If you enjoy spicy cuisine, you have likely heard of phaal curry. It's a dish that is very well-known for its intense heat, which may cause even the most established eaters of spicy food to sweat profusely.
What is phaal curry?
Phaal curry is one of the hottest cuisines in the world. It originates from Bengal in the Indian subcontinent and is renowned for its intense spiciness and intricate flavor profile. You'll find this dish at most of the British curry establishments in the United Kingdom.
Its spice mix is quite potent, involving ingredients like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers, paired with chicken, lamb, or vegetables. The large amount of chili peppers, in particular, set phaal curry apart from other spicy dishes.
No such thing as too much spice
Chefs often use incredibly spicy peppers such as Carolina Reaper and Bhut Jolokia, which can bring tears to your eyes with their intense heat. Phaal curry is made by slowly simmering ingredients to allow flavors to blend and develop, resulting in a rich, hearty curry. Its appeal lies in its spiciness, as it challenges people to test their heat tolerance.
Eating phal curry is not recommended for those with a low tolerance for spicy food.
It is a dish that should be consumed cautiously, especially if you are not accustomed to heat. Even a small amount can quickly become overwhelming for those not accustomed to eating spicy foods.
A thrilling risk
Many restaurants serving phaal curry require customers to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of eating such a spicy dish. Yet, for the daring individuals who choose to face the challenge, it can make for a thrilling dining experience.
The intense spiciness of phaal curry stimulates endorphins, resulting in an out-of-body experience referred to as the "spice high". Once you successfully finish a serving of Phaal curry, you'll be filled with a sense of confidence to tackle anything!
