Here’s What It’s Like to Do a Spicy Food Challenge

Lava at play

So lately, I’ve been fascinated with the idea of spicy food challenges.

Besides gaining potential bragging rights, I see it as a way to grow and develop as a person at a pretty accelerated rate (considering the fact that most spicy food challenges are timed).

These types of challenges also showcase you as a person: How much can you bear? What are your limits, both physically and mentally? How easily are you willing to give up when times get tough?

So for me, spicy food challenges aren’t just about measuring your spice-level tolerance. It’s a reflection of you as a person.

Orochon Ramen Special #2

Located in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Orochon Ramen offers some pretty decent ramen that varies in spice levels (sorry, but none compare to Daikokuya).

Most importantly, Orochon is known for their Spicy Ramen Challenge (specifically, the “Special #2”), which has been featured on Man Vs Food.

Look at those happy happy kids in the upper left corner. Fitting for when you’re about to burn your face off.

Here’s how it works:

• You have 30 minutes to eat a bowl of lava
• You are not allowed to get up from your seat at all (otherwise, it’s an automatic forfeit)
• You cannot add ice cubes to the bowl of lava
• You can drink as much water as you want
• My waiter allowed me to drink milk (I brought my own because I come prepared)!
• I was also allowed to let the ramen cool for 2 minutes

Simple rules for a seemingly simple spicy food challenge, right?

The prizes are as follows:

• A picture on their wall of fame
• …That’s about it

My Strategy

So before incinerating my taste buds, I did plenty of research on how to tackle spicy food challenges.

For example, I read that it’s best to eat the “solids” first before drinking the broth.