One of the most common questions diners ask when visiting an Indian restaurant is: “How spicy is this dish?” For those unfamiliar with the cuisine, menus can be intimidating—filled with names like korma, Madras, vindaloo, and phaal, each promising a different level of heat. But what do mild, medium, and spicy really mean, and how do chefs decide where a dish falls on the spice spectrum?
At Ashoka Muirhead, we welcome diners of all tastes—from those who love a creamy, mild curry to those who crave the fiery kick of chillies. Understanding how spice levels are measured and managed helps you order confidently and enjoy a meal perfectly tailored to your palate.
This guide explores the science, tradition, and art behind deciding spice levels in Indian cooking.
What Does “Spiciness” Really Mean?
Spiciness isn’t just about flavour—it’s about sensation. The tingling heat you feel when eating chillies comes from capsaicin, a compound that binds to receptors in your mouth. It doesn’t burn in the literal sense; instead, it triggers a nerve response that your brain interprets as heat.
Measuring Heat: The Scoville Scale
The Scoville scale measures chilli heat in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For example:
- Bell peppers = 0 SHU (no heat)
- Jalapeños = 2,500–8,000 SHU
- Bird’s eye chillies = up to 100,000 SHU
- Ghost peppers = over 1,000,000 SHU
In Indian cooking, chefs select chillies carefully. Kashmiri chillies, for instance, add vibrant red colour but relatively mild heat, while green bird’s eye chillies pack a sharp punch.
The Role of Spices in Determining Heat
Indian dishes use a blend of spices, but not all are “hot.” Many spices add warmth, depth, and aroma without contributing to chilli heat.
- Mild spices: Turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek
- Warming spices: Cloves, cumin, coriander
- Heat-building spices: Black pepper, mustard seeds, chillies
This balance means that two dishes labelled “medium” can taste very different depending on the spices used.
How Restaurants Decide Spice Levels
1. Base Sauce Adjustments
Many Indian restaurants prepare a “base sauce” that’s mild and aromatic. Chefs then adjust spice intensity by adding more or fewer chillies depending on whether you order mild, medium, or hot.
2. Use of Cream, Yoghurt, or Coconut Milk
Adding cream or yoghurt not only mellows the heat but also adds richness. That’s why dishes like korma or butter chicken taste creamy and mild, even though they use the same spices as spicier curries.
3. Type and Quantity of Chillies
Choosing Kashmiri chillies for colour results in mild heat, whereas using fresh green chillies makes a curry much hotter. Chefs regulate this balance based on the menu’s spice level.
4. Cooking Techniques
Frying spices in oil intensifies their potency. A vindaloo, for example, involves frying chillies with vinegar and garlic, creating a bolder flavour than a gently simmered curry.
5. Menu Labelling and Tradition
Over time, certain dishes have become “fixed” at certain levels:
- Korma = mild
- Tikka Masala = medium
- Madras = hot
- Vindaloo = very hot
- Phaal = extremely hot
These labels help diners know what to expect, though chefs can always adjust on request.
Popular Curries by Spice Level
Mild Curries
- Korma – Creamy, nutty, and gentle, often made with almonds or coconut.
- Butter Chicken – Tomato, butter, and cream make this mild yet flavourful.
- Malai Kofta – Paneer and vegetable dumplings in a rich, mellow sauce.
Medium Curries
- Chicken Tikka Masala – Balanced with tomato and yoghurt, offering warmth without excess heat.
- Saag Paneer – Spinach and paneer in a medium spice blend.
- Rogan Josh – Aromatic lamb curry with Kashmiri chillies for colour and gentle heat.
Hot Curries
- Madras – Tangy, tomato-based, with bold chilli notes.
- Jalfrezi – Stir-fried with peppers and onions, packing a noticeable kick.
Very Hot Curries
- Vindaloo – Infamous for its fiery heat, combining vinegar, garlic, and chilli.
- Phaal – Among the spiciest dishes on any menu, using some of the hottest chillies available.
How Diners Perceive Spice
Cultural Differences
What’s “mild” in India might feel “medium” or even “hot” to someone in the UK. At Ashoka Muirhead, we calibrate our spice levels with local preferences in mind while staying true to authentic recipes.
Individual Tolerance
Spice tolerance varies widely. Some people build a tolerance over time, while others naturally feel heat more strongly.
Balancing Heat with Sides
Adding raita, plain yoghurt, or a glass of milk helps cool the palate. Pairing curries with naan or rice also tempers intensity.
Adjusting Spice Levels to Taste
The beauty of Indian cooking lies in its flexibility. At Ashoka Muirhead, our chefs can adjust most dishes on request. Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, we ensure your dish is prepared to suit your comfort.
- Request “mild” if you’re sensitive to heat or trying Indian food for the first time.
- Go for “medium” if you enjoy warmth without overpowering spice.
- Choose “hot” or above if you’re a spice enthusiast ready for bold flavours.
Spice and Health Benefits
Spices do more than add flavour—they come with health advantages:
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger: Aids digestion.
- Chillies: Boost metabolism and release endorphins.
- Cumin: Improves gut health.
Mild or hot, Indian dishes bring nutritional benefits alongside great taste.
Tips for Your Next Curry Night
- Start mild if unsure – You can always build up tolerance.
- Balance your meal – Pair a spicier curry with naan, rice, or yoghurt.
- Experiment gradually – Move from korma to tikka masala before tackling Madras or vindaloo.
- Trust the chef – At Ashoka Muirhead, we know how to balance heat with flavour.
Conclusion
The terms mild, medium, and spicy are not just labels—they represent careful decisions by chefs who balance chillies, spices, and cooking techniques. What feels fiery to one person may feel gentle to another, but with thoughtful preparation, everyone can find their perfect level of spice.
At Ashoka Muirhead, we pride ourselves on creating curries and dishes that are tailored to your taste. Whether you dine with us, reach out through our contact page, or enjoy our food from home via online ordering, you can be confident of a meal that’s full of flavour—at exactly the right spice level for you.
