Turn Up The Heat: Hot & Spicy Fest Vendors Pt.1
Hot & Spicy Fest is all set to kick off this weekend (Jun 20-22) and we’ve already taken a look at all the banging entertainment we’ve got in store, so now it’s time to turn our attention to the food! We’ve got 40+ vendors serving up 100+ spicy dishes, snacks, drinks and more from across the globe.
In this first part alone, we've got a range of spicy offerings from Chinese regions like Guizhou, Sichuan and Guangxi all the way to countries far and wide like India, Nigeria, Thailand, Mexico, Spain, Brazil and beyond! Now, it's time to get your tongue tingling in anticipation…
Dastaan Indian Cuisine
达斯坦印度餐厅
Known for their authentic flavors and handcrafted recipes, Dastaan will be unleashing the fiery soul of India with their signature spicy curries, kebabs and tantalizing chili-infused specialties that will deliver an unmatched burst of heat and flavor at the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Mirch Masala Poppers – banana peppers stuffed with spicy minced chicken and cheese and deep-fried until golden.
- Goan Vindaloo Volcano – Goan-style spicy mutton meatballs coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy.
Drinks:
- Mango Chutney Margarita – tequila mixed with mango, lime and a kick of chutney heat.
- Masala Gin Tonic – an Indian twist on the classic that's zesty, spicy and pure attitude.
- Masala Coke - chaos in a cup.
Paulaner Bräuhaus Beijing (Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center)
普拉那啤酒坊（北京燕莎中心凯宾斯基饭店)
German restaurant and brewery Paulaner Bräuhaus has designed their dishes so that each one has a different spice level, pairing them with either a secret chili sauce or chili powder crafted by their chef.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Chili Cheese Sausage & Nachos – a Bavarian-Mexican fusion dish, it combines their signature cheese sausage with a secret smoky chili powder and serves it with crispy nachos and freshly made guacamole.
- “Berlin Big Boss” – their take on currywurst and fries, it features Berlin-style pork sausages grilled until lightly charred, topped with a zesty house-made tomato-curry sauce and finished with a dusting of roasted curry powder for aromatic warmth with a side of golden, crispy fries.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Buffalo Chicken Wings – a German twist on an American classic, it sees crispy fried chicken in a buttery hot sauce elevated with a selection of German spices.
Drinks:
- Paulaner Bräuhaus Lager – a bright golden beer, pleasantly malty with subtle notes of hops.
TRIBE GARDEN AFRICAN RESTAURANT
部落花园⾮洲餐吧
Tribe Garden will be serving up a range of traditional Nigerian dishes at the festival, featuring a range of African chilies and spices.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Spicy Goat Suya – the hottest dish they'll be serving at the fest, it features goat shallow fried with African scotch bonnet, chilies, bell peppers, cloves, onions and ginger.
- Suya Beef – lean beef is smoked on charcoal with local African spices like sun-dried red chili, grated cloves, onions, ginger and nutmeg.
- Sausage and Potato Platter – sausages from six European countries are paired with ginger, chili, lemon, and stir-fried potatoes.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Spicy Afro Plantains – their classic fried plantains turned up a notch with a red chili topping.
Drinks:
- Afro Mango Mojito – their signature drink that's perfect for cooling your mouth down.
Jing-A
京A
Craft brewery Jing-A has gone all out for the fest, creating a range of exclusive offerings that channel the spices of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Hot & Spicy Mint and Basil Aussie M9 Wagyu Jerky – a reinvention of the traditional Yunnan-Guizhou specialty Stir-Fried Beef With Mint, it features house-cured Aussie M9 Wagyu sirloin tip mixed with crispy, fried mint and basil leaves.
- Creamy Yunnan-Guizhou Cold Sour Soup Fish – a cold version of the classic dish, it sees deep-fried sea bream steeped in their secret creamy sour broth and then finished with slices of fresh xiaomi chilies.
- Russian-Style Smoked Aussie Angus M5 Wagyu Skewer – chunks of Aussie Angus M5 steak skewered with chilies.
- Spicy Worker’s Fries – their signature worker's fries topped with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.
Drinks:
- IPA Huang Pi Beer Fruited Hazy Session IPA – wampi – a tangy, aromatic fruit from southern China – is blended with Mosaic, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria hops for a juicy, citrusy session hazy IPA.
- IPA Breeze Mosaic DDH Session Hazy IPA – featuring a single-hop Mosaic in five distinct forms, it has a rich tropical aroma with notes of mango, pineapple and passionfruit.
Las Musas Taqueria
Las Musas 墨西哥餐吧
Las Musas will be showcasing the spices of Mexico at the fest with a range of enticing dishes, including a fest exclusive!
