Paro Indian

Recently, my friend Greeno and I set out on an adventure in central London to tackle the notorious Naga curry challenge. I’d previously faced a disastrous phaal curry challenge, but I’d been working on building up my spice tolerance, so I felt ready to dive into this fiery dish.

We decided to order a selection of dishes to accompany the Naga curry: Rogan lamb, five-spice potatoes, peshwari naan, and onion bhaji. As we eagerly awaited our food, I couldn’t help but admire the vibrant decor and lively ambiance, it was like being in a tropical jungle. When our meals arrived, the presentation was impressive. The onion bhaji, golden and crispy, looked perfect, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

We started with the onion bhaji, and it was everything I had hoped for—crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. Paired with mint sauce, it was a delightful way to kick off the meal. Next, we savoured the Rogan lamb. The lamb was incredibly tender and had a rich sauce that made my taste buds dance, though I wished it had a bit more spice to really elevate the dish. The five-spice potatoes were aromatic and added a lovely contrast to the meal. I decided to save the peshwari naan to balance the heat I anticipated from the Naga curry.

When it was time to tackle the Naga curry, I took a deep breath and dug in. The initial burst of ghee and fresh chillies hit me hard. The heat was intense, and I struggled to find the other flavours buried beneath the spice. My previous experience with the phaal curry loomed in my mind, and I felt a sense of regret wash over me. Greeno, however, took a turn and embraced the fiery challenge, praising the curry for its boldness and depth of flavour, while also offering me more if I could handle it. I’ll get him back!

After the challenge, I reflected on the experience with mixed feelings. The total bill came to £64.80, which felt reasonable for the quality and ambience we enjoyed. While I might not be rushing back to try another extreme spice challenge, I truly appreciated the overall experience. Greeno loved the Naga curry, even though I found it overwhelming. It was a fun outing, with a great atmosphere and attentive service, and if you’re up for a challenge, this place might just be the spice adventure you need!