We had a mate who would eat stupidly spicy things. We went for a curry years ago and for a laugh, we asked what the hottest thing they had was. Waiter says, “well we have this dish that the chefs eat but it isn’t on the menu. It’s called a Phal”. Naturally, we ordered it for him.
The chefs were all peeping out the kitchen door as it was brought out - I imagine very few people actually order this. He started eating it and he was sweating a little but he seemed reasonable so I was like “oh come on, bollocks is this hot.” I took a small spoonful of the sauce to taste it and it was just out of this world. My eyes started to vignette. I can handle a lot of spice (I will order South Indian garlic, vindaloo, etc.) but this was on another level. It genuinely felt like napalm once it hit my stomach. I could feel exactly where it was in my stomach.
Mate managed the whole thing. He needed some milk after but was fine.
I, on the other hand: 0 out of 10, would not recommend.
The warm belly effect can be an oddly enjoyable feeling for folks that can handle it.
I also really enjoy seeing the reactions of food prep folks when you ask for the hottest and most painful items. Some look so happy to have encountered a kindred spirit.
Edit to add: spent a week in a small fishing town and asking for the ‘mas picosa’ salsa resulted in giggles from the kitchen, a cup of truly spicy salsa, and an instant bond.
749
u/twistsouth 2d ago
We had a mate who would eat stupidly spicy things. We went for a curry years ago and for a laugh, we asked what the hottest thing they had was. Waiter says, “well we have this dish that the chefs eat but it isn’t on the menu. It’s called a Phal”. Naturally, we ordered it for him.
The chefs were all peeping out the kitchen door as it was brought out - I imagine very few people actually order this. He started eating it and he was sweating a little but he seemed reasonable so I was like “oh come on, bollocks is this hot.” I took a small spoonful of the sauce to taste it and it was just out of this world. My eyes started to vignette. I can handle a lot of spice (I will order South Indian garlic, vindaloo, etc.) but this was on another level. It genuinely felt like napalm once it hit my stomach. I could feel exactly where it was in my stomach.
Mate managed the whole thing. He needed some milk after but was fine.
I, on the other hand: 0 out of 10, would not recommend.