Understanding one’s limits is a crucial life lesson, as I discovered the hard way when I boldly decided to tackle the ‘world’s hottest curry’ at Zouk Tea Bar and Grill this week. My confidence wasn’t entirely unfounded – back in 2023, I successfully completed the Bunny Jackson’s hot wings challenge.
Although my spice tolerance has waned over time, I still consider myself a formidable contender in the realm of spicy food challenges.
So, when I recalled my former colleague Tom George’s attempt at this very challenge, I couldn’t help but dismiss his teary-eyed, distressed photos with a smirk. With this memory in mind, I strode into Zouks on Chester Street, Manchester, earlier this week, brimming with misplaced confidence and ready to take on the challenge.
The fiery contest was held for just one week, in honour of National Chilli Day on Thursday (February 27). For these seven days, the restaurant offered their lethal Carolina Reaper curry, among other challenging dishes.
The menu featured their spiciest dish, the Carolina Reaper chicken karahi, priced at £15.95. This fiery dish comprised chicken, tomatoes, crushed pepper-corn, cumin, ginger, garlic, and a Carolina Reaper pepper that had been dried, transformed into a paste, and then infused into the meal, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This mixture was so potent that the chefs had to don masks, gloves, and glasses to shield themselves from the fumes, according to the staff.
Despite being armed with all the necessary information, I was confident that I could tackle the curry without any issues. Even when it arrived at my table, I felt no fear or hesitation.
The curry was misleading in its appearance – a beautiful deep orange hue, filled with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished tastefully to create an Instagram-worthy image. Its aroma was equally deceptive; the dish was barely hot, and there was no strong spicy scent to alert my senses.
At this point, I was completely at ease, anticipating a satisfying curry rather than a fiery challenge.
The meal was served with a generous portion of pilau rice and a perfectly baked garlic naan. Foolishly, I dove right in, scooping up a large bite with the naan bread.
The initial taste was enjoyable, like a slightly hotter-than-average curry. After a few bites, I thought I had this challenge in the bag.
However, as I reached for my second helping, the heat hit me. It started with a single bead of sweat trickling down my forehead, followed by a sensation akin to a swarm of furious ants attacking the inside of my mouth.
By this time, I had attracted an audience of two – my colleague and a member of Zouk’s staff who expressed faith in my ability to conquer the curry. Not wanting to disappoint them, I braved a second bite.
It was a decision I would soon regret.
The second bite only intensified my torment, leaving no corner of my mouth untouched by the searing pain. In desperation, I reached for the two-litre jug of mango lassi, my sole relief from the absurd level of spice.
At this point, I was genuinely humbled. Despite the encouragement from those watching to press on, I regretfully had to admit defeat after just two bites.
I entered Zouk Tea Bar and Grill brimming with confidence, but left a defeated man.