When I was offered the chance to try Pukka Pie’s new Chicken Vindaloo pie, I had some serious doubts. My spice tolerance is pretty low—my history with hot food mostly involves the occasional fiery beef curry from a local takeaway and the nerve-wracking challenge of Nando’s wing roulette.
I remember nearly tearing up after biting into Nando’s extra hot chicken wing, desperately gulping down a mostly-ice Coke Zero. So the idea of diving into Pukka’s four-chilli rated pie, claimed to be their spiciest ever, was both exciting and intimidating as the air fryer timer went off.
Pukka positions this pie as a fiery new offering packed with tender chicken pieces, red peppers, and onions all drenched in a fiery vindaloo curry sauce, wrapped inside light, flaky puff pastry.
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Isaac Fisher, Pukka’s CEO, shared: “Pukka and football go hand in hand, so launching this pie ahead of a big summer of international football felt fitting—especially since Vindaloo is so iconic among England fans. A Pukka pie is an essential part of match day, whether in the stands or at home, and we’re thrilled to bring a bold new flavour to spice up half-time. Chicken Vindaloo brings the heat with a flavour people instantly recognise and love—if they can handle it—while staying true to the big, bold taste our fans expect.”
Having only tried traditional pies filled with rich gravy or creamy sauces, I wasn’t sure how a curry-based pie would go down. But slicing into it, the spicy aroma hit me immediately, prompting me to prepare with some kitchen roll and a glass of water.
Then came the first bite—and I was surprised. Often when food makers focus heavily on heat, the flavour gets lost, but Pukka nailed the balance. The Vindaloo Chicken pie offers a well-rounded blend of heat and delicious flavours. The zing of tomatoes, garlic, and ginger perfectly complements the tender chicken.
I had braced myself for an intense burn, but it became clear I might be more spice-tolerant than I thought. I made it through half the pie before the heat kicked in enough to bring tears to my eyes, but the flavour kept me reaching for more.
In the end, what caught me off guard wasn’t just the heat, but how genuinely tasty this pie is. Pukka’s Chicken Vindaloo is proof that a spicy pie can deliver bold flavour without sacrificing balance.