Had my first phaal last night..
Discussion
And TBH, I quite enjoyed it. I don't go for the whole willy waving 'I'm a bigger man then you cos I heat a hotter curry bulls
t' I was just curious what it was like. Wasn't on the menu but the restaurant was very quiet so I asked if they could make me one, the manager came over to give me a warning and I ordered a meat phaal with a few other dishes, and a big jug of water because I know that helps..
First impression was a slight stinging sensation in my eyes as the dish was placed on the table - chilli fumes, a promising start. Fiery red in colour, smooth looking sauce and little chunks of lamb/tiddles the tabby. No garnish and very little floating oil
Starting, as you do when being cautious, with a large spoonful, I initially thought this is not THAT hot, and it was only as I worked through the dish to maybe 1 quarter in that I started to get a sore tongue. No sweats, shaking or hiccups which I often get when eating silly amounts of chilli which surprised me.
Flavour wise (somewhat masked by the several pints of ale previously consumed) it pretty much tasted of dried chilli and tomato, a hint of ginger and not much else. Not very complex, but very satisfying.
After maybe half the dish was consumed I was starting to suffer; tears, running nose and sweats but still no hiccups or shakes. Not as hot as my habanero gravy I deduce. I did have to drain a bowl of raita before a could speak much, and gobble up a naan bread. Don't know why that helps but it did.
I had to leave a small portion, but that was due to being rather full and having a small walk home. Go go Doggy bag, and reheated it for breakfast.
Ring of fire was noted - although far less prominent than expected, due in great part I imagine to the smoothness of the sauce. No chilli seed grenades, which was nice.
Will I have again? Yes, again with other dishes, more as a side then a main. Worth the hype? No. Maybe the chef went easy on me, but it was a lot milder than reports had led me to believe. I think vindaloo tastes better too, there's more going on.
t' I was just curious what it was like. Wasn't on the menu but the restaurant was very quiet so I asked if they could make me one, the manager came over to give me a warning and I ordered a meat phaal with a few other dishes, and a big jug of water because I know that helps.. First impression was a slight stinging sensation in my eyes as the dish was placed on the table - chilli fumes, a promising start. Fiery red in colour, smooth looking sauce and little chunks of lamb/tiddles the tabby. No garnish and very little floating oil
Starting, as you do when being cautious, with a large spoonful, I initially thought this is not THAT hot, and it was only as I worked through the dish to maybe 1 quarter in that I started to get a sore tongue. No sweats, shaking or hiccups which I often get when eating silly amounts of chilli which surprised me.
Flavour wise (somewhat masked by the several pints of ale previously consumed) it pretty much tasted of dried chilli and tomato, a hint of ginger and not much else. Not very complex, but very satisfying.
After maybe half the dish was consumed I was starting to suffer; tears, running nose and sweats but still no hiccups or shakes. Not as hot as my habanero gravy I deduce. I did have to drain a bowl of raita before a could speak much, and gobble up a naan bread. Don't know why that helps but it did.
I had to leave a small portion, but that was due to being rather full and having a small walk home. Go go Doggy bag, and reheated it for breakfast.
Ring of fire was noted - although far less prominent than expected, due in great part I imagine to the smoothness of the sauce. No chilli seed grenades, which was nice.
Will I have again? Yes, again with other dishes, more as a side then a main. Worth the hype? No. Maybe the chef went easy on me, but it was a lot milder than reports had led me to believe. I think vindaloo tastes better too, there's more going on.
Ive had the pleasure? of a phaal many years ago, and my lips were going numb before the damn stuff made it past my teeth 
I had a chicken phaal and managed to eat 3 or 4 chunks of the chicken before having to resort to the side orders (and slapping people with the naan bread as was the law back in them days).
I wouldnt do it again as I just didnt get to enjoy the meal at all.
I have however sat and watched a female work friend at the time just munch her way through a tinderloo and phaal without so much as breaking sweat (she was of african descent and was well used to hot stuff but) - Bloody impressive having tasted how hot her meal was!
