In our annual Bite dining guide, we sought out spice at a number of Orlando’s hottest and best-loved restaurants, and whether the dish was Thai hot, doused in fire sauce or rubbed with exotic herbs, we were successful heat-seekers. Click through to find your new spicy food fix or click the links below to jump straight to what you’re craving.

Asian | Indian | Latin | African

Want the dish featured in the thumbnail? Click here.

For more essential foodie listings, check out Bite 2014.

Related: Bite 2014: 50+ places to find comfort food in Orlando Bite 2014: 24 places to find surf and turf in Orlando Bite 2014: 40+ Orlando restaurants that transport you to Europe Bite 2014: 30+ Orlando restaurants serving the classics (and riffs on them) BITE 2014: Every restaurant in our Orlando dining guide

AsianAnh HongThere are hundreds of items on the menu at this Mills 50 mainstay, where No. 146 – fried tofu stir-fried with lemongrass and chili – reigns supreme over the many vegetarian options that round out meat and seafood. There are salads, subs (banh mi), and various neon-colored surprises in the takeout refrigerator case. 1124 E. Colonial Drive, 407-999-2656; $?Image via
AsianAvenue Thai and SushiCan’t decide between pad thai or a spicy tuna roll? You won’t have to at Avenue Thai and Sushi, where you’ll find all the classics of both cuisines. Tofu red curry and tempura cheesecake are fan favorites. 525 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3993; $$Image via
AsianChuan Lu GardenFor those who prefer their Chinese cuisine on the invigorating side, Chuan Lu employs plenty of fiery stimulants in their authentic, real-deal Sichuan fare. An order of cumin lamb, laced with tien tsin peppers and aromatic Sichuan peppercorns, is a must. For sharing, consider a platter of double-cooked pork and the bowl of Lanzhou-style beef soup with noodles. Mains are ample, but if you’re keen on starters, the spicy pork ear and a plate of thin-cut roast beef, tripe and tendon with chili sauce will get the fire started. 1101 E. Colonial Drive, 407-896-8966; $$
AsianDragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi LoungeDressed to impress, this posh spot’s menu is a swarm of small plates. From spectacular sashimi to sublime grilled meats (try the short ribs and yellowtail collar), it’s hard to pick a dish that misses. Consider a swig from their modest sake menu and end with a simple scoop of red-bean ice cream. 7972 Via Dellagio Way, 407-370-3359; $$Image via
AsianHanamizuki Japanese RestaurantDeceptively situated in a bland I-Drive strip mall, this elegant sushi restaurant combines minimalist decor with a menu of surprising depth and intrigue to create a flawlessly integrated and refreshing experience. Don’t miss the unexpected ginger fried rice, lunchtime ramen bowls or, when offered, the chawanmushi (shitake mushroom custard). 8255 International Drive, 407-363-7200; $$$Image via
AsianHawkersThe sheer variety and low price point of the assorted dishes makes this hub of pan-Asian small plates a popular draw, but it’s better for snacking and drinking beer with a group than sitting down to a trad meal. The menu attempts to replicate the feel of a Singaporean street-food market with an array of tiny, tasty Chinese, Malay, Viet and Indian dishes. The place packs ’em in, so call ahead or risk waiting. 1103 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0606; $$
AsianHotto PottoFresh ingredients, genial service and sheer variety help make this Winter Park hot pot joint an option for these looking for a change in their restaurant routine. Meats aren’t too out of the ordinary, though live blue crab, lobster, shrimp and bass keep it interesting. Soup base and spice levels can be adjusted according to taste, and a wide array of house-made sauces seal the deal. Open late Fridays and Saturdays. 3090 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-951-8028; $$
AsianMagic WokPass on the American Chinese menu and ask for the bill of fare listing authentic Shanghainese dishes. The daring will want to dive into the plate of stinky tofu, while anyone will revel in a saucy bowl of pork belly and preserved Chinese greens. Noodle dishes like Shanghai-style rice cake and beef chow fun, a Cantonese specialty, are also worth sampling. Fowl fiends should consider the simply prepared crispy duck, a less glamorous rendition than its Peking counterpart but suffused with ducky essence. 6700 Conroy Road, 407-522-8688; $$Image via
AsianMing’s BistroHard to spot, but well worth seeking, Ming’s specializes in the a la “cart” scarfing extravaganza known as dim sum, though spicy beef hot pan with vermicelli and ginger scallion fish fillets are also worthy dishes. Menu descriptions are terse, so be sure to ask your red-vested server about the ingredients. 1212 Woodward St., 407-898-9672; $Image via