Menu Highlight(s):
- Jalapeño Poppers – crisp, golden-brown jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and served with a green chili ranch.
- Loaded Mexican Fries – crispy fries tossed in their signature Tajín spice blend, smothered in smoky jalapeño queso fundido and topped with fresh pico de gallo. A perfect, shareable mix of heat, crunch, and gooey indulgence.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Mexican Chicken Wings – fried chicken wings are tossed in smoky adobo honey lime glaze and then sprinkled with cotija cheese and served with a side pico de gallo. They're sweet, savory, succulent and finger-licking good.
Drinks:
- Frozen Margarita – spicy mango with hibiscus (non-alcoholic version also available).
- Mojito – classic lime with raspberry (non-alcoholic version also available).
Pig Thai
皮哥泰猪手饭
Bringing the spices of Thailand to the fest is Pig Thai.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Thai Pig Trotters Rice with Secret Chili Sauce – pig trotters slow-braised in aromatic Thai spices with a secret palm sugar glaze finished with lemongrass and paired with rice and a sauce made from fresh Thai bird's eye chili, lime juice and fish sauce.
- Tom Yum Soup – a tangy soup that's spicy, sour, and savory with fragrant lemongrass, Thai lime leaves, and chili heat.
Seahey Wine Bistro
肆海山川 Wine Bistro
Seahey Wine Bistro specializes in creating Sichuan-style dishes that pair perfectly with wine and beer.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Spicy Pork Belly with Rice Cake – this creative combination is infused with Sichuan spices for that classic spicy and numbing mala flavor.
- Sichuan Pickled Vegetables – a traditional Sichuan snack, it's tangy, spicy, and crunchy, bursting with a bold mix of chili, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns for a punchy, refreshing treat.
Drinks:
- Iced Peach Oolong Tea
- US IPA Beer
- White Wine
SUSU
苏苏越南菜
Vietnamese restaurant SUSU will be injecting the fiery spices of Vietnam into the festival.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Shaking Beef Kebabs – grilled beef tenderloin skewers served with a sriracha chili sauce specially prepared for the festival.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Southern Beef Vermicelli Bowl – a well-known dish from southern Vietnam, it features pan-fried beef tenderloin, rice noodles, mint leaves, Thai basil, fish sauce, and chili oil all mixed together.
Drinks:
- Passion Fruit Lemonade
- PP Summer Iced Tea
- Lychee Grape Soda
- Saigon Beer
Home Plate BBQ
本垒美式烤肉
American barbecue spot Home Plate will be showing off some Texas heat at the fest with their dishes.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Texas-Style Smoked Pork Ribs – Memphis-rubbed pork ribs are slow-smoked for ten hours and then slathered in their in-house jalapeño jelly for a sweet and spicy kick that leaves you wanting more.
- Texas Chili Cheese Fries – their brisket beef chili is slow-cooked for hours with veggies, bacon and a chili spice blend featuring five different types of chilies and then layered over crispy French fries and finished with melted cheese.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Crispy Chicken Bites – chicken breast is brined for 24 hours before being fried till crispy in their spiced chicken flour and tossed in your choice of either tangy spicy buffalo sauce or sweet and spicy Texas heat BBQ sauce.
Drinks:
- Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita – making a comeback after a couple of years away, it contains fresh pineapple and fresh jalapeños for a tropical punch full of flavor and heat.
HUZI Beer and Burgers
虎滋精酿
Craft brewery HUZI will be bringing spicy dishes from China, Mexico and the US to the fest, along with some of their signature brews.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Mexican Spicy Tripe – a classic Mexican street food dish, it's centered around fiery and bold flavors, with a balance of tangy, savory, and spicy aromatics.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Shredded Cold Noodles – Beijing-style cold noodles with sesame paste, paired with their homemade spicy salsa sauce made from a range of peppers like ancho, habanero, and Hainan lantern peppers. Then topped with your choice of either long-braised shredded beef, grilled chicken marinated in a mix of spices, or fresh shrimp marinated in a spicy and sour sauce.
Drinks:
- Strawberry Wheat – a blend of fruity and malty aromas, pink in color, a favorite among ladies.
- Belgian Wheat – a classic craft beer with rich malt flavor.
- Coffee Dark Beer – a combination of coffee and malt, with rich foam.
RICE NOODLES
粉面牛魔
RICE NOODLES specializes in authentic Jiangxi cuisine, known for its bold flavors and distinctive spiciness and often referred to as “Jiangxi spiciness,” which is fiercer and more numbing than other regional varieties.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Jiangxi Fried Rice Noodles (江西炒粉) – a smoky, wok-tossed dish bursting with chili heat and savory depth.
