Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

Wilbur Scoville developed the standardized scale to rate the spiciness of peppers that still bears his name. A jalapeño, for example, rates 2,500 Scovilles, meaning it needs to be diluted with that many parts water before it reaches the blandness of a green bell pepper. Like all measurements, people will try to set a world record for it. Korean restaurant Kenary (B1 New Tokyo Bldg, 5-11-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku 03-6226-0630) steps up to the plate with a very spicy hot pot on its dinner course (¥3,000). The nabe is made with Red Savina habanero rated at an eye-watering 350,000 Scovilles, Bhut Jolokia chilis weighing in at over a million and the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper which until recently was the world’s hottest at 1.4 million units. For an additional ¥1,500 gets you an all-you-can-drink option and after one taste—you’re gonna need it.