As the cold months descend, it’s time to find some heat elsewhere. No, we don’t mean abroad, we mean in your food, and Hamilton Central has a huge array of options to help you spice things up.
Here are just a few.
Gothenburg – 17 Grantham Street
The kings of fusion in the Tron, Gothenburg’s tuna tartare is served on crispy furikake rice and features a gochujang spiced mayo. Gochujang is a Korean sauce made from fermented red chilli, giving the tartare a spicy umami hit. Add it to your must-try dishes at Gothenburg.
Breeze Indian Restaurant – 16 Hood Street
Breeze Indian Restaurant say their dum biryani, while not overly hot, offers a rich, well-balanced spice profile that highlights the depth and complexity of Indian cuisine. Prepared using the traditional dum cooking method – marinated meat (chicken or lamb) is layered with long-grain basmati rice, caramelised onions, saffron and a blend of whole and ground spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. The dish is then sealed and slow cooked over a low flame, allowing the flavours to fully develop, resulting in tender meat and perfectly spiced rice, perfect for a cold winter night.
Mexico – 254 Victoria Street
From just a tickle to a fiery lip smack, the team at Mexico say they have you covered with their menu inspired by the streets of Mexico.
Their jalapeño chicken taco has a jalapeño and yuzu sauce that is tangy, slightly spicy and pairs deliciously with the salty crumbed chicken tenders. With extra pops of sliced jalapeños, the spicy hit slowly creeps up on you.
The Chilli House – 237 Victoria Street
We are told the sour spicy noodles are a customer-favourite at The Chilli House, showcasing their house-made noodles (handcrafted daily for the perfect chewy texture) featuring their Sichuan charred chilli oil. This labour of love blends roasted Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon and fennel with a fiery trio of chillies: Chongqing’s ultra-spicy Shihong Zhu, Sichuan’s Bullet Head, and Xinjiang’s Wrinkled Skin varieties. Toasted premium soybeans and peanuts add nutty depth, creating a complex heat that tingles without overwhelming.
Nua – 337 Victoria Street
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy tom yum soup from Nua. This famous Thai hot and sour soup, typically made with shrimp (tom yum goong), although other versions include chicken (tom yum gai) and mixed seafood, is known for its bold, aromatic flavours – spicy, sour, salty and fragrant all at once. The Nua team assure us they can adjust the heat to your liking from mild, medium to hot and if you dare Thai hot!
Flying Burrito Brothers – 65 Bryce Street
Flying Burrito Brothers are firing up the drinks with their spicy guava margarita – a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and tart with a jalapeño garnish and chilli salted rim.
Halwai Sweets and Restaurant – 829 Victoria Street
Veg chow mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with vegetables like capsicum, carrots and cabbage. It’s flavoured with soy sauce, vinegar, hot chilli sauce and spices, offering a savoury, tangy taste. Often garnished with spring onions, it’s a popular and tasty vegetarian option at Halwai Sweets and Restaurant.
Penang Street Food – 941A Victoria Street
There’s a reason why laksa is the ultimate comfort food when the weather turns cold. The combination of warming spices, creamy coconut milk and nourishing ingredients makes it not only delicious but incredibly satisfying. Spices like chilli and ginger help boost circulation and keep the body warm, while the rich broth offers the ultimate winter indulgence. Try an authentic version at Penang Street Food.