Originally Posted by
cogitate
As soon as you realize that the food you asked to be hot was actually too mild, ask the waiter to bring you a green chili. He will bring you a small plate with several green chilis, even if you said "a". With each forkful of food you eat, pick up a chili and bite off a TINY piece. Be careful with this; these chilies really are hot, and you will feel the effects of even a tiny piece on the tip of your tongue. You could alternately chop up the chili and mix up the pieces into the main course, a better course of action if you're willing to take the time.
In the U.S. there will be no charge for the green chilies. I cannot speak for Canada.
I find that sort of thing gives a cruder heat than the more complex heat I find in a really enjoyable curry - I guess you need the other elements, the salt, the sweet, the sour, to balance the heat. I'm generally ok now that I know to specify when ordering. But I am still REALLY looking forward to going for Indian food next month in the UK with a good friend!