If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my culinary adventures in Columbus, it’s that this city has no shortage of spicy dishes that bring the heat.
In high school, I used to buy insanely hot sauces with my friends and put ourselves through the Scoville gauntlet to see how much pain we could handle (if you’re confused, Scoville units are used to measure the spice level of peppers and hot sauces). So I’m somewhat of a spice connoisseur.
From fiery fried chicken to tingly peppercorn-covered masterpieces, Columbus knows how to cater to thrill-seekers and spice enthusiasts alike. Here’s my list of the top 5 spiciest dishes I’ve braved so far. If you’re ready to break a sweat, grab a glass of milk and read on!
1. Mystery Sauce at Ray Ray’s Cluck Off
While getting chicken wings at Ray Ray’s requires a special occasion (i.e. their Cluck Off Competition), this was BY FAR the spiciest thing I’ve ever had in my entire life. If you haven’t heard, Ray Ray’s Cluck Off is a spicy wing gauntlet consisting of 11 chicken wings coated in sauces that get increasingly hotter with each wing. All of the sauces actually tasted really, really good, but the #11 wing consisted of a mystery sauce that burned with the fire of 1,000 Suns.
This sauce was sheer pain, and it was extra diabolical because it had a delayed release, so you think you’re totally fine and then WHAM — your tongue and lips start melting. This is not for the faint of heart, but I am very proud to say that I was able to eat, not one, but TWO wings with this demonic sauce on them! You can watch me suffer in the video below.
2. The Holy Spice Blend at Hot Chicken Takeover
When it comes to insanely spicy fried chicken, Hot Chicken Takeover’s Holy Spice blend takes the crown. I went for a 4-count of their drums, which were delicious but absolutely intense. This heat doesn’t just stay on your tongue – it’s a full-contact sport from lips to… well, let’s just say, you’ll feel it the next day. The peak of my suffering? I snagged the bread that sits under the chicken, which had absorbed every last bit of that fiery sauce, and got the spice under my fingernail. It burned like crazy and wouldn’t let up. But would I try it again? Probably. I love the flavor, and they’re rolling out a new menu that I’m curious to explore.
3. Zahawig at Yemeni Restaurant
5426 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231
The Zahawig at Yemeni Restaurant is like a Middle Eastern salsa, but with a heat level that tops any salsa I’ve ever tried. We were warned to go easy… just a few dollops would be enough to bring the fire, but I couldn’t resist. It was simply too good to stop! Adding it to the bone broth soup gave it a perfect kick and an extra layer of flavor that was downright addictive. My dining companions were in awe (and maybe a little concerned) as I kept scooping it by the spoonful, but I couldn’t get enough of this fiery delight.
4. Red Dragon Ramen (Level 3) at Fukuryu Ramen
Fukuryu Ramen has a special place in my heart for its rich bone broth and savory pork belly. But when I’m in the mood for a spicy challenge, I go for the Red Dragon Ramen at level 3 heat. While level 2 spice is my comfort zone, level 3 takes it to a whole new level. It’s sinus-clearing, tongue-tingling, and perfect if you want a little adrenaline rush with your noodles. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s well worth it for spice lovers!
5. Chicken with Green Peppercorn at Chuan Jiang Hao Zi
496 Ackerman Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
This dish took me by surprise with its unique, tingly kind of spice. Chuan Jiang Hao Zi’s Chicken with Green Peppercorn isn’t overwhelmingly hot, but it’s like a flavor bomb that coats your entire mouth in a pleasantly numbing heat. It’s the kind of addictive spice that keeps you coming back for more, and the generous portion size means you’re in for a real treat. If you’re curious about a different kind of spicy experience, this one is unforgettable.