AsianNoodles and Rice CaféNoodles, be they hot, cold, soupy or stir-fried, are the, ahem, mein attraction at this Mills Avenue resto, so whether it’s ramen, udon, soba or lo mein that bubbles your bowl, you’ll find it all right here. Don’t overlook the Hong Kong style barbecue (duck is surprisingly absent) or the Korean short ribs. Hot pot tables also draw a loyal following. It’s BYOB, but you’ll have to tithe to the chef. Open daily. 813 N. Mills Ave., 407-895-8833; $
AsianPho 88You won’t need burgers for a fast-food fix once you find this Vietnamese noodle shop. Specializing in gigantic, weirdly addictive bowls of very thin rice noodles and various cuts of beef submerged in delicately seasoned broth, they also serve the usual exotics of shrimp paste and grilled pork – but the soup’s the thing. 730 N. Mills Ave., 407-897-3488; $Image via
AsianSapporo RamenBanish all thoughts of salty plastic-wrapped bricks: It isn’t that kind of ramen. This West Colonial noodle house is bent on spreading the foodie cult of ramen, and after sampling richly flavored bowls of tonkotsu, shio, miso or shoyu ramen, you will be too. Udon and soba noodles are also offered, as are curries and gyu-don, both of which are worth ordering. Starters (overdone edamame and mushy octopus fritters) are best skipped. Ramen rules here. 5080 W. Colonial Drive, 407-203-6777; $
AsianSEA ThaiYet another Asian entry on the eastern edge of the ViMi district, SEA Thai’s menu is also edgy (ha); pleasing house specialties include a jazzed-up “South East Asia pad thai” with prawns, and pineapple duck curry offers crispy boneless meat covered with pineapple and red curry-cream sauce. 3812 E. Colonial Drive, 407-895-0985; $$Image via
AsianShin JungExotic Korean cuisine served in an intimate and recently remodeled space. A 10-item barbecue list offers stalwart diners authentic choices such as unmarinated beef tongue; the less skittish might try hawe nang myun, a cold noodle dish served with hot-spiced stingray. If you’re inexperienced with Korean cuisine, let the servers steer you. 1638 E. Colonial Drive, ?407-895-7345; $$Image via
AsianSushi Lola’sThe sushi-and-bibimbap joint has moved a few slots down into a larger Corrine Drive space, but very little has changed. The room is still jammed with close-set tables (expect to share your dinner conversation with neighbors, which is part of the fun) but now there are a lot more of them, and the sushi chefs and kitchen staff have room to move. The stone-bowl bulgogi bibimbap is still spicy-crunchy-steamy-good, and the flaming Magic Roll is still toted precariously throughout the crowded dining room. 2902 Corrine Drive, 407-898-5652; $$
AsianSushi PopDon’t let the fuchsia hues and J-pop-themed decor fool you – Sushi Pop takes its fare seriously. Stellar sushi and sashimi complement a variety of rolls, entrees and whimsical desserts flourished with notes of molecular gastronomy (blue cheese powder or liquid nitrogen ice cream, anyone?). Sake fans have the privilege of consulting an in-house expert. 310 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo, 407-542-5975; $$$Image via
AsianTaipei 101Unlike heavily spiced Hunan or Sichuan dishes, the cuisine of Taiwan is considerably simpler. At this UCF-area joint, the natural flavors of such dishes as beef noodle soup, three-cups chicken and lu rou fan – braised pork belly over rice – are fresh and inexpensive. “Snack” items to consider: turnip rice cake, fried tofu topped with kimchi and gua bao – steamed buns stuffed with pork belly. 3050 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, 407-542-1528; $
AsianTasty Wok?You’ll be saying “thank you” repeatedly to your quick-to-educate servers at this modest corner barbecue and noodle house. Singapore rice noodles are a don’t-miss, and roast duck and chicken offer a proper juicy-to-crisp ratio. 1246 E. Colonial Drive, 407-896-8988; $Image via
AsianWasabi Modern Japanese CuisineConveyor-belt sushi comes to the Florida Mall offering a slew of mostly ho-hum rolls. Nothing’s particularly noteworthy; the technology seems to captivate diners (and onlookers) more than the food. When the novelty wears off, you’re left ungratified and thoughts veer to leftover pizza in your refrigerator. 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-859-3940; $Image via
