I completely stumbled across this place, not really realising what I had walked into. I initially went inside because they stocked a hot sauce I’d tried in America and really enjoyed, but had never been able to find back in New Zealand. As it turns out, this is a full-on hot sauce bar, selling everything from mild to gut-burning, extreme heat.

I learned that the business is only about six months old and was started by someone who previously worked in New York. A lover of hot sauce, they decided to create a hot sauce bar in Tokyo. At first, they had to source and hunt down different sauces themselves, but thanks to their growing popularity, companies now approach them to stock their products. The range includes hot sauces from all over the world — even from Wellington, New Zealand (Apostle), as well as a Melbourne-based hot sauce maker who works as a DJ at night and creates hot sauce during the day. There’s also a strong selection of Japanese-made hot sauces.

You can sample all the hot sauces to your heart’s (and tongue’s) content, although you’re encouraged to purchase a bag of house-made tortilla chips for ¥500. From there, you’re guided through a hot sauce tasting experience. It starts with a few questions about your spice tolerance and the types of food you enjoy, and then the rest is left to them. I suspect many tourists and non-foodies come in just to try the highest Scoville-level sauces, but I was more interested in exploring flavour than pure heat.

I was helped by Cheryl, who spent her high school years in New Zealand and really knew her stuff. It was apparent she was genuinely passionate about hot sauce — not just for the heat, but for how it can complement food. She focused on balance and flavour rather than chasing that intense, spicy rush alone.

I ended up tasting sauces that were funky, sweet, tart, and/or deeply savoury, some with chocolate, some with pickles, and some with coffee—each one activating different senses across my mouth and tongue. It was a truly incredible experience. I walked away with about five different hot sauces, none of which were the ones I originally intended to buy. Overall, it was such a great experience, and I really enjoyed my time there.

Website: Hot Sauce Bar

Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−28−4 アレスガーデン表参道 1階

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