One of Manchester’s popular Indian restaurants, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill, is upping the heat, and my nose is running, and my eyes are crying just at the thought of it. To mark National Chilli Day, Zouk is creating the world’s hottest curry featuring the World’s Hottest Chilli (according to the Guinness Book of Records) as the star of the show, The Carolina Reaper.
This week, Mancs can try to complete the ultimate test of pain tolerance – and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. So much so, you’ll really have to sign a waiver if you want to try it. It’s that hot. There is also a special Chilli Margarita for guests to enjoy, although this is made with milder fresh chillies.
What is the Zouk Chilli Challenge?
On Thursday 26th February, which is officially National Chilli Day, Zouk has created a special challenge for those bold enough to take on the Carolina Reaper chilli. Be warned, this challenge is not for the fainthearted – nor would it be recommended for anybody with a sensitive stomach! There are two dishes on the menu featuring the Carolina Reaper – a Karahi Curry and Seekh Kebab – and they are fiery hot. The curry has even been described as ‘like eating molten lava’!
The Zouk Chilli Challenge is no mean feat as you’ll need to finish the full Carolina Reaper Curry (either chicken, paneer or veg) in one sitting (max eating time 30 minutes and no helping from companions) on February 26th then you will not only get your reaper on Zouk, but you will also win a Zouk Gift Card to be redeemed on a future date.
How to try the world’s hottest curry at Zouk
The Carolina Reaper Karahi (Chicken £15.95 and Veg £14.95) will be on sale on Thursday 26th February as a special, with the challenge taking place on the same day, which is National Chilli Day. The curries all include dried Carolina Reaper chillies in the form of both Carolina Reaper Chilli Powder and Carolina Reaper Chilli paste.
If this all sounds a bit mad, the restaurant is offering prizes for those bold enough to take these fiery dishes on. Anybody who finishes the challenge will also get a Zouk Ice Cream Sundae to help cool off those tastebuds too!
Prizes include:
- A £10 gift card, which can be redeemed during brunch, lunch or dinner at a later date, if you complete the Reaper Seekh Kebab.
- A £50 voucher, which can be redeemed during brunch, lunch or dinner at a later date, if you complete the Reaper Curry.
- A Sunday Roast Sharing Platter for two plus drinks (worth £100), if you complete both the Reaper Curry and Seekh Kebab.
So if you fancy putting the curry, kebab or both (and yourself) to the test, you can make a booking here.
“Last year only about 16 people completed the challenge and beat the reaper”
They may look innocent, but beware these dishes have more than a little bite! Knowing the Carolina Reaper is officially the world’s hottest chilli, it may not surprise you to learn from the chefs that even cooking this curry is a bit of a challenge…
Owner Tayub Amjad commented: “The chillies are so hot that the chefs must be careful when handling them. You can feel them on your hands and stinging your eyes. The heat really is intense so we always have goggles and gloves on hand. Last year only about 16 people completed the challenge and beat the reaper, so although we can’t wait to see who takes the challenge on in 2026.”
Tayub added: “Our National Chilli Day specials will be available for one day only this year. Chillies add heaps of flavour to dishes not just heat so if the Reaper Challenge is not your thing but you love chilli; then there are lots of other dishes on our menu that celebrate chillies in all their forms.”