Spicy dishes have long been a defining feature of many cuisines, particularly those of Asia, where fiery flavours are deeply rooted in culinary traditions and that is reflected in this latest year's roundup of the globe's hottest culinary traditions.
In this year's World Population Review, India topped the list of countries with the spiciest cuisine, boasting the highest number of dishes recognised for their intense heat. Thailand follows in second place, while several African nations featured prominently, reflecting the global diversity of chilli-rich cooking traditions.
Top 10 Countries with the Spiciest Cuisine and their hottest dishes in 2026