Vindaloo used to be my normal heat rating, now I do well to manage a fairly lively madras (although the mrs did drop the pot of hot chilli powder in a home made curry the other night which was interesting the next day
I had a chicken phaal and managed to eat 3 or 4 chunks of the chicken before having to resort to the side orders (and slapping people with the naan bread as was the law back in them days).
I wouldnt do it again as I just didnt get to enjoy the meal at all.
I have however sat and watched a female work friend at the time just munch her way through a tinderloo and phaal without so much as breaking sweat (she was of african descent and was well used to hot stuff but) - Bloody impressive having tasted how hot her meal was!
Vindaloo used to be my normal heat rating, now I do well to manage a fairly lively madras (although the mrs did drop the pot of hot chilli powder in a home made curry the other night which was interesting the next day
thewilly said:
okgo said:
there's nothing 'impressive' about it at all.
No, you're right.What's a tinderloo though? Vinderloo spelt bad or something I've not seen before?
Was nice, just palatable, though not a curry i would have every time to be honest.
I really don't get this!
I like a nice bit of chilli in many things, but I've never willingly eaten anything which causes me to go into convulsions as some people seem to like to do!
If someone says "I had a phaal and loved the complex mix of flavours" or whatever then fine. Someone saying "blood was running from my eyes as soon as the dish left the kitchen and I could only sniff the dish 3 times before I gave up" as though this is an experience to be savoured just rather bemuses me...
I like a nice bit of chilli in many things, but I've never willingly eaten anything which causes me to go into convulsions as some people seem to like to do!
If someone says "I had a phaal and loved the complex mix of flavours" or whatever then fine. Someone saying "blood was running from my eyes as soon as the dish left the kitchen and I could only sniff the dish 3 times before I gave up" as though this is an experience to be savoured just rather bemuses me...
Kermit power said:
I really don't get this!
I like a nice bit of chilli in many things, but I've never willingly eaten anything which causes me to go into convulsions as some people seem to like to do!
If someone says "I had a phaal and loved the complex mix of flavours" or whatever then fine. Someone saying "blood was running from my eyes as soon as the dish left the kitchen and I could only sniff the dish 3 times before I gave up" as though this is an experience to be savoured just rather bemuses me...
Eating enough chilli can lead to hallucinogenic experiences.. so I hear.. although you'll do some flesh damage long before you get thereI like a nice bit of chilli in many things, but I've never willingly eaten anything which causes me to go into convulsions as some people seem to like to do!
If someone says "I had a phaal and loved the complex mix of flavours" or whatever then fine. Someone saying "blood was running from my eyes as soon as the dish left the kitchen and I could only sniff the dish 3 times before I gave up" as though this is an experience to be savoured just rather bemuses me...
For some reason though it really helps my mood, I generally feel happier after a scorchingly hot meal. Like an antidepressant effect. And I do just love the taste.
sleep envy said:
thewilly said:
a big jug of water because I know that helps..
it doesn't, if anything it makes it worsenext time order a lassi
chillies cause the release of endorphins http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/chilli/endorphins.h... which is why some people get a kick from eating stupidly hot rubies.
many years ago on a stag do in nottingham, i ate a curry which was so hot, it caused the chef to come out of the kitchen and shake my hand. i didn't really remember it as i was off my knackers at the time, but i was certainly reminded when i visited the little boys room!
not into all that these days, but do like a good vindi, and had a cracking one at the shard restaurant recently.
many years ago on a stag do in nottingham, i ate a curry which was so hot, it caused the chef to come out of the kitchen and shake my hand. i didn't really remember it as i was off my knackers at the time, but i was certainly reminded when i visited the little boys room!
not into all that these days, but do like a good vindi, and had a cracking one at the shard restaurant recently.
Last time i was out for an Indian my dad ordered a Chicken phaal, the waiters face was a picture!
