I've had a few curry challenges from around the UK and thought I'd share my opinions on them for anyone who lives nearby. I'm interested in trying any other curries that are hotter than your average Phall so if you know of any challenges around the UK that I don't mention then please let me know.
- Akbar's, Middlesbrough – Phall – For The Brave (Photo 1)
This was a chicken Phall which I ordered with a side of Keema rice, and the hardest part of the challenge for me was the size of the Phall. I didn't touch the rice at all as I knew it would fill me up and I'd fail the challenge. It was not unbelievably hot, but it was extremely tasty and I fully enjoyed it. The bullet chillis were left til last but they didn't blow my head off anyway. I'd definitely try this one again at any of the Akbar's restaurants in the North of England. I'd give the heat level a seven out of ten, I think most chilli lovers could handle this one. Certificate received for completing along with an ice cream, but I was too stuffed to enjoy it.
- The Taj Mahal, Bridport – Dorset Blast Naga
This was a really enjoyable challenge. I had the lamb with a Keema Naan, portion size was typical takeaway. The first half of the meal I wondered what all the hype was about, this just tasted like your usual Lamb Naga curry, I didn't struggle in the slightest and was leaning towards being disappointed until I noticed there were fresh Ghost chillies that I hadn't seen. Once I had a mouthful with some actual pepper I really felt the heat. If I'd have had some of the ghost pepper in the first mouthful I think I'd have really struggled to finish the lot. Amazing taste and I will be visiting this restaurant again later this year! Nine out of ten for the heat with this one!
- Kismot, Edinburgh – Some Naga dish
I'd read about Scotland's hottest curry and was excited to try it on a work trip. Several work mates came along to witness my attempt and try the novelty dishes on offer (Irn Bhuna for one!). It was a quiet weekday evening, and the owner of the restaurant refused to make me the famous Kismot Killer, telling me it was not an enjoyable dish and that he'd make me a much tastier Naga curry with a slightly lower heat level. I can't say I wasn't disappointed, but I couldn't force him to make it! What he bought out for me was like no other curry I have ever tasted. Extremely chemically tasting and clearly made using extracts and no fresh chillies. The physical heat of the dish made it appear to be spicier than it was, once it cooled down it was quite manageable but the taste was very bad. I was glad in the end that he didn't make me the Kismot Killer as it would probably just have been a more extreme version and still not tasty. I wouldn't return for the challenge again, nobody particularly enjoyed their meals in this restaurant and they charged £3 each can of warm Coca Cola.
Honourable mention
- Masala Twist, Helensburgh (Photo 2)
Another restaurant that makes the claim of offering Scotland's Hottest Curry. Unfortunately it was unavailable during my most recent visit as they didn't have the super hot chillies available at the time. I did have the lamb Phall which was really nice and had a decent enough heat. They offer some strange dishes such as Venison, Crocodile and Camel. If they don't have the challenge dish next time I am there I might try one of the more exotic meats. Definitely recommend this restaurant though, the food is top notch!
So are you aware of any other curry challenges in the UK? I will consider making a trip anywhere for a good enough dish! I am taking the family back to Bridport for a week later in the year mainly to have the Dorset Blast again! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Also interested in hot wings challenges but won't go out of my way for them. If I'm in the area I'd definitely give it a go though!
by TheAtomicHeadbutt
6 Comments
Looks fire!
My local curry house Elaichi in St Clears, Carmarthen is the only place I’ve ever been able to get a Phall, they always laugh over the phone when I ask to make it as hot as possible. I’ll have to find a photo on my phone to post. I’ll keep an eye out for these places if I ever do some traveling, thank you mate.
Indian food is spicy for the average Joe but it’s not inherently spicy like that. For really spicy curries, you want to look into Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan or Pakistani places. I mean notice how the curries the spice heads go for are rarely Indian.
I’m going to be biased and say that as a British Nepali, if you like Indian food, you’ll love Nepali dishes too. Ime much spicier than Indian food
My fat arse read the first two words as “beef rendang”
I went to kismot in 2017. Definitely did not try the kismot killer, but I did have the best achari curry I’ve ever had.
Replacing the onion and tomato base with chilli peppers sounds like it would make the curry taste terrible. There’s a reason that curries are made in the way that they are – which…doesn’t in any way prevent adding as much heat as you want down the process.