Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP / Getty Images
A California doctor, Harjasleen Walia, has filed a lawsuit against "Coup de Thai" restaurant, claiming she suffered chemical burns after eating a spicy appetizer called "Dragon Balls."
She alleges the dish, which contained Thai chili, caused severe damage to her vocal cords, esophagus, and nostril, stating, "I felt my entire mouth, the roof of my mouth, my tongue, my throat and my nose burn like fire."
After the meal, she rapidly lost her voice and was later diagnosed with internal chemical burns.
Walia is seeking over $35,000 for medical expenses, lost income, and damages, claiming the dish was "unfit for human consumption."
Her lawsuit targets the restaurant's staff and management for negligence, including the chef and server from that night, alleging they did not warn or adjust the dish's spice level despite her requests for it to be "mild."
"Coup de Thai" has denied any wrongdoing.
The case has garnered social media attention and is set for a jury trial in August 2025.
Source: Dailymail