Can you handle spicy food? If so, mark March 28 on your calendar for the return of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s Chilli Fest.
The fourth edition of Chilli Fest at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will return on March 28, 2026, from 2pm to 9pm, setting your palate ablaze with fiery feasts from leading restaurants and Michelin-approved chefs, high-energy entertainment, a scorching chilli-eating contest and more.
The diverse lineup of chefs and restaurants will be serving up delicious dishes that are full of flavours and high on the Scoville scale. Thai, Mexican, Korean and Indian cuisines are known to be spicy and they are represented by an all-star chef roster that includes highly celebrated Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn of Gaengsod, chef Parkorn “Tan” Kosiyapong of the one-Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star restaurant GOAT Bangkok, chef Gabriela “Gaby” Espinosa and chef Diego Zarco of Delia, chef Steve Sanggun Lee of I-Sang and chef Shreesha Rao of Jhol. The last three of which are all recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Chilli takes centre stage at Chilli Fest 2026, being celebrated in all of its forms through various cuisines from classic and contemporary Thai dishes to bold interpretations of Mexican, Japanese–Shan, Thai–Chinese, Sichuan Chinese, modern Korean, modern Punjabi, Laotian, Pan-Latin x Thai, Spanish tapas and Italian flavours.
Get ready for a cavalcade of chilli-centric creations from featured chefs and award-winning restaurants as listed below.
- Chit Chaat is bringing modern Punjabi street food with bold, chilli-forward flavours. Led by Chef Narayan Bahadur Panthi, the team serves up crowd favourites including Spicy papdi chaat, Butter chicken naan roll and Paneer masala naan roll.
- Gabriela “Gaby” Espinosa and Diego Zarco of Delia return with bold Mexican flavours inspired by Abuelita’s traditions. A familiar face since the first edition, Delia presents Taco de carne asada and Aguachile negro.
- Southern Thai heat takes centre stage at Dongang with Master Don, a fictional outlaw chef born under the Krabi sun, at its helm. Fierce and unapologetic, the menu brings serious heat with Hatyai hitman fried chicken, rich Southern thick coconut fish curry with vermicelli noodles and a fiery stir-fried minced beef “Kuakling Kluk Klik” served semi-dry and brutally spicy. You’ve been warned.
- Founded by creative director and cultural storyteller Sanya Souvanna Phouma, Funky Lam Kitchen channels the soul of modern Lao. His head chef Burin Wongsuwan presents a punchy Lao tasting plate of five jaew, alongside classic and Vegan khao jee pâté baguettes finished with their signature house-fermented chilli sauces.
- Chef “Ton” Thitid Tassanakajohn of Gaengsod, who’s also the mastermind behind the one-Michelin-starred Le Du and Nusara, returns to celebrate the soulful art of freshly pounded Thai curry with his vibrant green curry rice sets as well as Steamed Thai dumplings Pan sib.
- Chef Parkorn “Tan” Kosiyapong delivers an offbeat Thai-Chinese dining experience. Awarded one Michelin star and Michelin green star, GOAT Bangkok brings thought-provoking dishes including Thai wagyu beef cooked with 18 spices and blood as well as an experimental pairing of coconut, sato, SCOBY, salt and chilli.
- I-sang‘s chef-founder Steve Sanggun Lee, who worked at Hansik Goo in Hong Kong when it got one Michelin star, brings his modern Korean vision through fiery Buldak bibim noodles with sous-vide chicken and bright-fruit heat and extra-spicy Korean fried Chicken glazed in an intensified sauce of soy, fish sauce and Thai chillies.
- Recognised by the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years, Jhol brings bold flavours from India’s coastline prepared by chef Shreesha Rao whose creations include Berhampur fried chicken with Jhol hot sauce, Kerala mutton roast and Vegetarian Kerala mushroom roast.
- Founded by father-and-daughter duo Verapun “Joe” and Panitnan “Jan” Patanayindee, Jiaozi Jiŭbā puts Chinese dumplings front and centre with Yuzu mala shrimp dumplings with Sichuan heat, cult-favourite Jiaozi fried rice and crispy Cheesy truffle dumplings with truffle cream.
