A woman from Guangdong, China, learned the hard way that Jiangxi cuisine can be far spicier than the famously hot Hunan or Sichuan dishes. While traveling in Jiangxi, she ordered a single spicy dish, but after just a few bites, she began trembling uncontrollably and was eventually rushed to the hospital. The restaurant owner explained that this level of heat is considered normal by local standards.
According to a video circulating online, the chef prepared the dish—an entire eggplant sliced and fried—then added two types of chili, including Indian ghost pepper and local Jiangxi chili powder to intensify the spiciness. Known for its salty, savory, and fiery flavors, Jiangxi cuisine often draws adventurous diners, but in this case, the heat proved overwhelming.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the woman’s hands and feet became numb, her eyes bloodshot, and she experienced involuntary full-body shaking. Initially, her friends thought she was joking, but the situation quickly escalated.
The woman later described her symptoms: rapid eye twitching, uncontrollable tears, and an inability to move her body. Paramedics were called to the scene, and doctors diagnosed her with respiratory alkalosis—a condition caused by hyperventilation from extreme spiciness, which disrupts the body’s acid-base balance.
Restaurant staff noted that the spiciness of Jiangxi dishes is customary for locals, and visitors from other regions, such as Guangdong, often cannot tolerate it. Out of concern, they even waived the meal charge for the tourist.
Medical experts advise that anyone consuming extremely spicy food should eat in moderation. In cases of similar symptoms, it is recommended to cover the mouth and nose with a plastic bag or mask to regulate breathing and seek medical attention immediately.