AsianYuki Hana Japanese FusionSlick and serene Oviedo sushi house purports to serve “Japanese fusion,” but it’s less fusion and more straight-up Japanese. Items to consider: expertly sliced sashimi, tender chicken teriyaki, pan-seared beef negimaki and pepper-tuna maki with lively bursts of mango. The sublime crispy duck walnut salad is not to be missed. Service, while friendly, needs polish. 3635 Aloma Ave., Oviedo, 407-695-8808; $$$Image via
AsianYum-Mi SandwichesBright, fresh and modern banh mi counter aims to please the masses with variations on the iconic Vietnamese sandwich. Specialty options like pork belly (“Miss Piggy”) and Asian-marinated beef cubes (“shimmy shaker”) stuffed inside fresh-baked baguettes are hits. Fresh fruit slushes and boba teas are must-try treats. 1227 N. Mills Ave., 407-894-1808; $Image via
IndianAashirwadIt’s hard to beat the cost and variety of favorite dishes in the daily lunch buffet, even if it’s not a quick stop. Dinner is pleasant and highlights the Northern Indian cuisine, but this strip-mall eatery is for filling up, not atmosphere. 5748 International Drive, 407-370-9830; $$Image via
IndianAroma Indian CuisineAroma places a focus on customer service and offers the fortunate denizens of Lake Mary some of the finest Indian food in the Orlando area. Kebabs sizzling from the tandoor are a must, while vegetarians need not look past the puri and okra curry. Looking to raise your cholesterol? Consider the house specialty butter chicken, then cap it off with creamy frozen kulfi. 4275 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Lake Mary, 321-283-0242; $$
IndianBombay CaféThis sanctuary of South Indian fare gives Woodlands a run for its money with infernal vegetarian curries, enormous dosas and comforting flatbreads. Chaats (crunchy snack mixes) offer textural diversity with varying levels of heat. Lunch thalis are available Monday to Sunday. 1137 Doss Ave., 407-240-5151; $Image via
IndianGateway to IndiaThe distinctive roofline of a former Pizza Hut remains, but inside a world of Indian specialties awaits. Chicken tikka masala and malai kofta are creamy and mildly spicy; chili naan will make your scalp tingle. Soothe it all down with a dish of cardamom-kissed rice pudding. 790 E. State Road 434, Longwood, 407-399-9996; $$$Image via
IndianKhasiyatMost people come to this humble vegetarian hideaway for the cheap lunch buffet – well-stocked with five different curries – but the real star is the selection of savory Indian snacks. Can’t-miss offerings: enormous, not-at-all-greasy dosai masala and addictive bhel puri. Wash it all down with a Limca, the official soft drink of the subcontinent. 852 W. Lancaster Road, 407-888-2147; $Image via
IndianKurry & Kabab ExpressHumble UCF-area kebaberie is small on space, but their tandoor-fired dishes are big on flavor. Chapli kebabs are popular, so if they’re available, get them. (Also worthy are the ground chicken seekh kebabs.) There are plenty of goat curries for those who like a bit of fatty lusciousness, and buttery naan and paratha are perfect for dipping. Skip the gulab jamun and opt for a mango lassi – to go. 10725 E. Colonial Drive, 407-273-2254; $
IndianNew Punjab Indian RestaurantAuthentic Indian standby on International Drive offers refuge from the bright lights and fast-food franchises. Take a tour through the classics – curries, fried breads, chutneys and tasty tandoori dishes. 7451 International Drive, 407-352-7887; $$Image via
IndianRagaIn Raga, Indian fine dining has, arguably, arrived on Sand Lake Road but instead of novel dishes, flavor experimentation and solid execution, diners are left with the same old tune, but at elevated prices. You’ll find more than a few Indo-Chinese specialties which tend to up the spice levels. Service is proficient and professional, be it at lunch or dinner. 7559 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-985-2900; $$$
IndianTabla Bar & GrillSajan Prem raises the bar for Indian cuisine in Orlando with a lengthy menu of inspired Indian-fusion dishes. Chili pakoras trump jalapeño poppers; kesari murgh marries homemade pesto and saffron sauce; and lamb do piazza’s heady curry is both assertive and aromatic. Desserts, like toffee pudding cake and chocolate samosas, continue the razzle-dazzling. 5827 Caravan Court, 407-248-9400; $$Image via
IndianTamarind Indian CuisineTamarind’s familiar, fiery and focused dishes are worthy of Subcontinental food cravings. Samosas and sizzling tandoor-fired lamb chops are the way to start; end with exotic falooda kulfi, ice cream made of condensed milk, rose syrup and crushed pistachios. 501 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 321-207-0760; also 12309 E. Colonial Drive, 407-237-0920; $$Image via
