Chilli Fest 2026: Bangkok's Spiciest Food Festival at Kimpton Maa-Lai

Bangkok's Hottest Day Out — Literally

If you love spicy food, mark Saturday 28 March 2026 in your calendar. Chilli Fest 2026 takes over the Urban Oasis on the lobby floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok from 2 pm to 9 pm, turning the luxury hotel's garden terrace into a fiery open-air Bangkok food market.

The festival brings together 16 Michelin-recognized restaurants and chefs from across Thailand. Among the headline names are Chef Ton of one-Michelin-starred Le Du and Nusara, serving green-curry rice sets and steamed Thai dumplings. Delia adds bold Mexican-Thai fusion flavours, while Chit Chaat — led by Chef Narayan Bahadur Panthi — dishes up Spicy Papdi Chaat, Butter Chicken Naan Rolls, and Paneer Masala Naan Rolls. For the full picture of what Bangkok's dining scene looks like in 2026, see the Bangkok Top Tables awards round-up.

The Chilli Eating Contest

The crowd favourite is the Chilli Eating Contest, where competitors battle through progressively hotter peppers that climb all the way to a face-melting 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. The winner walks away with THB 10,000 in cash. Second and third place score a one-night stay at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok plus dining credits worth THB 4,000 and THB 2,000 respectively.

Beyond the Food

Chilli Fest is more than just eating. DJ sets, live music, and fire performances keep the energy high throughout the afternoon and evening. Inspiration Ink Tattoo Bangkok makes its festival debut by offering free chilli-themed tattoos on the spot. Vendors like Firepower Hot Sauces, That Daeng Sauce, and Siamaya Chocolate sell artisan chilli products you can take home.

Part of the proceeds go to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, so your spice-fuelled afternoon supports a good cause as well. If you want to understand what makes Thai food spicy in the first place, or whether Thai food contains MSG, those guides have you covered.

Tickets and How to Get There

Option	Price	Includes
Early bird	THB 250	Entry + one drink
At the door	THB 350	Entry + one drink
Premium	THB 800	Entry + THB 1,000 spending credit

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok sits on Langsuan Road in the Pathum Wan district, a short walk from BTS Chit Lom station. Not sure how to get around? The Bangkok public transport guide explains BTS, MRT and the newer Yellow and Pink Line monorail lines. Grab a taxi or walk through Langsuan Soi 1 — you will smell the chillies before you see the entrance. Need a place to stay nearby? Browse the best hotels in Bangkok or read the Andaz One Bangkok luxury hotel guide just a few blocks away in Lumphini.

Whether you are a heat junkie or just curious how far your taste buds can go, Chilli Fest 2026 is one of Bangkok's most entertaining food events this month. Keep the foodie momentum going with the Bangkok Lumpini Hawker Centre street food guide, the best street food markets in Bangkok, or plan ahead with the Thailand Bib Gourmand 2026 new restaurants and street food list. For more things to do in the city, see the full Bangkok attractions overview or the top 10 Bangkok restaurants.