A bizarre incident at a bar in Curitiba left one customer with superficial burns after his coxinha erupted during his first bite. The explosive moment, captured by security cameras on Friday, October 13, has since gone viral on social media, leaving viewers both shocked and amused.
The unusual occurrence sent hot dough flying across the bar, leading to immediate concern from the bar staff as they rushed to assist the injured customer. "It sounded like the blow of a flat tire. I was shocked to see the pastry splatter on his face and around the bar—it was like something out of a comedy sketch," recounted Christian de Souza Amaral, the bar's owner.
The coxinha, a popular Brazilian snack made from dough filled with chicken, had just come out of the fryer and was placed inside the display for about five minutes before being ordered by the customer. "We had just finished frying the coxinha before putting it on display. It had only been sitting there for a brief moment when he approached and said, 'That coxinha looks great.' So, we served it hot," Amaral added.
While the burns were minor, the customer’s shock was palpable. The footage shows not just the explosion but also highlights how steam billowed from the coxinha just before it burst. Observers noted how pieces of the pastry were scattered everywhere, from the counter to the ceiling, presenting quite the sight.
Following the accident, the bar staff provided immediate first aid to the client, who was directed to seek medical attention for his burns. The very next day, he returned to the bar, humorously indicating he was okay, and even joking about being cautious of coxinha moving forward.
The cause of the explosion was analyzed by experts; Laura Marise, a scientist specializing in biochemistry and biotechnology, suggested the incident arose from air being trapped within the pastry during its production. "When the coxinha was sealed, it’s possible air pockets became trapped. This would expand and create significant pressure when heated during frying, which didn’t initially rupture the dough but led to the abrupt release of pressure when bitten," she explained.
To prevent similar mishaps, Rui Morschel, another local chef, recommended precautionary measures. "Before biting, users should just break the coxinha apart to allow steam to escape, similar to how pastéis are eaten. That way, you can avoid potential burns from hot steam inside,” he said.
Despite the initial panic, both the bar owner and the injured customer have taken the incident with good humor. Amaral’s light-hearted suggestion is now inspiring the bar's new marketing slogan: 'An Explosion of Flavor.' "We’re embracing the joke! Thankfully, our client continues to visit and has even become one of our regulars since, albeit hesitant about ordering coxinhas for now," Amaral chuckled.
The viral video serves not only as entertainment but has also led to increased patronage at the bar. People curious to experience the famed coxinhas have flocked to the establishment, igniting new life after the incident. With careful attention to preparation and customer safety, the bar's staff maintains camaraderie, ensuring their establishment remains welcoming and fun-paced.
This incident serves as both cautionary advice and comic relief within the local community, showcasing the unpredictable nature of food preparation and the joy of storytelling surrounding unexpected events. The charisma of the bar’s staff and the resilient spirit of its clientele only adds to its charm, making it unlikely to dissuade patrons from trying their renowned coxinha even after the explosive debacle.
