तीखा बना देना

You usually add this at the end of your food order. You can say भैया, इसे थोड़ा तीखा बना देना (Brother, make this a bit spicy). The verb देना (to give) acts as an auxiliary here. It makes the request sound more natural and complete. You can change the intensity by adding words like थोड़ा (a little) or बहुत (a lot). It is a very versatile command for any cook.

Use it at street food stalls like a Golgappa stand. Use it when ordering Biryani or Chaat. It is perfect for casual dining with friends. If you are at a dhaba, this phrase is practically mandatory. It shows you know how to handle your spices. It is also great when cooking with family at home. Use it when you want to challenge someone's spice tolerance.

Avoid using this in very high-end, fine-dining French or Italian restaurants. They might find it insulting to the chef's balanced recipe. Do not use it if you are unsure of the base spice level. Some Indian dishes are naturally fiery. Adding more might make it inedible for you. Also, avoid using it in a very stiff, formal business meeting. It is a bit too 'street' for a corporate boardroom.

India has a legendary love affair with chilies. In many regions, food isn't considered 'complete' without a bit of heat. This phrase reflects the customization culture of Indian street food. Vendors expect you to tell them exactly how you want your spice. It is a sign of a true foodie to have a specific 'teekha' preference. In some cultures, eating very spicy food is even seen as a sign of strength or endurance.

You might hear तेज़ कर देना (make it strong/fast) which also implies more spice. Another common one is चटपटा बना देना (make it tangy and spicy). If you want it extremely spicy, people say फाड़ू तीखा (explosively spicy), though that is very slangy. For a polite version, use तीखा रखियेगा (please keep it spicy). Each variation changes the vibe but keeps the heat.