In Faisal Al Mutairi’s garage in Dubai, colorful bottles of hot sauces line the shelves. Known as the “chief chili officer,” Al Mutairi has spent nine months sampling hundreds of hot sauces to launch his passion project: House of Habanero. Starting with 35 products in September, the collection is set to grow to over 100 items by mid-December.
“I’ve got about 800 samples in my fridge,” says Al Mutairi. His online shop offers a range of hot sauces, chili crunches, and unique blends sourced from 12 countries and local UAE makers.
Popular picks include sauces featured on the YouTube show Hot Ones, like Dawson’s Original Hot Sauce, known for its fiery 620,000 Scoville heat level. For reference, Tabasco scores between 25,000 to 50,000 on the Scoville scale.
These specialty sauces, made in small batches by niche producers, are often hard to find in the UAE. Al Mutairi imports only the ones he personally tries and approves. While 70% of the collection leans towards mild and medium spice levels, there are plenty of options for heat lovers, including sauces made with the world’s hottest peppers like Trinidad Scorpion.
“I’ve always loved spicy food, but supermarket brands like Tabasco and Sriracha didn’t excite me,” says Al Mutairi. “When I traveled, I discovered artisanal sauces that offered depth and complexity, unlike the one-dimensional heat of typical options.”
Al Mutairi saw an opportunity to bring these unique flavors to the UAE, where people love spicy food but often lack access to the wide variety of products available elsewhere. His collection includes intriguing blends like Ziggy’s Wildfoods’ green ant sauce and other creations featuring blueberry, papaya, or macadamia nuts.
Flavors Beyond Heat
Al Mutairi emphasizes that hot sauces aren’t just about spiciness but enhancing food’s overall taste. “It’s about flavor over fire,” he explains. Detailed flavor descriptions and pairing suggestions on the website help customers find the perfect match.
For instance, when someone asked for a hot sauce to complement paella, Al Mutairi recommended a smoky Spanish blend, which received rave reviews at their gathering.
While many products are imported, House of Habanero also champions local brands like Camp’s Kitchen and Jinxy’s. Prices range from AED 27 to over AED 100, catering to different budgets.
The journey doesn’t end here. Plans include launching new product ranges like spicy peanut butter and hot honey, introducing a tasting room, and expanding availability through InstaShop. Al Mutairi even has his own hot sauce recipe in the works, aiming to continue his mission of introducing people to the rich world of artisanal hot sauces.
Whether you love mild flavors or crave intense heat, House of Habanero offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit for chili enthusiasts across the UAE.
