Crying Thaiger

Just outside Malden Center, you’ll find Crying Thaiger, a small but mighty eatery that’ll set your world—and your mouth—on fire. Its name is a riff on the famously spicy Thai dish, Crying Tiger, so you know this spot is set on waking up your tastebuds. Savor its selection of Southeast Asian classics, like Som Tam (a sweet, sour, savory and spicy green papaya salad) and kra pow (a fiery stir fry made with ground meat). Obviously, guests will also find this place’s namesake dish, Crying “Thaiger,” in a variety of forms—from the traditional steak to salmon to meatless wings for plant-based eaters. (However, we suggest you do it right and get the incredibly tender Crying Rib Eye). While those takes on Thailand’s beloved hot dish will likely read pretty tame to most spice aficionados, the real heat lies with the Tom Zaab Beef, a soup made with slow-cooked beef and a broth that’ll tantalize your tongue with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaf and a whole lot of dried chili. Don’t be fooled: This dish may seem only slightly spicy at first spoonful, but the heat builds and builds with every slurp, and you’ll be in a full sweat by the end of the bowl.