By the Blog Editors for the Orbitz Travel Blog
If you look into the eyes of someone who's just eaten one of the world's hottest peppers, you will likely see excitement and confusion mingled with a hint of pain and regret. But what about someone who's about to finish the world's biggest bowl of soup?
Culinary daredevils have long demanded outrageous dishes and serious portion sizes, and American restaurants continue to devise diabolically delicious ways to challenge their taste buds. If you count yourself among the growing population of adventurous eaters--or just want to see someone dig into some mega-spicy Indian food--here are America's craziest food challenges worth a trip.
Photo courtesy of cyclonebill | Flickr Creative Commons
Get your fill of pho in Dallas
If you've got 90 minutes to spare, swing by Bistro B in Dallas for their aptly named Giant Bowl of Pho challenge. Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish known for its amazing refreshing taste, but this 7-pound bowl of noodles might leave you feeling a little exhausted after 400 mouthfuls. Your first tentative spoonfuls, however, will be a delight, rich with the fresh flavors of basil, lime, bean sprouts and jalapeños. The reward for completing this super-human challenge is a $200 gift card.
Photo courtesy of Joey | Flickr Creative Commons
Sample some seriously spicy Phaal in New York
"Let's go to that Indian restaurant near me," we hear you cry, "I'm in the mood for some spice!" If hot food is your thing, take a trip to Manhattan and enter the big leagues. Served up by The Brick Lane Curry House in New York, the Phaal Challenge is a fiery sensation.
The fact that the chef has to wear a mask while preparing your meal is probably a sign that a serious adventurous streak is needed to try this one. Make it to the end of this blazing-hot, chili-laden curry and you'll be rewarded with a beer and a certificate with your name on it--and, of course, a tongue on fire.
Photo courtesy of Nitally's
Test your spice tolerance in St. Petersburg, Florida
If at this stage you've found that soup isn't a problem, and neither is spice, try them together at Nitally's in St. Petersburg, Florida, where you can face The Inferno Soup Challenge. This devilish bowl of broth contains 12 fiery varieties of peppers from around the world, packing a serious eye-watering kick. Be warned, though: The restaurant is so confident you won't be able to finish that they're willing to pony up $100 to anyone who does. If you win, we suggest investing in an ice cool milkshake (or, for that matter, a dozen).