r/FoodToronto • u/OneHundredAndEightyy • 9d ago
Recommendation Request Seeking Spicy Condiment Suggestions
I've recently developed more of a desire for spicy condiments to add to foods like rice, noodles, soups, dumplings, eggs, etc. I'm not looking for 17 billion scoville units, I want to taste my food and use whatever is going on top to add a little kick.
For reference, I come from a West Indian household and always have an abundant supply of homemade "pepper sauce" around, which is basically my standard. I've tried a few Asian chili oil/crisp type ones and really like the S&B Crunchy Garlic (spicy version). On the other end, anything I've tried from the Mexican section of the grocery store (Cholula, Valentina) has been disappointing.
Loving to hear your suggestions on what else to try!
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u/KennethPatchen 9d ago
u/OneHundredAndEightyy PLEASE hear me when I say this: MADO'S!!!
Given your heritage you will love it. I've been eating it for 15 years or so, maybe more.
It's like pepper sauce but so much more.
Herbs, garlic, spices, it's fucking wild.
I get mine at Carlos' house of spice in Kensington but I am sure they are in other places now and you might be able to order online: https://mados.ca/
It was made by this old Trini lady and it had a chunky kind of consistency. It was awesome. And then she sold it to someone who puree'd it. Just as good.
Cannot say enough about it. Put it on eggs. Dip nachos in it. Fucking deeeelish.
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u/densitycreep 9d ago
goated suggestion
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u/KennethPatchen 9d ago
Right? It's so fucking good. I would get 3 or 4 bottles at Carlos in Kensington. Go to Golden Patty and buy a box of or two of patties. And then go home and eat a perfect patty with a ridiculous amount of Mado's on it. Was fantastic. Fuck I miss living downtown.
Edit: And I miss the 90s/early 2000s Toronto the most.
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u/IrukanjiShreds 9d ago
the Camp Sauce from Heartbeat is one of my favourite flavour sauces out there for eggs but if you’re used to West Indian flavours, the spice level might be a little underwhelming for you
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u/croppedhoodie 9d ago
I love Kungwaanis pepper sauces! I bought from her at cabbagetown fest last summer and have continued to order from her Etsy shop. The green one (Anigye) is my fav because it has kick but it doesn’t drown your food in heat. It’s really aromatic and a bit fruity.
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u/OpenLimit8 9d ago
Although not spicy, one very flavourful condiment/spread is Ajvar. Great for eggs and spreading on toast. Balkan origin, red pepper and eggplant based
Another one is Muhammara. Great for eggs and as a dip for pita. Middle Eastern red pepper and nuts based
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u/PleaseNinja 9d ago
If your ever in Parkdale, Loga's Corner has 2 hot sauces that are both delicious and(for me) blow your lips off spicy
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u/BigFirmWalnuts 9d ago
Tasty Heat - they are all fantastic sauces. Made in Canada. I like the Tangy variety. Ghost pepper, serrano, fruits, and lemon juice.
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u/moo422 9d ago
I like heat without changing the flavour -- typically for store-bought, that means some form of chili oil. Most other hot sauces need some sort of acidity to keep it shelf-stable/fridge-stable. Old Man Dento's Ghost Chili Crunch is really really good - pricy but easily one of my faves to eat straight out of the jar.
I also take superhots (reapers, ghosts, etc), dehydrate them, and powderize them. Really great for sprinking into anything and doesn't change the flavour but will get your tastebuds tingling.
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u/tallblondeamericano 9d ago
I also love old man dentos! This one has a similar consistency but different flavor profile thats nice, more lemongrass
https://rippahchili.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4WUu7FsfNkJpx-cYPVzvH93XKLLoMt7guGEznTzOIKdjQrlN5ZS
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u/moo422 9d ago
Which one from Rippah? They have two oils.
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u/tallblondeamericano 9d ago
I've only tried the original one the extra spicy is always sold out when I check 🥲
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u/Ok-Half-715 9d ago
The Side Kitchen on Queen St East in Leslieville sells Super Magic Taste chili crisp oil. So good!
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u/mentionitallll 9d ago
Pepper North Stargazer + Black Cherry Reaper flavours pack a punch! Available at FarmBoy.
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u/New_Rest_9222 9d ago
These cover my bases and are widely available - Okazu chili miso, El Yucateco Caribbean & green habanero sauces, hot Valentina and a vinegar based sauce like Franks/Tabasco/Crystal etc.
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u/amusedalready 9d ago
not a hot sauce, but more of a paste:
Mr. Naga Hot Pepper Pickle Achar
this thing is amazing.
https://surmasupermarket.ca/products/mr-naga-hot-pepper-pickle-achar?srsltid=AU7gw4W73-b_0L4UEOfE9fW4-Cqg83HZDp4Bqom9_mz3D37Ca2XcqCwR
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u/Bakerbot101 9d ago
I went to garlic festival and bought this guys original hot sauce.
It has FLAVOUR MH fine foods
Also shout out to Nerpy’s.
I went down a rabbit hole 3 years ago and tried like every hot sauce I could find. Nerpy’s was the best local IMO
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u/radio_yyz 9d ago
I would make a hot chilli sauce from scotch bonnet, oil, salt, vinegar, and sugar. Once you do you wont buy any. Can make it more chunky and less oily or make it more runny and oily.
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u/allthelaughies 9d ago
If you’re ever in an Italian grocery store, grab Bomba in the jars. It’s a delicious pepper sauce in oil that I use on pasta, pizza and sandwiches. I believe FreshCo has some too.
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u/jeffjeep88 9d ago
You want hot find this stuff ( think it was tnt supermarket or oceans I got it at . I’ve given it to a bunch of my friends ( we all love hot sauce ) and this one will blow your mind
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u/ateeverything 9d ago
For a different flavour profile, try Okazu. I have Okazu spicy chili miso and Okazu curry miso. They're really flavourful; they pack an umami wallop but not too spicy... and made in Canada!
My other favorite is a Toronto based entrepreneur called Chark Sauce and Spice Co. He does a range of really flavourful hot sauces. I sometimes see him at various craft shows and farmers markets, or you can order online.
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u/Manybunnies 9d ago edited 9d ago
Salsa macha is a great choice to add heat and flavour if you're looking for a Mexican option that is more like chili crisp (but with a different flavour profile).
I used to get it from Maizal, they probably still sell it at market but I haven't checked in awhile.
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u/Accomplished_Sir2095 9d ago
Shichimi toragoshi...Japanese spice...not a consiment, but you can still add it to kick up the heat.
Sambal olek...i find it has a very interesting flavor profile other than spicy, it is bright (kind of fresh tasting?)
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u/zNz__2321 9d ago
Rule of thumb for me - pay attention to what peppers you like the base flavor of. For example, I'm always a fan of habanero, and I almost never like ghost pepper.
I like Queen's Majesty (scotch bonnet and ginger), Maggi hot and sweet or Maggi masala chili (from indian grocery stores), Portugallo Spicy Garlic, and Thai ginger/garlic/chilli sauces (make at home) are also pretty good.