I went for the madras which is my usual, and tried a bit of his aswell, yes it was hotter, a good bit hotter, but I didn't find it uneatable. My dad quite enjoyed it at the time but think he suffered the next day.
Even when it arrived on the table you could smell it was going to be hot..
I went for the madras which is my usual, and tried a bit of his aswell, yes it was hotter, a good bit hotter, but I didn't find it uneatable. My dad quite enjoyed it at the time but think he suffered the next day.
Even when it arrived on the table you could smell it was going to be hot..
The only person I've met who has eaten one said the toilet the next day was "Like s**tting through the eye of a needle". I quite like hot, but I've never bothered with a phaal.
Still, on a related note, for those who like a giggle:
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a Chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."
Here are the scorecards from the advent: (Frank is Judge #3)
Chili # 1 Eddie's Maniac Monster Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 -- (Frank) Holy ****, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Chili # 2 Austin's Afterburner Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
Chili # 3 Ronny's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.
Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh!t-faced from all of the beer...
Chili # 4 Dave's Black Magic...
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3! -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
Chili # 5 Lisa's Legal Lip Remover...
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ****** me ! off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.
Chili # 6 Pam's Very Vegetarian Variety...
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I **** on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my a** with a snow cone.
Chili # 7 Carla's Screaming Sensation Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili
peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
Chili # 8 Karen's Toenail Curling Chili...
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd! have reacted to really hot chili?
Still, on a related note, for those who like a giggle:
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a Chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."
Here are the scorecards from the advent: (Frank is Judge #3)
Chili # 1 Eddie's Maniac Monster Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 -- (Frank) Holy ****, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Chili # 2 Austin's Afterburner Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
Chili # 3 Ronny's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.
Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh!t-faced from all of the beer...
Chili # 4 Dave's Black Magic...
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3! -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
Chili # 5 Lisa's Legal Lip Remover...
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ****** me ! off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.
Chili # 6 Pam's Very Vegetarian Variety...
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I **** on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my a** with a snow cone.
Chili # 7 Carla's Screaming Sensation Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili
peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
Chili # 8 Karen's Toenail Curling Chili...
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd! have reacted to really hot chili?
I love hot (flavoured) food, laugh at the "willy waving" thing because a lot of the time chilli lovers such as me get a great buzz from the endorphin rush, it can be quite addictive and not really about proving an alpha maleness.
Anyhow, went to our Oxford office recently and the MD and his team took me and a colleague to the local favoured curry house, where I took the liberty of ordering a Phaal. Had to smile as said dish turned up and was nearly black in colour(so dark brown as to be black, under the dim lights of the restaurant) with a red edge to the dish.
Surprisingly tasty and naturally the rest of the table had to have a "taste", however I have had some awful hot dishes where no real flavour is there, its jut pure heat and I think that is the difference. What I would want is flavour as well as heat, not just full on burn.
Anyhow, went to our Oxford office recently and the MD and his team took me and a colleague to the local favoured curry house, where I took the liberty of ordering a Phaal. Had to smile as said dish turned up and was nearly black in colour(so dark brown as to be black, under the dim lights of the restaurant) with a red edge to the dish.
Surprisingly tasty and naturally the rest of the table had to have a "taste", however I have had some awful hot dishes where no real flavour is there, its jut pure heat and I think that is the difference. What I would want is flavour as well as heat, not just full on burn.
sleep envy said:
thewilly said:
a big jug of water because I know that helps..
it doesn't, if anything it makes it worsenext time order a lassi
some of us actually enjoy hot food. will have to knock out a vindaloo this week now methinks.
a phaal can vary from place to place depending on how much powder and chilli they put in. my friend took me to his take away once and made me one, he was just chucking loads of stuff on to make it hotter - i imagine he could have made it far worse if he wnated to.
a phaal can vary from place to place depending on how much powder and chilli they put in. my friend took me to his take away once and made me one, he was just chucking loads of stuff on to make it hotter - i imagine he could have made it far worse if he wnated to.
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