Spicy Food Challenge #8 Amsterdam Netherlands
Over a week of traveling around Europe and I was hard pressed to find a spicy food challenge. Then it happened. During my last night in Amsterdam, and with the help of a local Imperva co-worker, we stumbled upon what I was told is the hottest food in Europe. I've heard this claim of being "the hottest" before, so I was very skeptical.
The restaurant is called Tempo Doeloe and they specialize in Indonesian cuisine. My video camera suffered an unfortunate early demise during a tragic gardening accident the previous day so I was limited to photos, but I think the intensity of their hell fire concoction is still clear.
I chose a chicken dish featuring their hottest blend. Thinking this was another restaurant with more marketing and less spice, I also told them - "Don't cook it like I'm a tourist - make it as hot as you can, then double that," they gladly obliged. To quote their menu this was what I chose to double:
Terlaloe pedis, with these dishes our "kokkie" (chef) has not shown any mercy with various kinds of peppers. In case you would like to try a "pedis"or "terlaloe pedis" dish, please accept the following advice. Take your time. Insert short breaks during dinner and please ... do not stir all dishes into one undecipherable composition.
Step 1: The Presentation
It was all smiles with me and the waitress before I started eating. I even had color in my face at this point.
Step 2: The First Few Bites
At this stage I wanted them photographing the food, not me chugging water. And if it looks like it might be hot peppers ranging from Thai, Habanero and and the dreaded Ghost Pepper - that's because it is. This was actually the first time I had Ghost Pepper in the natural form (not a sauce). It's way hotter fresh!
Step 3: Victory
I'm as white as a ghost (maybe that's where the pepper gets its name), my hands are shaking, and I can't feel my face. The cook behind my left shoulder still couldn't believe it, but spiciest food in Europe - or at least Amsterdam -- you have been conquered.
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