Curry lovers on Tyneside, can you handle the heat?
This is not a challenge for the faint hearted
What began as a quiet dinner at one of the UK’s most prestigious Indian restaurants in the UK has erupted into one of the spiciest stories of the year.
When Carl, a loyal diner at the multi-award-winning Raval Indian Brasserie in Gateshead, claimed he’d just had the best curry of his life — but it still wasn’t hot enough — the kitchen didn’t back down. They fired up the flames.
That same night, Raval’s chefs created a brand-new dish: The Inferno.
An hour later, Carl returned. Face flushed. Shirt soaked. But he finished it.
Now, dubbed “Curry Hell Carl,” he’s calling out the UK:
“Best curry I’ve ever had — but not hot enough.
I’m Curry Hell Carl… and I dare anyone to beat me.”
Carl, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and proud self-proclaimed “curry holic,” has spent years chasing the hottest curries across the Northeast.
He first visited Raval late one night with a friend after reading glowing reviews and hearing it was one of the UK’s top Indian restaurants.
“We were just hungry and curious,” Carl said.
“But I didn’t expect to find the best curry I’ve ever had.”
A week later, following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup celebrations, Carl returned — this time to celebrate the club’s big moment.
“That night meant a lot to the city,” he said.
“And I wanted a curry that matched that energy.”
He told Raval’s team the food was incredible — but not hot enough.
The chefs rose to the challenge. They created The Inferno.
Carl finished it. Barely. And now he’s daring others to try.
THE RAVAL INFERNO CHALLENGE
One Night Only – Tuesday 27th May, 6PM
Live at Raval Indian Brasserie, Gateshead
Ten handpicked challengers. One insane curry. A packed live audience.
And a prize of £500 CASH for the one who finishes The Inferno fastest — and with pride.
HOW TO ENTER:
• Post a 30–60 second video on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok
• Tell us why YOU deserve to take on The Inferno
• Tag @ravalrestaurant
• Use #RavalInfernoChallenge
The best entries will be featured on Raval’s social channels.
The 10 most popular (based on likes, shares, and comments) will compete live.
FIRE MEETS FINE DINING
Raval isn’t your typical curry house. It’s a fine dining institution with flair.
Named one of the Top 20 Indian Restaurants in the UK and awarded Best Fine Dining Indian Outside London, Raval is renowned for combining world-class cooking with heartfelt hospitality.
It has hosted prime ministers, chancellors, lords and ladies, celebrities, and loyal locals who’ve made it their favourite. Now, it’s turning up the heat.
“Raval is built on passion, creativity, and exceptional food,” said Nas Islam, General Manager.
“When Carl made his challenge, our kitchen team didn’t hesitate — they made history.
Now we’re giving the country the chance to take it on.”
THE KITCHEN’S PERSPECTIVE
“This isn’t just a spicy curry — it’s a handcrafted flavour bomb built by our entire kitchen team to test balance, pain, and pride,” said Raval’s chefs.
“Carl’s reaction told us everything — he survived it, but barely. Now it’s the UK’s turn.”
Made with ghost peppers, scorpion chillies, naga jolokia, and a secret house blend, The Inferno hits over 1 million Scoville units.
No cream. No yoghurt. No relief.
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