Coup De Thai, a restaurant in Los Gatos, is facing a lawsuit over its spicy ‘Dragon Balls’ dish. A patron, Harjasleen Walia, filed the civil lawsuit accusing the restaurant, its cook, waiting staff, and owner of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, the ‘Dragon Balls’ dish was so spicy that Walia suffered burns to her vocal cords, esophagus, and nose. The lawsuit claims Walia was ‘poisoned, made ill and burned’ resulting in permanent injuries, and demands compensation for medical expenses and loss of income earnings.
The incident reportedly occurred during a visit to the restaurant in the summer of 2021. Walia and a friend ordered the ‘Dragon Balls’ as an appetizer, and despite requesting the dish to be made with less spice due to her intolerance, it was reportedly served at an excessive spice level. The lawsuit alleges that the waitress failed to provide any dairy products to cool down Walia’s mouth when the dish proved too spicy.
The restaurant, while acknowledging the dish is very spicy, stated that it’s not possible to make it less spicy depending on customers’ heat preferences. The case is scheduled for a jury trial in Santa Clara County court on December 5. This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the potential risks and repercussions associated with serving extremely spicy food.