One restaurant is looking to spice up this month’s European Championships by offering a very hot curry challenge. Nick Gullon popped in to see if he could handle the heat

THE Akki Special gets its powerful heat from freshly ground naga, a type of scotch bonnet chilli.

It was most certainly an appetising sight. The rice surrounded by a colourful sauce with generously sized chicken pieces. The only clue to the heat that was to come was the finger chillies standing tall in the rice, like plant shoots bursting into life.

The Northern Echo: The Red Hot Indian Bar & Grill in Darlington is having a 'hottest curry' on the menu for the days that England play matches during the Euro 2016 football tournament. Tearful trainee Northern Echo reporter Nick Gullon attempts to eat the curry. Pic
Tearful trainee Northern Echo reporter Nick Gullon attempts to eat the curry. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

I was already working up a sweat - thanks to a hot summer's day - even before the plate was brought from the kitchen. When it arrived the aromas wafting across the table provided me with a false hope that the next few minutes might actually be an enjoyable experience and maybe I would not need the services of the nearest fire extinguisher.

But that forlorn thought lasted for as long as it took to sample the first mouthful. A matter of seconds.

At first, the taste was pleasant and the spices gave a satisfying kick rather than simply overpowering the other flavours.

Unfortunately I made the fatal mistake of pausing. It was then that the severe after burn took effect.

My taste buds swiftly began to boil, my nose ran faster than Usain Bolt and tears poured down my swiftly reddening face.

I grabbed for a minted yoghurt drink to try and stem a coughing fit and to cool my mouth down. It was all over. I threw in the towel and called it quits, purely for reasons of my own health and safety!

In hindsight, it was perhaps not the wisest thing to take on the challenge of one of Darlington’s hottest curries - the creation of Akki Miah, who has been working as a chef in Indian cuisine for more than 20 years.

Mussy Choudhury, who runs The Red Hot Indian Bar and Grill in Houndgate, added the dish to the menu for only the bravest of curry eaters and is offering a special incentive for people to come and try it over the coming weeks.

He is challenging people to come and ‘defeat’ the Akki Special during one of England’s games at Euro 2016.

Those who manage to consume it within the 90 minutes will get the £16 dish for free.

“We use the ground naga because it gives real extra taste to the curry. Most restaurants would use packaged spices, but this gives our dish extra quality” revealed Mr Choudhury.

The Northern Echo: The Red Hot Indian Bar & Grill in Darlington is having a 'hottest curry' on the menu for the days that England play matches during the Euro 2016 football tournament. Tearful trainee Northern Echo reporter Nick Gullon prepares to undertake the chal
Trainee Northern Echo reporter Nick Gullon prepares to undertake the challenge along with joint restaurant owner Guy Fletcher. chef Akki Miah and joint owner Gulan Choudhury watch on. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

“It is not just about the heat, we want people to enjoy the texture, the flavour and the special kick the Akki Special provides."

Well and truly defeated by the Akki Special - available with chicken, king prawn or vegetable, I did at least receive a lollipop for my efforts.

I felt like Gareth Southgate trudging away from the penalty spot after his infamous miss in England's Euro '96 semi-final against Germany. Only much, much, redder!