This is why hot stuff is commonplace in the cuisines of steamy spots like Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and the Cajun country and barbecue belt of the southern United States, while British and Swedish menus aren't known for their heat. To find out what's hot in the Louisville area, my wife and I explored a dozen ethnic eateries in search of the fieriest food in town. We also tested a variety of liquid antidotes to cool the heat. It's so hot that fire is coming out my nose and my ears, and I can't stop eating. Hot and sweet and smoky and salty flavors all mingle in an intoxicating combo.
White rice helps keep the heat under control, along with plenty of water and iced tea.
Still, I need to blow my nose. My mouth and lips are burning, as if I had accidentally touched them with a match, and the endorphins are running. I love this. You'll get past the downscale look of this South End storefront restaurant once you realize that there's a genius in the kitchen, crafting delicacies with more than casual attention. Not just one-dimensional spicy heat, but depth and complexity, along with balance and subtlety, make every dish a pleasing surprise.