We watch a lot of food shows, and one of our favorites is Man vs Food. On our last trip to New York we thought it would be fun to try one of Adam Richman’s Man vs Food Challenges. We decided to check out Brick Lane, Home of the Curry, and attempt the Phaal Challenge. The challenge requires you to finish the dish (sauce too) in thirty minutes or less. It may not look that hot, but Phaal uses ghost chili’s, the hottest peppers in the world. Fun fact, in 2009 India’s Defense Research Organization planned to use these peppers in hand grenades. Think about it, you are eating something that they use as a weapon. That is HOT!

Also, you know you are about to eat something excruciatingly hot when you have to state a verbal disclaimer not holding them liable for any physical or emotional damage after eating this curry.

If you finish the dish, you receive a bottle of beer on the house, a certificate of completion and your picture in the (P)Hall of fame.

I went into this knowing Lauren wasn’t  going to try the challenge. She had eaten there before and had their vindaloo, and loved it so she stuck with that.. The waiter brought us our food and the minute he put the plate down the time started. A few minutes after I started, the waiter came over to see how it was going. I asked him if he has ever tried the challenge, he laughed and said no but everyone enjoys watching a customer attempt it.

When the thirty minutes were up, I did get my beer, but I paid $7.50 for it. The waiter came over and told us that they have seen people throw up, pass out, and people have even left in an ambulance. At least I didn’t end up like they did.

I really wanted to finish it, mentally I was able to, but physically I couldn’t. When I brought the spoon to my mouth, my body just wouldn’t let me do it, and I like hot food.

Next time we are in New York we may go back, but this time I am going to try something that I can eat and enjoy. I am planning on attempting other food challenges, I just not sure which is next.

Have you had a battle with food? Tell us about it!If you could try one of Adam’s challenges which would you choose?

Tagged: Man vs Food, Phaal Challenge