It goes without saying, chilli is nothing new. For centuries, the fruit in all its various spicy forms has been used to add punch and flavour to food. It’s been pickled and preserved, fried and dried, confited, puréed, sautéed and more, but lately, chilli has never been hotter. More than just a way of levelling up a dish, chilli has become something of a cultural signifier. Certain types of chilli oil lend serious clout to a pantry shelfie, knowing the difference between the flavour profile of a Scotch Bonnet and a habanero is a true foodie flex, and being able to handle three or more chillies on ChilliBOM’s (Australia’s hot sauce club turned online store) chilli metre is basically a personality trait. All that is to say, there’s no time like the present to lean into the heat.

Regardless of whether you’re a cautious chilli consumer or capable of withstanding the most demonic of condiments, there are plenty of ways to satiate your spice cravings at Chatswood Chase. From Abb Air’s tongue-tingling stir fries to salty-spicy snacks at Scoop Wholefoods, come with us as we discover all things hot and dangerous.

Spicy Wings from Nomu Korean Fried Chicken

If these wings were on Hot Wings — the web series where celebrities answer host Sean Evan’s questions while tasting 10 different hot sauces in order of spiciness — they’d probably be sixth or seventh. Coated in a spicy batter, fried till impossibly crisp and served with pickled radish and spicy mayo (for those not faint of heart), Nomu’s hot wings are dangerously moorish.

Kri Kri Chilli Peanuts from Scoop Wholefoods

Kri Kri peanuts — a popular Middle Eastern snack that sees whole peanuts coated in a crunchy flour-based mixture — get a spicy kick at Scoop Wholefoods, with their version coated in sesame seeds before being dusted with chilli powder. They make an excellent accompaniment to a cold beer or apple cider on a hot day.

Dak Bokkeum Tang from Yangga Korean Deli

Chicken and an array of vegetables (like onion, carrot and potatoes) are braised in a spicy soy-based sauce in the popular Korean dish of Dak Bokkeum Tang, which you can find premade and ready to reheat at Yangga Korean Deli. Its vibrant red hue is an indication of its kick — needless to say, it’s probably not for the chilli newbies.

Tom Yum Soup from Abb Air

The traditional Thai soup is known for its sour and spicy flavour profile, but Abb Air’s version puts the power in your hands, allowing you to level up the chilli depending on your tastes. Brave souls should opt for the ‘very spicy’ option, while those a little more cautious when it comes to chilli might prefer to go with the ‘mild’ or ‘medium spicy’ versions. Laden with fresh seafood and equal parts hot and zingy, Abb Air’s tom yum is guaranteed to put a pep in your step.