Gateshead restaurant launches £500 reward curry challenge

Raval Indian Brasserie in Gateshead has introduced a challenge that’s quickly heating up national interest — and it all began with one man.

Known only as “Curry Hell Carl,” the Newcastle local recently visited the award-winning restaurant and declared he’d just eaten the best curry of his life — but claimed it wasn’t spicy enough.

Curry Hell Carl (Image: RAVAL) “I told them the food was incredible — but not hot enough,” Carl said.

“They didn’t argue. They just smiled and said, ‘Wait here.’”

That night, Raval’s chefs returned to the kitchen and created a new dish on the spot: The Inferno — a searingly spicy curry made with ghost peppers, scorpion chillies, naga jolokia, and a secret house spice blend.

The result is a culinary creation registering over 1 million Scoville heat units.

Carl came back an hour later and accepted the challenge.

Raval lounge bar (Image: RAVAL) “Face flushed. Shirt soaked. But he finished it,” said Raval General Manager Nas Islam.

“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.”

Carl, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and self-declared “curry holic,” said the dish nearly broke him.

“Best curry I’ve ever had — but not hot enough. I’m Curry Hell Carl… and I dare anyone to beat me,” he said.

Raval kitchen staff making the curry (Image: RAVAL) In response, Raval is now staging the Raval Inferno Challenge — a one-night-only event on Tuesday, May 27 at 6pm.

Ten competitors will face The Inferno in front of a live audience.

The fastest finisher — who must also complete the dish with pride — will win £500 in cash.

To enter, hopefuls must post a 30–60 second video to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok explaining why they deserve to compete, tagging @ravalrestaurant and using the hashtag #RavalInfernoChallenge.

The 10 most popular entries, judged by likes, shares, and comments, will be invited to take part.

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“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.”

Raval, frequently listed among the top 20 Indian restaurants in the UK and recognised for its fine dining credentials, has hosted everyone from prime ministers to devoted locals.

“Raval is built on passion, creativity, and exceptional food,” added Islam.

“This challenge is about more than heat — it’s about heart.”