What is Chilli Oil?
Chilli oil is one of those condiments that travels easily across cuisines and kitchens. At its core, it’s a combination of oil and chillies, often layered with garlic, onion, and spices for aroma and depth. Every culture has its own spin. Chinese chilli crisp, Italian olio di peperoncino, Mexican chile oil, but the principle remains the same: oil infused with chilli heat that can be spooned onto just about anything.
Our Five Chilli Oil takes this idea and roots it in Indian soil. We blend cold-pressed sesame oil with five heirloom chillies - Kashmiri, Guntur, Byadgi, Mathania, and Boriya plus aromatics like garlic, black cardamom, and bay leaf.
Each chilli brings a distinct flavour: the smokiness of Byadgi, the fruitiness of Kashmiri, the fiery punch of Guntur. Together, they create a condiment that’s spicy, layered, and endlessly versatile.
Why Do People Love Chilli Oil?
The love affair with chilli oil is simple. It transforms plain food into something memorable in seconds. A drizzle on noodles, a spoonful over dumplings, or a swirl into dal, and suddenly your meal has attitude.
In India, we often turn to chilli oil when we want to cut through richness or wake up our taste buds. It isn’t just about heat; it’s about depth of flavour. That balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy makes it addictive.
It also works far beyond “Asian” plates. Try it on pizza, nachos, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. One jar can travel from your weekday dal to your weekend pasta without breaking stride. That’s why chilli oil has become less of a trend and more of a pantry essential.
Check out how a spoonful of chilli oil can liven up a classic comfort dish like Dal Tadka.
Top 10 Benefits of Eating Chilli Oil
Now let’s break down the real-world benefits. Practical, flavour-first reasons why adding chilli oil to your kitchen is worth it.
- Adds Instant Flavour to Any Dish
- Makes Vegetables More Exciting
- Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Brings Depth
- Perfect for Quick Cooking
- Supports Mindful Eating by Satisfying the Palate
- A Little Goes a Long Way
- Versatile Across Global Cuisines
- Enhances Shared Meals and Gatherings
- Encourages Creative Cooking at Home
- Made with Nothing Artificial
1. Adds Instant Flavour to Any Dish
The number one reason chilli oil earns its place on the counter: speed. A teaspoon over plain rice, noodles, or sautéed veggies and suddenly dinner feels deliberate, not last-minute.
2. Makes Vegetables More Exciting
We’ve always believed flavour makes vegetables irresistible. Chilli oil helps you eat more of them without even trying. Toss roasted broccoli or grilled brinjal with Five Chilli Oil, and watch it disappear from the plate faster than usual.
3. Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Brings Depth
Not all oils are created equal. Our Five Chilli Oil is made with cold-pressed sesame oil, which naturally has a nutty aroma. That means you get both flavour and flexibility. It can be drizzled raw or tossed in a quick stir-fry.
4. Perfect for Quick Cooking
You don’t always have time to marinate or slow-cook. With chilli oil, you can whip up 10-minute meals that still feel layered and satisfying. Try it with Quick Mushroom Stir Fry for minimal effort and maximum taste.
5. Supports Mindful Eating by Satisfying the Palate
One of our core beliefs is simple: flavour satiates; food never does. When a dish tastes satisfying, you’re less likely to keep reaching for more just to fill the gap. Chilli oil is a perfect example of how small bursts of flavour can make a meal feel complete.
6. A Little Goes a Long Way
Because it’s concentrated, you rarely need more than a spoon. That makes it both economical and easy to control. One jar of Five Chilli Oil lasts weeks even in a busy household.
7. Versatile Across Global Cuisines
From Indian dals to Italian spaghetti aglio e olio, chilli oil works like a passport for flavour. It doesn’t force itself into the dish; it slips in and enhances what’s already there.
8. Enhances Shared Meals and Gatherings
Put a jar on the table during dinner with friends, and it becomes a talking point. Everyone will want to try it on their own plate whether over biryani, chips, or salads. Chilli oil adds fun to the act of eating together.
9. Encourages Creative Cooking at Home
Sometimes, creativity just needs a spark. Chilli oil is that spark. It invites you to experiment. Add it to scrambled eggs, drizzle over hummus, or stir into ramen. It nudges you to try, without needing elaborate recipes.
10. Made with Nothing Artificial
Many commercial chilli oils use refined oils or additives to stretch shelf life. Boombay’s Five Chilli Oil uses only cold-pressed sesame oil and real spices, mindfully made with absolutely nothing artificial. It’s honest food, flavour-first.
Chilli Oil Uses
How can you use it?
The better question is: where can’t you use it?
- Toss into noodles or fried rice for instant zing.
- Swirl into soups or broths for a spicy lift.
- Drizzle over pizza or cheese toast for an Indo-Italian twist.
- Use as a tadka for dals and khichdi.
- Top off salads for crunch and heat.
Some of our favourites:
Closing Note
Chilli oil is more than a condiment. It’s a little jar of inspiration. One that helps you cook faster, eat more vegetables, and enjoy food more deeply. Our Five Chilli Oil was born from this belief: bold flavour, crafted with cold-pressed sesame oil and India’s finest chillies, absolutely nothing artificial.
Have you tried it on something unexpected? Maybe popcorn, maybe parathas?
Tag us @boombayway with your experiments. We learn as much from your plates as you do from ours.
FAQs
Is chilli oil healthy?
Chilli oil isn’t a “health food” on its own. But when used mindfully, it helps you build balanced meals that are more flavourful. Our Five Chilli Oil is crafted with cold-pressed sesame oil and a blend of chillies, with nothing artificial.
How do you store chilli oil?
Keep it in a sealed jar, refrigerated after opening. Cold-pressed sesame oil may solidify at low temperatures. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before use.
How long does chilli oil last?
Homemade versions vary. Boombay’s Five Chilli Oil is mindfully made and stays fresh for months when stored properly. Always use a clean, dry spoon to keep it uncontaminated.