- Nanchang Mixed Noodles (南昌拌粉) – a cold noodle dish tossed in a pungent, spicy sauce with pickled vegetables and peanuts, offering a refreshing yet fiery kick.
MOKA BROS
摩卡站
MOKA BROS will be embracing the flavors of Mexico for the festival with their selection of dishes and drinks.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Chili Con Carne – a spicy meat sauce crafted with a blend of Chinese chili peppers and Mexican chili peppers is slow-cooked and paired with a side of tortilla chips.
- Spicy Chicken Quesadilla – a golden, crispy tortilla generously stuffed with stringy, gooey cheese, accompanied by tender, succulent chicken blended with authentic Mexican chili peppers and onions.
Drinks:
- Spicy Passion – featuring a unique vodka infusion crafted by steeping Chinese chilies and fragrant, freshly harvested Sichuan pepper blended with pineapple juice and passion fruit.
- Chili Margarita – a bold and zesty twist on the classic cocktail that sees a spicy tequila infused with chili peppers, paired with lime slush.
Jerry’s Bistro
小玖馆
Jerry's Bistro has crafted a range of Australian and African spicy dishes for the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Dragon's Breath Fiery Skewers – Australian Angus sirloin ribs skewered with fresh abalone and charred jalapeños and bird's eye chilies, all drenched in a spicy sauce made from dragon's breath chilies (the second spiciest in the world) and caramelized garlic and brown sugar to balance out the heat.
- Spicy North African Shakshuka With Black Tiger Prawns on Ciabatta – smoky shakshuka is paired with seared black tiger prawns then loaded on top of a slice of ciabatta.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Peri-Peri Grilled Chicken – grilled chicken is smothered in one of Nando's signature sauces, ranging from the mild Garlic, Lemon & Herb flavor through to Medium Spicy, Spicy and right up to Extra Hot.
- Stir-Fried Spicy Squid Tentacles – a special for Spicy Fest, it sees tender squid tentacles wok-seared with fresh Hangzhou chilies and then blasted on a sizzling hot plate.
TAIBA SHAWARMA
TAIBA 土耳其烤肉
Taiba Shawarma brings authentic dishes from Arab chefs, full of Middle Eastern passion, and they've created a special fusion dish just for the festival.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Mexican Shawarma – the classic Middle Eastern dish is given a twist with Mexican flavors. Marinated chicken is grilled on a vertical spit, then stuffed inside a tortilla with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and Taiba's secret sauce.
- Falafel Wrap – deep-fried falafel balls are served with tahini, vegetables and pickles inside a soft pita-style wrap.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Beef Pie – a crispy, golden pie stuffed with beef, spring onion and other fillings.
Drinks:
- Arabic Yogurt Juice – chilled yogurt is diluted and stirred with salt.
- Lemon Mint Juice – super refreshing and perfect for pairing with spicy food.
The Local Cocktail Bar and Eatery
Local 美式餐吧
American food joint and bar The Local will be serving up some good old classic American spicy fare at the fest, including some items specially created for the fest, which, if they prove popular, might be added to their regular menu.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Buffalo Chicken Wings – known for having some of the most authentic buffalo wings in Beijing, they'll be offering up a range of flavors, from their Signature Buffalo Wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing to help balance out the spice up to the super spicy 5-Alarm Fire Wings for those who want more of a kick.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Mac & Cheese Balls – deep-fried balls of their famous macaroni and cheese, kicked up with smoked paprika and red pepper. (They can also be ordered with no spice, but staff will be quietly judging you if you do!)
Drinks:
- Mangonadas – a huge hit at Taco Fest, this frozen drink is full of fresh mango, spicy sweet Tajín, and chamoy sauce and can be served with or without tequila.
Latina•Brazilian Steakhouse
拉蒂娜•巴西牛排馆
Latina will transport your taste buds to Brazil with their selection of authentic churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) offerings.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Spicy Beef Kebab – featuring barbecued picanha – a cut of beef taken from the top of the rump – skewers combined with chilies.
- Brazilian Spicy Sausage – links of pork married with an array of spices.
Drinks:
- Caipirinha – cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice, blended with lime and sugar. It’s a perfect, refreshing drink for summer.
BROWNSTONE
布朗石西班牙餐厅
Spanish restaurant BROWNSTONE will be bringing some traditional Spanish spices to the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Spanish-Style Charcoal-Grilled Paprika – small paprika chili peppers are charcoal-grilled with garlic and other Spanish spices, making a perfect snack to enjoy with a drink.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Spanish Spicy Tripe – Madrid-style tripe made using a secret recipe and slow-cooked until tender in a rich broth. They're making it extra spicy just for the fest.
