Born in Music City, “Nashville hot” is a spicy flavor that brings heat to fried chicken, fish and other proteins, and is now spreading across the U.S. at independent and chain restaurants alike.

“Nashville hot” is in the Adoption stage. It’s gaining traction on menus but is still considered unique. It’s most commonly found at independent casual-dining and progressive fast-casual restaurants.

Velvet Taco, based in Dallas, serves a Nashville Hot Tofu Taco consisting of crispy tofu, buttermilk ranch crema and house-brined pickle in a flour tortilla.