Hot Sauces of the World

Updated May 23, 2023

Explore the world's only complete guide to the hot sauce types of the world. Hot sauces have been around for millennia, as Aztecs and other people of Mexico and Central America ground chile peppers, water and spices, adding heat and flavor to the earliest cuisines of Latin America. Chili peppers spread around the world quickly after Christopher Columbus shared their seeds in Europe, and now they are as many styles as there are cultures. Whether you're a hot sauce aficionado or just starting to explore the world of spicy condiments, this collecton of my hot sauce sketches will guide you through the different types of hot sauces from around the world.

Louisiana hot sauces are known for their mild heat and bold Cajun flavors, and are often made with a combination of peppers, including cayenne and jalapeño. The most popular hot sauce from Louisiana is Tabasco, which has been around since 1868 and is made from tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Other popular Louisiana hot sauces include Crystal, Frank's RedHot, and Louisiana Hot Sauce. These sauces have a distinct vinegar flavor that sets them apart from other hot sauces and are great for adding heat to traditional Southern dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.

Picante hot sauces, also known as "salsa picante," are a staple in Mexican cuisine. These sauces are made from a variety of chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. They have a wide range of heat levels, from mild to very hot, and can be used as a condiment or added to dishes to give them a spicy kick. Some popular picante hot sauces include Cholula, Tapatio, and Valentina.

Caribbean-style hot sauces are known for their vibrant and complex flavors, and are a staple condiment in many Caribbean islands and countries, including Jamaica, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic. These hot sauces are typically made by combining chili peppers, such as scotch bonnets or habaneros, with ingredients such as vinegar, allspice, thyme, and onion to create a bold and flavorful sauce. Caribbean hot sauces can range from mild to extremely hot, and are commonly used to add heat to traditional dishes such as jerk chicken, rice and beans, and stews.

Harissa hot sauces are a cornerstone of Tunisian cuisine. The traditional flavor has spread to other parts of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Harissa is a flavorful paste made from chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It has a complex and nuanced flavor, with a moderate to high heat level. It's often used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in stews, soups, and meat dishes.

Piri piri is a type of hot sauce that originated in Africa and is now popular in many countries, including Portugal and South Africa. The sauce is made by blending piri piri chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. The chili peppers used to make piri piri sauce are small but pack a punch, resulting in a sauce that has a spicy and tangy flavor. Piri piri sauce is commonly used as a marinade for grilled meats, such as chicken, but can also be used to add flavor to stews, soups, and other dishes. It is a versatile sauce that can range from mild to extremely hot, depending on the type of chili pepper used and the recipe.

Gochujang hot sauces are a staple in Korean cuisine. Gochujang is a fermented chili paste that is made from chili peppers, rice, soybeans, and salt. It has a unique combination of heat, sweetness, and savoriness that sets it apart from other hot sauces. Gochujang hot sauces are typically used as a condiment or marinade for meat dishes and can also be found as a key ingredient in Korean soups and stews.

Artisan hot sauces are handmade, small-batch hot sauces that are made using high-quality, fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. These hot sauces often feature unique ingredients like exotic fruits, rare chili peppers, and creative spices, giving them a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from commercial hot sauces. Artisan hot sauces are usually made by small, independent producers who take great pride in the quality and taste of their products, and are known for their bold, complex flavors that can add a kick of heat and depth of flavor to a wide variety of dishes.

Sriracha hot sauces, also known as "rooster sauce," have become increasingly popular in recent years. Sriracha is made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar, and has a distinct garlicky and slightly sweet flavor. The heat level is moderate, making it a versatile hot sauce that can be added to a variety of dishes. It's most commonly used as a condiment for Asian-style dishes, but can also be added to sandwiches, soups, and more.

Chili garlic hot sauces are a staple in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. These sauces are made from chili peppers and garlic, and have a strong garlicky flavor with a moderate heat level. They're often used as a condiment or marinade for meat dishes and can also be found as a key ingredient in soups and stir-fries.

Extreme hot sauces are a type of condiment that are known for their intense spiciness and heat. These sauces are typically made with some of the hottest chili peppers in the world, such as the Carolina Reaper or Ghost Pepper, and are designed to add a fiery kick to any dish. The heat level of extreme hot sauces can vary widely, but they are generally much hotter than traditional hot sauces, and are often used sparingly or diluted in order to avoid overwhelming the palate. Extreme hot sauces are popular among spice enthusiasts and are often used to add flavor and heat to foods such as wings, chili, and tacos.

Central America is home to some of the world's most delicious hot sauces, and their spiciness can range from mildly tangy to downright fiery. Marie Sharp's habanero sauce, which I learned about on an early trip to Belize, made me realize that hot sauces were an essential part of exploring a new culture and cuisine, and I've been hooked on discovering regional hot sauces ever since.

Hot sauces are a staple condiment for those who love adding heat to their food, but not all hot sauces are created equal. Some hot sauces are made with more unconventional ingredients, giving them a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional hot sauces. These ingredients can range from fruit, such as mango or pineapple, to vegetables, such as carrots or beets, to even unexpected ingredients like chocolate or coffee. By combining these ingredients with chili peppers, vinegar, and spices, hot sauce makers have created a variety of hot sauces that offer a fusion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. These unique hot sauces are a great way to add a new twist to familiar dishes, or to discover new flavor combinations.

Hot sauce is a universal condiment that can be found in some form or another in almost every culture around the world. While there are some main hot sauce categories, there are many other types of hot sauces that are specific to certain regions and countries. While you will see this page evolve over the years, most of this page's growth will exist here, as I attempt to unravel the world's most specific hot sauce types.

Like many pages pages on Notes from the Road, this is a work in progress, and new hot sauces are being added. As we add new hot sauces, our poster below will also update.