Chili vs. Chile What is in Chili Powder? Is It Chili or Chile? A Burning Question Savory Spice February 13, 2020 Chile. Chili. Chilli? In the words of Shakespeare, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Technically he was right. What’s the most common usage in North America? Chili or chile? “Chili” and “chile” are both the most popular spellings. In fact, along with “chilli”, all three are seen as correct spellings in most dictionaries. Other acceptable spellings for these fruits from the nightshade family include “chilly” and “chillie”. What to Know The difference between chili, chilli, and chile, is usually a matter of location. In American English, chili is the most common spelling for the spicy peppers as well as the stew and hotdog topping. In British English the preferred spelling is chilli. BdB1.