In a culinary drama that’s spicier than the dish in question, a San Jose neurologist is taking legal action against Coup de Thai, claiming their “Dragon Balls” caused her serious internal damage. Dr. Harjasleen Walia isn’t just playing around – she’s alleging permanent injury from what was supposed to be a simple appetizer.

The Spicy Showdown

When Dr. Walia visited the Los Gatos restaurant in July 2021, she specifically requested a mild version of the Dragon Balls. The restaurant, however, maintains that these fiery meatballs come pre-loaded with Thai bird’s eye chili and cannot be toned down.

Burning Questions

According to the lawsuit, Walia experienced a mouth-scorching experience that left her with alleged “chemical burns” to her vocal cords and esophagus. She claims she requested milk or yogurt to cool the burn, but was denied relief. The restaurant supervisor suggests that diners who can’t handle heat should simply choose a different dish.

Legal Heat

Interestingly, medical experts consulted suggest that while Thai bird’s eye chilis can cause mouth and throat irritation, permanent damage seems unlikely. Yet, Dr. Walia persists with her lawsuit, which was originally filed in 2023 and has now been delayed until March 2024 for potential settlement discussions.

The Dragon Balls remain on the menu at $12, still sporting that ominous red chili symbol – a culinary warning sign that apparently wasn’t clear enough for this particular dining experience. Stay spicy, Bay Area, but maybe check the heat level first!