IndianWoodlandsPure vegetarian. Pure delight. Southern Indian delicacies based on hot, spicy, sour and sweet hit every part of the tongue with equal splendor. Go straight for the thali (assortment plate) specials for a bit of everything, or savor Tamil specialties like enormous, crispy, masala-stuffed dosas. 6040 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-854-3330; $$Image via
LatinAgave AzulA cool blue interior belies the spicy fare served at this trendy taquería. With 100 brands on hand, tequila is the aperitif of choice, but all good drinks lead to food, and the Tex-Mex dishes served here are done right. Chunky guacamole, the plato grande (a hungry man’s dish of skirt steak, picadillo enchilada and a superb chicken tamale slathered in mole), and the pastel de piña are all recommended, as are reservations. 4750 S. Kirkman Rd., 407-704-6930; $$Image via
LatinAzteca D’OroA great big menu hits all the Mexican-American highlights: queso dip, fried taquitos, quesadillas and a plethora of platters. A good place to take a group for margaritas, sangria and plenty of cheese-covered delights. 12403 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-826-9191; also 11633 University Blvd., 407-737-8388; $Image via
LatinBlack Bean DeliAfter dishing out homespun favorites since the mid-’80s, Winter Park’s Black Bean passed from aunt to nephew and gained a new vitality. Now there’s a new Mills Avenue location, beautifully designed and offering beer and outdoor café tables. Lunch platters are a bargain; tender roast chicken has a citrusy tang, pork is marinated and slow-cooked and the avocado dressing is pale-green magic. 325 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-0294; also 1835 E. Colonial Drive, 407-203-0922; $Image via
LatinBorder Grill Fresh-MexThis MetroWest taquería is a real find, and once found, a treasure trove of tacos (pibil, chorizo and grilled chicken are our faves), tortas, gorditas, burritos and caldos awaits. Consider starting with fresh-made guac and ending with homemade flan, no matter how stuffed you feel. Homemade salsas can be downright infernal, but Mexican Coca-Cola and various aguas frescas (get the watermelon) prove effective extinguishers. Open daily. 5695 Vineland Road, 407-352-0101; $
LatinCafé Tu Tu TangoArtists work while you eat in what’s essentially a mini-gallery, where the mood is festive, even outrageous, and the service is always impressive. Entree portions are intentionally small; diners are encouraged to order several and swap around the table. 8625 International Drive, 407-248-2222; $$$Image via
LatinCocina 214Haute-Texican cuisine with Portuguese flourishes gives cause to visit this industrial-chic Park Avenue-area resto. From skillfully rendered shrimp piri-piri to pollo pibil to duck confit tacos, the kitchen employs a mix of traditional and contemporary methods. Brunch here is one of the few places in town you’ll find authentic migas and chilaquiles. 151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park, 407-790-7997; $$Image via
LatinColibri Mexican CuisineUpscale Baldwin Park taquería has honed its act in the kitchen. The mole is bueno, as is luscious chipotle pepper-cream sauce lathered over plump shrimp. Tres leches cake is a decadent capper. 4963 New Broad St., 407-629-6601; $$Image via
LatinEl BuzoCeviche is the specialty of this tiny Peruvian cocina, but be sure to start with excellent mussels on the half-shell, dressed with a tangy salsa jacked with aji limo peppers. Grilled beef heart and traditional lomo saltado are worthy turf selections, if you’re not into surf. For dessert, soufflé-like bavarois de guindones is ethereal. Open daily. 1436 N. Semoran Blvd., Casselberry, 407-673-0237; $Image via
LatinGringos LocosDowntown taquería is a boon for late-night revelers offering standard tacos, burritos, chimis and quesadillas. The sizable girth of the chimi and “1 Night Slam” burrito make them ideal alcohol sponges, and crisp, flaky empanadas are great grab-and-go items. Skip bland guacamole and overdone fish tacos. 20 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626; $Image via
LatinLa Sirena Gorda CabañaArguably the most inviting restaurant in historic downtown Sanford, this comely mermaid-themed taquería hardly makes a splash with its Tex-Mex dishes, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself lured in anyway. An inviting patio and sizable bar keeps patrons coming until the wee hours on weekends, when live musicians play outside on the patio. 118 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-391-3955; $$
