From a smouldering slow-burn to fiery heat at first bite, we’ve paired some of our best spicy books with our most delicious dishes.
Some readers are happy to order mild. Others always ask for that extra chilli. From comfort food to bold flavours to sweet treats with a kick, whatever your spice levels, we’ve got something for you on the menu.
🚫 I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang + Kausar Raja’s Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese
Just because it’s mild doesn’t mean it’s lacking flavour. From ABIA-shortlisted Ann Liang, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You serves up all the elements of a refreshingly satisfying enemies-to-lovers romance. Sadie Wen is perfect on paper. Until her brutally honest email drafts are accidentally sent, including to her longtime rival, Julius Gong. Pair it with Kausar Raja’s Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese from Spice Tonight, a comforting classic with a Desi twist. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both indulgent and seriously satisfying. Together, they make the perfect match for cosy nights in.
🌶️ Lying Is My Love Language by Olivia Simons + Spicy Garlic Butter Udon with Smashed Cucumber from Justin Tsang
Ready for some spice? Lying Is My Love Language is a debut Australian romantic comedy from Olivia Simons. Jamie Hayes lies to keep things light and casual. Until she meets Luke and discovers he doesn’t believe a word she says. Full of witty banter and peppered with spice, this book is the perfect balance for anyone looking to dip into romance. Equally, Spicy Garlic Butter Udon with Smashed Cucumber is a love affair between dairy and spice. Find this spicier, creamier Asian cousin of the carbonara in Justin Tsang’s cookbook, Long Day? Cook This.
🌶️🌶️ After the Siren by Darcy Green + Alyce Alexandra’s Saucy Vodka Pasta
Things are certainly starting to heat up with this pairing. After the Siren tackles love, family, mental health and identity in a joyous enemies-to-lovers sports romance that’s sure to leave you totally obsessed and a more than bit hot under the collar. Think Heated Rivalry but set in the world of AFL. Enjoy alongside Alyce Alexandra’s Saucy Vodka Pasta, a delicious, boozy party dish that’s sure to impress. Entertaining is easy thanks to this crowd-pleaser from Modern Slow Cooker, bringing the heat without the hassle. A winning combo that truly proves a little extra kick goes a long way.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen + Chiles Rellenos with Salsa Roja Risotto from Ixta Belfrage
Here’s where things get really spicy. In Sable Sorensen’s addictive romantasy series humans and direwolves forge unbreakable bonds and fight for survival at all costs. The first instalment, Dire Bound, is a sizzling page-turner seasoned with spice from beginning to end. Still hungry for more? Dive into Fury Bound for slow-burn steaminess and join us in eagerly anticipating the final book, Ruin Bound. All that heat deserves an equally fiery match, and Ixta Belfrage’s Chiles Rellenos with Salsa Roja Risotto more than delivers. This reimagining of the traditional dish combines stuffed chilli peppers with spicy rice for delectable results.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ The Eden Series by Jade May + Rick Stein’s Chocolate and Pasilla Fondant Truffles
The interconnected standalone Eden series from international bestselling Australian author Jade May is the hottest thing on the menu. Set around Sydney’s exclusive and seductive club, Eden, these extra-spicy romances are filled with twists, suspense and chemistry. Devour the series alongside some indulgent Chocolate and Pasilla Fondant Truffles from Rick Stein: The Road to Mexico. We’re not sure these books need any more heat, so these truffles are the perfect accompaniment. Rich, decadent and finished with a subtle hint of chilli, they’re every bit as delicious as the Eden series.
Unforgettable, snarky and romantic, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.
Quick and easy South-Asian twists for fuss-free flavour every day. This is Greek-ish by Georgina Hayden meets Sarah Rossi's What’s For Dinner? with a Desi kick.
A debut Australian romantic comedy with the wittiest banter you’ll read all year – for readers of Emily Henry and Zoë Foster Blake.
Finished Heated Rivalry? This is your next spicy MM sports romance.
Love is hard to tackle in this enemies-to-lovers football rom-com for fans of Rachel Reid, Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall.
A fresh, modern and meat-free take on slow cooking: the cheapest, easiest way to cook!
Wolves are the new dragons! This is a sizzling, epic and addictive TikTok romantasy sensation that's perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, When the Moon Hatched and Quicksilver.
NOW AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER!
Two strangers. One night. Temptation has consequences . . .
Mexico is the new India. This landmark book and major BBC series from Rick Stein brings his expertise and joie de vivre to the hottest food trend.
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Comfort food with a Desi twist, this rich, spiced butter chicken is folded through creamy, cheesy macaroni for a fusion that’s both indulgent and seriously satisfying.
With a deliciously spiced filling wrapped in golden, flaky pastry, this is a real showstopper that’s sure to impress.
This impressive vegan centrepiece is inspired by Celebration sticky rice cake, one of the last recipes I developed at the OTK (Ottolenghi Test Kitchen).
This is a dish made to impress – a whole leg of lamb, marinated in warming spices and slow-roasted until meltingly tender.
Full of depth and umami flavours, this crispy chicken is paired with a light herb sauce and a punchy garlic sauce to make an unbelievably tasty meal.
This one-pot tomato rice dish is topped with crispy bite-sized pieces of sausage, toasted rice and shallots cooked in the rendered sausage fat.
There’s a love affair to be explored with spice and dairy, and this is the showcase for it!