As temps start to drop, these dishes are bringing the heat—and a whole lot of flavor. From mouth-numbing ramen to wings that pack a fiery punch, Raleigh spice lovers are in for some serious burn (in the best way). Think you can handle the heat?
Spicy Tan Tan | Miso Ramen Bar There’s nothing a cozy bowl of ramen can’t fix on a cool day—especially when you up the spice factor. The spicy tan tan is a fan favorite, served in a savory tonkotsu broth with spicy ground pork topping, ajitsuke egg, enoki, nori and a smattering of veggies. @miso_ramen_bar
Beasley’s
Carolina Reaper Hot Chicken | Beasley’s This fiery fried chicken thigh isn’t just hot—it’s tongue-melting. Dunked in spicy oil and topped with pickles, crisp iceberg lettuce and a buttermilk herb sauce, then slapped between two slices of white bread—it’s a sandwich built to bring the burn. Add the Carolina Reaper buttermilk herb if you’re feeling extra fiery. @beasleys_raleigh
El Jefé Wings | My Way Tavern These are not for the faint of heart—trust. Flying dangerously close to the sun, the XXX hot wings top the heat scale with a fiery intensity that challenges even the boldest spice lovers, while the Pineapple Reaper brings a sweet-but-deadly kick as a close second. Ranch or blue cheese necessary. @mywayraleigh
Chicken Jalfrezi | Royal India Literally translating to “hot stir-fry,” this dish guarantees a kick—and then some. Served sizzling and soaked in a spicy sauce, every bite delivers a smoky tanginess that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Want it hotter? Ask the kitchen to turn the dial up—they will (but beware!). @royal.india.nc
Lobera
Cauliflower Al Pastor Tacos | Lobera Tacos & Tequila Bringing a serious bite to an otherwise neutral veg, these tacos feat. al pastor-style battered and fried cauliflower deliver a slow, smoky burn. Fresh toppings like salsa verde, avocado, red cabbage, radish and micro-cilantro may look delicate, but don’t be fooled—just one bite will light up your taste buds. @lobera.raleigh
Ludicrous Wings | Buffalo Brothers “Ludicrous” is not an exaggeration. These wings—coated in a fiery sauce so intense, even the bravest have tapped out—take spice to an entirely new level, way past “hell” and straight into the danger zone. Proceed with caution… and maybe a gallon of milk. @buffalobrothersnc
Whether or not you savored some gastronomic globetrotting at this month’s Raleigh’s International Food Festival, extend your palate passport all summerlong—and beyond—via these authentic local worldly eateries.
Don’t judge a book by its cover—or restaurant by its exterior. Once inside this Korean outpost, you’ll def be sold on the made-to-order fried chicken—aka the perf balance of spicy, crispy and flavorful. The bibimbap is also, well, boppin’. 2815 Brentwood Road, facebook.com
It’s hard to ~ramen~ calm when slurping the creamy broth + flavorful ingredients featured in this Japanese joint’s ream of ramen ops, aka the international version of soup for the soul. The sushi rolls, bao buns and karaage fried chicken are also worth a try.2330 Bale St., Ste. 112, @genramen_raleigh
What to order: Get the royal treatment via the Royal chicken curry
Raleigh’s OG Indian oasis doesn’t miss with its award-winning curry curations. Belly up for some spice-forward and veggie-loaded flavor. Or, if curry ain’t your thing, the chicken tikka masala doesn’t disappoint. 3901 Capital Blvd., Ste 103, @royal.india.nc
Skip the DoorDash deep dive and just Chuan it. Experience the flair of the Middle Kingdom (minus the Great Wall) when diggin’ your chopsticks into the fan-fave sesame chicken. And you can’t go wrong with lo mein, dry-fried string beans or General Tso’s chicken either. 2004 New Bern Ave., @chuanxiacafe
Embrace fresh Far East flavor when dining at this authentic gem flaunting mouthwatering and belly-warming pho—NTM bangin’ banh mi and gobbleworthy rice vermicelli soups. 4011 Capital Blvd., phofareastrestaurant.godaddysites.com
Feeding Raleigh like (Sicilian) family one slice and bowl at a time since it bowed in the early ’80s, Sicily-native Frank Amato’s love affair with contemporary casual Italian eats will transport you straight to the “Boot.” Did we mention the dough, sauces and soups are all scratchmade?! 423 Woodburn Road, @ncpiccolaitalia
Ashley Christensen famously once said she gets her chicken from this Peruvian paradise when she’s not cooking it, and we can’t blame her—it’s the place in Raleigh for rotisserie! Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the sweet plantains. 2401 Wake Forest Road, mamislatinrotisserie.com
Comfort from the Land of 13 Sunshines comes in the form of food and atmosphere as you taste Ethiopia through beef-, chicken-, and veggie-based dishes with a ginger tea to pair. So hearty! 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Ste. 146, @nafkot2109
A strip-mall standout, this authentic south of the border eatery boasts tantalizing tacos of all types topped with its signature spicy green sauce. After stuffing yourself, wash it all down with a Mexican Coke and an order of flan, natch. 3601 Junction Blvd., facebook.com
What to order: Stay fruity with pineapple fried rice
You’ll surely be feeling like you made a pit stop in the Land of Smiles itself after pigging out on some of the best fried rice in town (trust us). And if the mood for noods strikes instead, opt for an order of the fan-fave pad thai or pad see ew. 8320 Litchford Road, Ste. 142, lemongrassnc.com
Escape to the Mediterranean when you dine at Neomonde—and while the kebabs’ll have a stake on your heart, the pita pockets, hummus and baklava are all worth coming back for. 3817 Beryl Road, @neomondemediterranean
