Hungry Spicy, the sequel to Hungry Thirsty (itself the successor to monumentally spicy Ugly Baby), brings an unprecedented level of heat to Chelsea. The restaurant, which is colorful enough to double as the set of a slightly deranged children’s show, challenges you to sweat uncomfortably, then cool yourself down with Thai tea slushies, served in kitschy mugs in the shape of characters like Stitch or Elmo (a small comfort during a spice crisis).
It’s far from a replacement for your neighborhood Thai spot, and taking someone here with a low spice tolerance is downright cruel. But, if you tend to purchase your Hot Ones sauces in bundle-and-save packs, book yourself a meal at Hungry Spicy immediately.
photo credit: Will Hartman
photo credit: Will Hartman
The dishes here range from completely mild, like caramelized pork belly and expertly fried branzino, to a tear-inducing kua kling, which has a 1:1 ratio of chiles to stir-fried ground beef. In the sweet spot are things like the kra pao getty, a pasta dish with holy basil and ground beef that’s still a full-body experience, just in a more bearable, even addictive, way. Come with some Scoville junkies, and order all along the spice spectrum.
RESERVE A TABLE WITH
Food RundownKra Pao Getty
This krapow with spaghetti is the top reason to eat at Hungry Spicy. It’s hot enough to turn your ears red, but there’s way more going on too, like the punch of basil and meat that’s coated in fish sauce.
Kua Kling
This ground beef stir fry is for serious masochists only. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, go ahead, but at $42, we wouldn’t do it for the bit. It’s unpleasantly spicy, and not in a way that rewards repeat bites.
Pla Tod Kamin
Juicy and tender, with a garlicky topping, this branzino is a welcome break from the heat.
Massaman
A comparatively mild dish, but still big on flavor. The curry is loaded with whole spices (we found a giant cinnamon stick once) and the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Stir-Fried Cabbage
This side dish might sound basic, but it’s worth an order. It stings the tongue, and has a smoky char from the wok.