Drinks:
- Homemade Sangria – made from 100 percent Spanish wine with homemade jam, a range of fresh, seasonal fruits and a blend of other secret ingredients.
LEO by FLO
福楼•艺面
LEO by FLO will be showcasing a range of handcrafted pasta dishes at the fest, featuring their signature chili oil.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Spicy Oil Tagliatelle Bolognese – tagliatelle is topped with a spicy oil-infused bolognese and an egg yolk.
Exclusive Item(s):
- LEO Signature Spicy Spaghetti Bolognese – their signature Bolognese is taken up a notch with the addition of some spice.
Drinks:
- Detox Green – a blend of wheatgrass, kiwi, Indian gooseberry, chia seeds and jasmine tea.
Nashville
乡谣餐吧
Country music joint Nashville will be bringing the flavors of the US and Mexico to the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- LA-Style Spicy Baby Potatoes – baby potatoes sourced from Strauss Farms in LA are high-heat roasted until crispy and caramelized on the outside but still creamy and buttery on the inside and then tossed in a bold blend of chili and aromatic spices for an addictive kick.
- Nashville Spicy Steak Fajitas – a Tex-Mex classic with a bold twist: Charred, smoky steak is paired with the fiery kick of ancho and poblano chili peppers, balanced by zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro and garlic and all served with caramelized bell peppers and onions.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Seaweed Cheese Balls – crispy, deep-fried cheese balls topped with nori flakes and served with your choice of tomato sauce, cheese sauce, or sweet and spicy sauce.
Drinks:
- Mahou Lager
- Mahou IPA
- KVB
- Moscow Mule
- Gin and Tonic
- Highballs
WAWABEER
哇哇兔精酿餐吧
WAWABEER has turned to the flavors of Mexico for their offering at the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Mexican Style Fried Corn – sweetcorn deep-fried to a golden crisp then tossed in their secret spicy-cheese dust.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Smoked Chili Pulled Pork Pita – slow-cooked pulled pork marinated with smoked chili, black pepper and a secret spice blend, then sautéed with buttery smoked chili and their signature BBQ glaze and stuffed into warm pita bread, and finally topped with house-made salsa and a creamy special sauce.
Drinks:
- Citrus Cider
- Grape Cider
- Dahongpao Kangpu Tea
Ameli Restaurant
Ameli餐吧
Ameli will be bringing the flavors of the US and Mexico to the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Buffalo Wings – crispy, deep-fried chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy hot sauce.
- Fried Jalapeño – jalapeños stuffed with mozzarella cheese, creamy mashed potato and their signature slow-braised beef, and then deep-fried until golden.
Exclusive Item(s):
- Frito Pie – crushed corn chips served in the bag, topped with hot taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and your choice of salsa or hot sauce.
Bluche
佰
Bluche will be offering up dishes from both China and the US at the fest.
Menu Highlight(s):
- Nashville Hot Fried Chicken – originating in Nashville in the 1930s, marinated chicken is fried and then coated in a spicy sauce made from a variety of chili peppers.
- Guiding Chili Truffle Beef Bites – beef is covered in a chili powder made from a mix of Guizhou chilies from Guiding County, including lantern peppers, erjingtiao peppers, and ghost peppers, then paired with Western truffles.
Drinks:
- Mildly Drunk Ocean – white rum mixed with Sprite and goldfish-shaped bursting juice gummies.
Hot & Spicy Fest will be taking place at FFC South Square on Jun 20 from 4pm to 9pm and on Jun 21 and 22 from 11am to 9pm. Standard Early Bird Tickets are RMB 25, Magnet Early Bird Tickets are RMB 35, VIP Tickets are RMB 100 and Standard/On-Site Tickets are RMB 35. You can purchase tickets by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
FFC South Square 北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场
5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号
A Word From Our Sponsors
Sprite
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The Venue
Hot & Spicy Fest will be taking place at FFC South Square. Situated next to the East Third Ring Road and one street away from CCTV Headquarters, the South Square of Fortune Financial Center is an excellent location for events. Line 10's Jintaixizhao station exits onto the square, making it super convenient to get to. The square itself was designed by internationally renowned landscaping company ACLA of Hong Kong and features over 60 different kinds of green plants, including ginkgo, magnolia, and cherry trees. The square has hosted a multitude of cultural and artistic activities.
FFC South Square 北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场
5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号
If you're a lover of spicy food and would like to stay up to date with everything spice-related in the capital, join our dedicated Spicy Food Lovers group chats! Simply add TBJButler on WeChat by scanning the QR code below and request to become a member.
READ: Spice Up Your Life: Hot & Spicy Fest Entertainment
Images: the Beijingers, courtesy of the vendors