LatinOh! Que BuenoA small Colombian cafe that specializes in protein: meat, chicken, sausages, seafood. And unless you count rice, corn and red beans, not a veggie in the place. The carneteria offers authentic traditional dishes done well, as well as enormous combination plates of beef, pork, sausage and the occasional egg. 1125 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-447-5026; $Image via
LatinPaxia Alta Cocina Mexicana & Tequila LoungeCollege Park spot leads the charge to bring worthy Mexican cuisine to this city. Tangy cactus stems highlight the nopalitos salad; chipotle lends black bean soup an understated bite; and mole poblano and char-grilled skirt steak are worthy of signature-dish status. 2611 Edgewater Drive,?407-420-1155; $$Image via
LatinQ’KenanAmong the timeshares and hotels on the southern end of I-Drive, this unusual family Venezuelan joint peeks out of the overwhelming fast-food dining scene. It’s part restaurant and part grocery store and there’s not much ambience, but the authentic arepas, empanadas and cachapas are top-rate. Try the mixed mountain grill (parrilla tepui mixta) for a heartier entree. 8117 Vineland Ave., 407-238-0014; $Image via
LatinRincon Cubano CafeteriaDown-home Cuban cooking awaits those who take the drive down Forsyth Road’s forlorn drag; Maria Alfonso brings her diner to life with a welcoming exuberance. Empanadas are a must (if they haven’t sold out); meat-lovers will revel in the steak palomilla, churrasco and pork-topped mofongo. Breakfast and lunch only. 3327 N. Forsyth Road, Winter Park, 407-679-5600; $Image via
LatinRocco’s TacosTop-shelf tequila and thumping music make this Dr. Phillips taquería more bar than restaurant, but there are pockets of goodness to be found on the mostly so-so Tex-Mex menu. Tableside guac is tasty; chorizo, spicy beef and mushroom tacos are chomp-worthy; cheesy corn on the cob and pulled pork enchiladas warrant a try. You’ll relish every bite of the freshly fried churros. 7468 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-226-0550; $$
LatinSuper Rico Colombian BistroFood truck fans may remember them as Que Rico Colombian Fast Food, but wheels or no, the Colombian specialties flying onto your table will keep you in your seat. Beef and grilled onion-topped patacones (somewhat similar to tostones), pintxos (grilled meat skewers) and bright-yellow cheese empanadas are tasty; the arepa burger is not to be missed. 57 W. Central Blvd., 321-345-7426; $Image via
LatinWall Street CantinaThe slightly funky location at Orange Avenue and Wall Street rescues this streetside eatery from too-calculated hipness. Basic Tex-Mex fried favorites are heaped with pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream and are absolutely delicious. Salads and grilled sandwiches round out the offerings. 19 N. Orange Ave., 407-420-1515; $Image via
LatinZaza’s New Cuban DinerClassic renditions of Cuban comfort food are served up in a tiny ’70s-style building. Affordable, bountiful dinner plates, like the lechon asado, prove pork can be lean and still juicy; the high-octane café con leche is some of the best Cuban coffee north of Key West. Homemade guava-and-cream cheese pastries make a sweet finish. 3500 Curry Ford Road, 407-228-0060; $?Image via
AfricanBoma: Flavors of AfricaTables loaded with spicy African dishes – flavored by unusual and delicious combinations of tamarind, cumin, cinnamon, hot chilies, cilantro and papaya – invite exploration at the overwhelming dinner and breakfast buffets in Disney’s colorful, Dark Continent-themed resort hotel. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, 407-938-4722; $$$Image via
AfricanJikoPan-African splendor jumps out in this gorgeous restaurant overlooking acres of savannah filled with wild animals. The food is steeped in traditions from all over the continent, including a tasty slow-cooked Moroccan stew and superb flatbread with yogurt and onions baked in open “jiko” ovens. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, 407-939-3463; $$Image via
AfricanNile Ethiopian RestaurantOrlando’s lone Ethiopian restaurant is a blessing for foodies with an appetite for the exotic. Utensils come in the form of pancake-like sourdough bread called injera, used to scoop intensely spiced dishes from a large communal platter. Be sure to sample traditional honey wine as well as Ethiopian coffee, brewed in a clay pot. 7040 International Drive, 407-354-0026; $$Image via
AfricanSanaaDisney’s East African entry at Animal Kingdom Lodge puts Indian flavors on the plates, but it’s exotic-lite, nothing too spicy or challenging. Ordering anything from the tandoor oven – moist chicken, crispy breads – is a wise decision. For dessert, try a pot of French-pressed Kenya coffee and float-off-your-spoon-light chai creammousse. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-3463; $$$Image via