Martin Luther King today, the world is celebrating International Hot & Spicy Food Day. An experienced palate can discern influences based on the inclusion and preparation of spices. Countries and cities claim their identifying flavors like jerk, chilis, and Nashville hot. There is a record from as late as 460 B.C. on the utilization of spice for medicine, trading, and seasoning, which has allowed for the universal variety of dishes that we enjoy today. We asked some Tastemakers what their favorite local dishes are when they are craving a flavor-kicking meal. Take note if your palate enjoys a zing when dining out.

Cafe Brazil

4408 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211

Cazuela Colombiana

A rich marriage of large prawns and chicken breast simmered in a spicy, herbed tomato broth, hints of coconut milk, grilled onions, Gorgonzola cheese, and cayenne pepper. Served stew style over rice, garnished with green onions, cucumbers, and Italian parsley.

“Multi-dimensional flavors! “

Christine Parisi

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Sushi Sasa

2401 15th St #80, Denver, CO 80202

Diablo Roll

Sasa original spicy tuna inside, seared tuna on top, with spicy ponzu.

“Best sushi in Denver, with most experienced chefs and fresh products brought in daily from Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan. Diablo Roll add Macho sauce & jalapeños. “

Elan Wenzel

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U.S. Thai

5228 W 25th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214

NO2 – Drunken Noodles (Pad Khimao)

Egg, bean sprouts, sugar peas, tomato, Thai basil, and thin, wide rice noodles.

“Best drunken noodles in Denver and so spicy.“

Natascha Hess

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El Taco de Mexico

714 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

Lengua/Tongue Taco

Taco served with Salsa, Onions & Cilantro

“I love Taco de Mexico’s lengua tacos with their salsa. I’m addicted to that salsa!!“

Elise Wiggins

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Kickin’ Wings

4990 Kipling St #15, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Levels of Hot

Hot Sauce, X Hot Sauce, XX Hot Sauce, XXX Hot Sauce

“The Hot Wings from Kickin’ Wings.“

Christina Richardson

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Mister Oso

3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Crispy Shrimp

Coconut shrimp, bear hot spice, coconut and black lime slaw, sesame, serranos, salsa verde

“ It’s spicy and really good.“

Jeff Suskin

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The Spice Room

3157 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Sweet Potato Masala – Spicy Hot

Simmered in a creamy tomato; butter sauce flavored with dry fenugreek leaves. One of our most popular dishes. It pairs well with Pinot Grigio or IPA Beer. It is gluten-free. (Dairy Free Upon Request)