Halal food means “permissible” in Arabic; certain foods, such as pork products, blood, alcohol, and predatory animals, are designated haram or forbidden. It doesn’t permit spicy food in Islam, So if you enjoy eating spicy dishes, you’re lucky because there are plenty of halal-friendly options.
Here are 9 must-try halal spicy food that will tantalize your taste buds:
- Shakshouka
- Jerk Chicken
- Taliwang Chicken
- Sambal Udang
- Ayam Geprek
- Kebab Kari
- Rendang
- Sate Ayam
- Nasi Goreng
Shakshouka

This Nort African dish is an excellent example of how
Shakshouka is typically made with harissa, a North African chili pepper paste. However, you can use chili pepper paste or fresh chili peppers to make it as spicy as you like.
Jerk chicken

Jerk chicken is a popular dish in the Caribbean. It’s made by marinating chicken in a
The heat level of jerk chicken can vary depending on the number of chili peppers used in the
Taliwang chicken

Taliwang chicken is a spicy Indonesian dish that gets its heat from red chili peppers and bird’s eye chili peppers. The chicken is usually grilled or roasted, but it can also be stir-fried.
If you can’t handle the heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before cooking. However, if you want the full effect, leave them in.
Sambal Udang

If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch, Sambal Udang is your go-to. This Malaysian specialty is made with shrimp, chili peppers, and various spices. While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the region, most versions of Sambal Udang are pretty spicy.
The dish is often considered one of the hottest in Malaysia. However, despite its fiery reputation, Sambal Udang is quite flavorful. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the combination of spices creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Plus, since the dish is halal, it can be enjoyed by people of all faiths.
Ayam Geprek

Ayam Geprek is an Indonesian dish with chicken, chili peppers, and spices. The dish is named for the Geprek (pounding) process, which tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors of the herbs to penetrate. The chicken is usually pounded thin before it’s cooked, which gives it a unique texture.
Ayam Geprek may serve with rice and spicy sambal sauces, making it a hearty and filling meal. The dish is also famous for its pungent flavor, which can adjusted to taste. For those looking for an extra kick
Kabab Kari

Kabab Kari is a spicy Pakistani dish with chicken, lamb, or beef. The meat marinated in a mixture of chili peppers, yogurt, and spices. It’s then grilled or roasted and served with rice or naan bread.
Kabab Kari is usually quite spicy, but you can adjust to your taste. If you want it to be extra hot, add more chili peppers to the marinade.
Rendang

Rendang is a popular dish in Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s made with beef, chili peppers, and various spices. The meat is simmered over low heat until it’s extremely tender.
Rendang is usually served with rice or noodles, making it a hearty and filling meal. The dish is also quite spicy, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Remove the seeds from the chili peppers before cooking to tone down the heat.
Sate Ayam

Sate Ayam is a popular dish in Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s made with chicken, chili peppers, and various spices. The chicken is marinated in a
Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a delicious and mild dish that originates from Indonesia. It is made with rice, vegetables, and spices and can be served with chicken, beef, or shrimp. Nasi Goreng is a halal dish, which means that it is prepared by Islamic law.
Things You Should Know about Halal Spicy Food
Are Spices Halal?
Most spices are halal, but a few store-bought spices contain alcohol or other non-halal ingredients. Make sure to check the label before using any herb in a dish.
What Food is Forbidden in Halal?
Pork and alcohol are two of the most common non-halal ingredients. Other forbidden foods include blood, predatory animals, and animals that have been improperly slaughtered. For the complete list of forbidden, check here.
How Can I Tell if Food is Halal?
If you’re unsure if a dish is halal, you can ask the chef or server. Most restaurants that serve halal food will have a sign or symbol indicating that the food is safe to eat.
Are Hot Sauces Halal?
Yes, most hot sauces are halal. However, some commercially-made sauces contain alcohol which it forbade. Be sure to check the label before using any sauce in a dish.
Which Country Has a Lot of Halal Food?
Indonesia and Malaysia are two countries that have a lot of halal food. Dishes like Rendang and Sate Ayam are popular in both countries. Other countries with a significant Muslim population, such as Middle Eastern, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, also have a variety of halal dishes.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of spicy halal dishes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something to eat at home or order at a restaurant, there’s sure to be a dish that will suit your taste. So get out there and explore the world of halal food!