A legal dispute over spicy Thai cuisine has taken an unexpected turn as a San Jose neurologist continues her lawsuit against a Los Gatos restaurant, claiming severe injuries from an appetizer.

Dr. Harjasleen Walia alleges that the “Dragon Balls” at Coup de Thai caused significant internal damage when she dined in July 2021. Despite explicitly requesting a mild version of the dish, she claims the spicy chicken meatballs containing Thai bird’s eye chili caused her mouth, throat, and nasal passages to “burn like fire”.

The restaurant maintains that the meatballs cannot be prepared in a mild version, as the spicy chilis are pre-mixed into the recipe. Their menu clearly indicates the dish’s spicy nature with a red chili symbol, suggesting diners with low spice tolerance should choose alternative options.

Medical experts consulted about the case suggest permanent damage from such a dish is unlikely. Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor from the National Capital Poison Center notes that while Thai bird’s eye chilis can cause mouth and throat irritation, severe long-term consequences are improbable.

Nevertheless, Dr. Walia’s lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, persists. Her new attorney, David Shane, has successfully negotiated a trial delay until March, allowing time for potential settlement discussions.

The ongoing legal battle raises questions about restaurant liability, customer communication, and the definition of acceptable spice levels. At $12 per serving, the Dragon Balls remain a provocative menu item at Coup de Thai, symbolizing the complex intersection of culinary expectations and legal accountability.

As the case continues to simmer, it serves as a spicy reminder of the potential consequences when dining expectations and restaurant practices collide.