Indian-Origin Doctor Sues US Thai Restaurant Over Spicy Dish

In a bizarre case of food-related injury, a US-based Indian neurologist has filed a lawsuit against a Thai restaurant for allegedly causing her permanent injuries. In 2023, Dr. Harjasleen Walia from San Jose, California, had a dish called “Dragon Balls” at Coup de Thai in Los Gatos, California, which, according to her lawsuit, led to chemical burns and long-lasting damage. What followed was a legal battle, now headed for trial in August 2025.

One Bite That Changed Everything

According to her lawsuit, Dr. Walia began experiencing an intense burning sensation in her mouth, throat, tongue, and even her right nostril immediately after the first bite. Drinking coconut water and regular water didn’t help. The burning just wouldn’t stop.

Eventually, she ended up losing her voice and was diagnosed with chemical burns inside her body. The lawsuit says the dish left lasting damage to her vocal cords, food pipe, and nasal passages—injuries that, she claims, cannot be reversed.

What Went Into the Dish

Coup de Thai’s menu describes Dragon Balls as spicy chicken meatballs fried with mint, shallots, and green onions. The dish was made using ingredients like cilantro, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and rice powder.

The real kick? Thai bird’s eye chili—a pepper that ranks between 50,000 and 1,00,000 Scoville heat units, far spicier than jalapenos or serranos.

The lawsuit argues that the restaurant made no effort to consult health officials or emergency personnel about the risks of using such a high concentration of chili in an appetizer, making it unsafe for general consumption.

A Request Went Unnoticed

As per documents filed in the Santa Clara County Superior Court, Dr. Walia had specifically informed restaurant staff that she couldn’t tolerate spicy food and asked for her dish to be made mild. The restaurant allegedly agreed, but what landed on her plate, she says, was anything but mild.

She even requested staff for milk or yogurt to soothe the burning, but claims no one responded.

Later, she amended her complaint to include a claim that a new employee had accidentally added extra chili to the dish instead of reducing it as requested.

Restaurant Denies Allegations

The restaurant has denied all claims, stating that the dish cannot be made with less spice since the chilies are blended into the chicken before cooking. In an October 2023 filing, it added that no other customer has ever reported similar symptoms or required medical attention after eating it.

Legal Battle Heats Up

The trial is expected to last 5–7 days. In a May 2024 court filing, Dr. Walia stated that she would represent herself in the case, though she continues to consult legal counsel.

The restaurant has requested access to her medical records and plans to submit written evidence. She is now seeking compensation for her medical bills, lost income, and other damages. A settlement meeting has been scheduled before the case goes to trial.

The case will now be decided in court, where both sides are preparing for a fiery trial.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)