Paprika is Hungary’s national spice; you’ll find it on tables right next to the salt and pepper, and you can’t make time-honored Hungarian food, like goulash, without a heaping helping of paprika. Paprika peppers are grown all over the country though Kalocsa and Szeged, cities located in southern Hungary, are two of the most important regions for paprika production.
Paprika is known for its smoky and slightly bitter flavor, with a spicy kick that ranges from mild to hot. The level of spiciness depends on the type of paprika used, with Hungarian paprika being the spiciest and Spanish paprika being the mildest. The smoky flavor comes from the way the peppers are dried and smoked before being ground into powder. Paprika is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and is a key ingredient in dishes such as goulash, paella, and tagines.
- High-quality paprika is made from the ripest, reddest peppers, which are harvested at the peak of their flavor. These peppers are then dried slowly and carefully to preserve their natural flavor and color. The dried peppers are then ground into a fine powder, which is what gives high-quality paprika its rich and robust flavor.


Sriracha is a multi-purpose sauce. It can be used in a variety of cuisines, from pasta, seafood and more. But when you’ve run out of this magical hot elixir, go for sambal oelek. Sambal oelek is hands down the best substitute for the thick sriracha sauce packed with heat. It is wildly popular in major grocery stores and it packs a similar punch in the heat department. It is made of much simpler ingredients than sriracha itself. It just has one drawback - you have to add garlic powder to it to get close to the same taste.
Bell Pepper



The choice between hot sauce and chili sauce is ultimately a matter of personal preference and depends on your desired heat level and flavor profile. Why not experiment with both to find your personal favorite?
Whether you are a fan of spicy food or just looking to add some excitement to your meals, hot chili sauce is a great way to kick things up a notch. With its fiery heat and bold flavor, this condiment is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So why not give it a try and see how hot chili sauce can spice up your meals?
Substitutes for Smoked Paprika