- Chef Jaruwan “Au” Jantapthong of Louk In Louk Jaan celebrates bold Thai flavours by bringing its signature spice and delicious simplicity through Khao kaprao moo (basil stir-fry with pork) and Po taek pla kapong (spicy and sour soup with sea bass).
- Chef Honey Rae Zenang of Namsu Shan Izakaya brings her Japanese–Shan flavour through with Shan guacamole with spicy grilled eggplant, Yunnan-style yakitori with peanut mala sauce and warm Tofu cups finished with chilli and garlic oil.
- Founded by Rompho “Pin” Phothisoontorn as part of Charm Group, Padthai Khun Chu honours a 70-year-old family recipe using a distinctive two-step stir-fry method from his grandmother. Expect its signature Padthai khun chu, the spicy Padthai thang taek and crispy Deep-fried chive cakes.
- Blending the energy of Spanish tapas bars and Japanese izakaya, the Barcelona-born, Japanese kitchen-groomed chef Roger Solé of Torotora delivers Hamachi crudo, Tori bravo skewers and Spicy vodka udon with chistorra sausage.
- Executive chef Shim Young Dae, who represents Anju Korean Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, returns with Spicy tteokbokki with fried seaweed rolls, Sweet potato fries drizzled with kimchi chilli and cheese sauce and BulDak gang jeong, boneless fried chicken glazed in fiery gochujang.
- Last but not least, Bar.Yard and Ms.Jigger of the host hotel also participate with special creations. Chef Julio Cesar Concha Muñoz unveils Bar.Yard’s new bold, fire-forward flavours that combine Latin attitude with Thai punch. Expect bright Nikkei ceviche of yellowfin tuna with Peruvian ponzu, sizzling Lomo saltado spiked with ají Amarillo and spicy Kaprao minced pork empanadas. Chef Danilo Aiassa of Ms.Jigger adds a bit of heat to Italian favourites including Chorizo-studded lasagna, Baked eggplant and tomato lasagna with a chilli kick and classic Pizza layered with spicy meatballs.
Fret not about all this spiciness as a stellar line-up of drinks will be on offer. Chilli Fest 2026 brings together an all-star roster of beverage partners, from vibrant cocktails by Aperol and Nakin Gin to wine lovers’ selections from Penfolds, Great Wine and Siam Black Bird, while Beervana and Corona keep the brew flowing. For those taking it easy, Giffard’s zero-proof range and Corona Cero ensure everyone can sip, savour and stay refreshed all day long.
Competitive Chilli Chewers
Moreover, the legendary Chilli Eating Contest returns to Chilli Fest 2026, daring the brave (and slightly unhinged) to prove their tolerance for pain. Contestants will battle through a ruthless line-up of increasingly ferocious chillies, climbing all the way to a blistering 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. The champion will walk away with B10,000, while second and third place score a one-night stay at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, complete with dining credits worth B4,000 and B2,000 respectively. Watch the heat unfold live at 5:30pm. Those interested in participating can register via https://bit.ly/ChilliEatingContest2026 by Friday, March 13, 2026.
Chilli Market And Hot Entertainment
Chilli lovers can take the heat home with a curated line-up of spicy vendors, including Firepower Hot Sauces, That Daeng Sauce, Mot Daeng Hot Sauce by Mae Kay and Siamaya Chocolate, offering everything from tongue-tingling sauces to spice-forward sweets available exclusively at the festival.
DJ sets, live music and fiery performances will add to the heat and liveliness throughout the day while Inspiration Ink Tattoo Bangkok makes its Chilli Fest debut with free chilli tattoos, a cheeky badge of honour for true heat seekers.
Chilli Fest 2026 takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 2pm to 9pm at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s Urban Oasis. Early bird tickets are available at B250 including one complimentary drink. At-the-door entry is B350 with one complimentary drink. For those looking to go all out, pay B800 to get pre-purchase entry along with B1,000 credit to spend at the
event. Tickets are available now via Megatix at mtix.me/chillifest2026-bkkpostguru. IHG One Rewards members will earn 100 points for every B500 spent during the festival.
Chilli and charity also meet at Chilli Fest 2026 as a portion of the festival’s proceeds will support Bangkok Community Help Foundation and its ongoing work for communities in need.
Source: Bangkok Post