Chilli cravers, rejoice: there’s a new spice dealer in town.
Mathias Jung, the East Berlin-born owner of Chili & Paprika, has loosely organised his shop around Hungary and Mexico, catering both to fellow Ossis nostalgic for Eastern Bloc summer vacations and younger North American expats hoping to recapture the burn of back home.
The Hungarian side includes multiple paprika varieties (Eros Pista, €2.29) alongside sausages (€5.59/350g), fiery pickles and liquor; the Mexican shelves display hot sauces (€1.89-14.99), canned and dried chillis (including chipotles, €1.89/ can) and even corn tortillas (€4/30).
All that plus a mini Asia section and novelties like spicy gummies, chilli beer and a habanero sauce that reaches 800,000 Scoville heat units (just to give you an idea, Tabasco weighs in at a mere 5000).
The selection may not rival that of spice giant Pfefferhaus, but with its mom ‘n’ pop vibe, helpful owner and occasional free sample, it should win over even the pickiest capsaicin freaks in town.
Originally published in issue #127, May 2014.
