Indian Food 101
A Friendly Guide to Indian Spice Levels
Heat and flavor are not the same thing. Here is how to choose a spice level and still taste everything in the dish.
“How spicy is it?” is one of the most common questions in an Indian restaurant. It is also a good question, because people experience chile heat differently.
Spice is bigger than heat
In Indian cooking, spice can mean aromatic ingredients such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, clove and black pepper. Chile provides heat, but heat is only one part of the flavor.
Choosing your level
- Mild is the gentlest starting point if you are sensitive to chile heat.
- Medium adds a noticeable warmth without making heat the entire experience.
- Hot is for diners who actively enjoy chile heat.
There is no prize for ordering hotter than you enjoy. A good choice lets you appreciate the sauce, aromatics, texture and main ingredient together.
Ask the team
Some dishes naturally taste gentler or more intense than others. Tell the restaurant what you normally enjoy, especially if it is your first time ordering a dish. At Taz, our team can help you choose.