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14
8 Places for Food With a Kick Around Cincinnati
If you enjoy spicy food, there's a very important holiday coming up. International Hot and Spicy Food Day is January 16, 2022! Get ready to sweat as you nosh on heat-packed favorites. Whether you prefer to calm the spice with a glass of milk, a slice of bread, or your own unique concoction, we have some incredible restaurants to recommend around Cincinnati.
Thai Express
213 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
If you'd rather enjoy takeout, Thai Express is a great spot to visit for spicy cuisine. It's a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but they are known throughout the city for their tasty cuisine. They're only a little spicy, but the curry spring rolls are an incredible start to any meal.
Those with a high heat tolerance love the Red Curry at Thai Express. It packs a punch, but the sauce is really rich and flavorful. Other good, spicy choices include the Drunkard's Stir Fry, Panang Curry, and Holy Basil Stir Fry. If you prefer just a hint of spice, the Pad King is a good choice.
Sichuan Chili Chinese Restaurant
10400 Reading Rd. #205b, Cincinnati, OH 45241
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Sichuan Chili Chinese Restaurant has "chili" in the name, so you can bet the food will be spicy! This is a modern, inviting Chinese restaurant open for both lunch and dinner. They even offer online ordering, convenient if your schedule is packed.
One of the best spicy dishes at Sichuan Chili is the Sichuan Sizzling Beef. In typical Sichuan fashion, it's made with plenty of chili peppers, along with tender sirloin steak. Another favorite is the Red Dry Chili Fish Filets. And if you're on a vegetarian diet, the Kung Pao Tofu is hard to beat.
Zundo Ramen & Donburi
220 W. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Zundo Ramen & Donburi is a unique Japanese restaurant with a simple, industrial vibe. The exposed ceiling and brick walls make for a fun dining experience. There's even a full bar where you can order a cocktail or a shot of sake as you wait for your meal. Zundo opened in 2017 and quickly became a favorite of ramen lovers in Cincinnati.
Not all Japanese food is spicy, which makes Zundo a good place to go if you're not sure everyone in your party is keen on heat. That being said, they do have some very good spicy dishes. The Spicy Miso Ramen is warm and satisfying on a cold January day. You may also want to try the Katsu Curry Rice or the Curry Udon Noodles.
Lalo Restaurant
26 W. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Lalo Restaurant offers a unique fusion of Pan-Asian and Mexican cuisines. Their space is as artistic as their menu, using a combination of bold colors and patterned wall tile to surround you with wonder. In one corner, there's a statue of a man in a traditional Mexican hat. In another corner, there's traditional Japanese art.
If you're there for the spice, then you have to try Lalo's hot salsa as an appetizer. The Lalo Wings, which come with your choice of Thai sauce or spicy chipotle sauce, are well worth ordering for the table to share. You can't go wrong with any of the tacos. The Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos offer a lovely balance of heat and sweetness, and the Fish Tempura Tacos get a mild dose of heat from Sriracha mayonnaise.
Uncle Yip's
10736 Reading Rd. #2529, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Uncle Yip's is a casual restaurant serving authentic Chinese food. They have a small but welcoming dining room with a cozy atmosphere. Guests are served green tea in hand-painted Chinese teapots. Uncle Yip's does have a full bar where you can order cocktails, wine, and beer.
While not everything on the menu is spicy, Uncle Yip's offers plenty of choices suitable for International Hot and Spicy Food Day. The Stuffed Chili Peppers With Shrimp are a good choice if you're in the mood for dim sum. The Hong Kong Style Fish Filet is delicious, and of course, you can't go wrong with General Tso's Chicken.
Arrechissimo Restaurant
8100 Blue Ash. Rd., Deer Park, OH 45236
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If you've never tried Venezuelan food before, this is the perfect opportunity. Arrechissimo Restaurant does a wonderful job of recreating the cuisine. They offer online ordering and delivery, but for the most authentic experience, you'll want to dine in.
Some of the best meals here are definitely the bowls. The Chicken Bowl comes with cilantro rice, sauteed chicken, fried yucca, pico de gallo salad, and sliced avocado. You can choose from spicy and mild cilantro sauces. The empanadas are also delicious. They're $6 apiece, and it's worth ordering a few for your table to enjoy.
Island Frydays
2826 Short Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
You don't have to take a vacation to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean. Island Frydays serves Jamaican favorites, including plenty of spicy specialties, right in Cincinnati. The restaurant was visited by Guy Fierri's show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, in 2014. Leo Morgan, the restaurant's founder, is a Jamaican native who attended the University of Cincinnati, Morgan.
One favorite at Island Frydays is the Jerk Chicken. It's juicy, tender, and well-seasoned with the restaurant's own jerk blend. The Beef Patty is also delicious with just a bit of spice. If you're in the mood for finger food, order the Jerk Wings and Fries. You'll leave smiling.
El Barril Mexican Sports Bar & Grill
940 Pavillion St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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If you're in the mood for Mexican food on International Hot and Spicy Food Day, then El Barril Mexican Sports Bar & Grill is a good place to go. You can sit at the bar, watch the big game, and enjoy some margaritas and tacos with friends.
Start the meal off with an order of Jalapeno Rellenos, which pack quite a punch. The Elote, corn covered in mayo, chili powder, and cheese, is also delicious. Tacos are available a la carte, with options including carnitas and lengua, and guests also love the Fajitas Texanas and Shrimp Chimichangas.
Heat It Up
Where will you get your spice on for International Hot and Spicy Food Day?
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