Anyone confident in their spice tolerance should not miss Chilli Fest 2026, the year's hottest food festival set to ignite Bangkok. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 28 March 2026, at Urban Oasis (Level L), Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.
This event is more than just about heat; it's a gathering of spice lovers elevating chili to masterpiece-level dishes crafted by top chefs from leading Bangkok restaurants, alongside thrilling activities and signature fiery dishes from elite chefs, including: Chef Ton (Le Du & Nusara) who will serve authentic Thai heat with "green chicken and beef curry" made from freshly ground spicy curry paste, balanced by his special "steamed dumplings" recipe. Then, for a modern Indian twist, Chef Narayan invites you to taste modern Punjabi street food featuring fiery papri chaat and fragrant butter chicken rolls bursting with spices.
Mexican cuisine with a punch comes from Chefs Gabi & Diego, bringing cherished family recipes (Abuelita) to life with "black squid aguachile" and fiery grilled beef tacos, teamed with Southern Thai flavors from Mr. Hua Don, a cheeky fictional chef character who will take you on a tongue-burning journey with "spicy minced meat khao khluk khring" and crab curry rice noodles so hot they’ll have you begging for mercy.
Korean cuisine won’t be outdone, featuring Korean fusion dishes by Chef Steve (I-Sang) with bold budak bibim noodles and Thai-style spicy fried chicken guaranteed to be zestier than ever, along with Burmese-Japanese fusion from Chef Honey Rae, who opens a new world with "yaki tori mala peanut" and tofu topped with garlic chili oil. Additionally, there will be many standout dishes from popular eateries including modern Chinese dumplings, chorizo lasagna, spicy Spanish tapas, and family-style Pad Thai loaded with crispy pork cracklings.
A must-see highlight is the Chilli Eating Competition, a quest to find the ultimate iron-tongued champion. Brave contestants must conquer progressively hotter chilis up to a peak of 2,200,000 Scoville units. Spice lovers eager to test their heat limits can register before 13 March 2026.
Beyond food, the festival offers packed lifestyle activities such as the Hot Sauce Market,featuring top chili saucesfrom well-known brands like That Daeng Sauce, Firepower Hot Sauces, and Siamaya Chocolate. There’s also free chili tattooing by Inspiration Ink Tattoo Bangkok for those wanting to proudly wear their spice passion, capped off by an energetic party with DJs, live music, and thrilling fire-spinning performances.
Tickets include EARLY BIRD passes at 250 baht (with one free drink) and VALUE PACKs for 800 baht, which include 1,000 baht food credit. Part of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation to support underprivileged communities.
Information and images:kimptonmaalaibangkok