Insane food challenges in Japan (if you’re hungry enough)

4 weeks ago 41

From conveyor belt sushi to regional takes on ramen, Japanese cuisine is a top reason many people visit Japan. But if a regular omori (大盛り, large portion) of rice or a kaedama (替え玉, extra noodles) isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, why not push your limits with a full-blown food challenge?

Food challenges in Japan typically involve absurdly massive portions or ridiculously spicy dishes that test your endurance — and your dignity. The rules are simple (and strict): finish the entire meal (usually solo) within a set time limit. In some cases, drinking water is prohibited, and if you end up puking, expect to pay a cleaning fee.

Finishers often get their meal for free, which is a nice reward considering many of these monsters start at ¥2,000 and can climb to ¥10,000 or more. Some places even throw in prizes like cash or vouchers. But let’s be honest — the real prize is knowing you can out-eat an entire room of shocked spectators.

Below are a few of Japan’s wildest food challenges that you can try yourself. Just be sure to check the restaurant’s website in advance — some of these gut-busting feats require reservations.

Mega Portion Curry Challenge (Ishikawa)

For this challenge, you’ll gorge on Kanazawa-style Japanese curry, one of the many local varieties of the country’s homiest food. While your typical Japanese curry may contain some vegetables, such as potatoes and onions, and meat, this one comes with a side of shredded cabbage and a topping of tonkatsu (とんかつ, fried pork cutlet) served in a stainless steel bowl.

The Place

Since the mid-2000s, Ishikawa Prefecture’s Gold Curry has been serving Kanazawa-style curry. The shop takes pride in using ingredients sourced from the Noto Peninsula, such as pork and sweet potatoes.

The Challenge

Gold Curry offers five levels of challenges based on the weight you choose to eat. Sizes range from two to 10 kilograms. Depending on which level you select, you’ll have between 15 and 60 minutes to finish the meal, which varies in cost from ¥2,500 to ¥9,900.

The Prize

If you complete the challenge, you’ll receive your meal for free and some extra rewards:

Level 1: If you complete the challenge five times within the same month, your next month of Gold Curry will be free
Level 2: Gold Curry will be free for the rest of your life
Level 3: ¥30,000
Level 4: ¥50,000
Level 5: ¥100,000

Lunchtime Gluttony Challenge (Tokyo)

Depending on the day, one of two different dishes will take center stage for this food challenge. Oyakodon (親子丼, chicken and egg over rice) and chicken nanban (チキン南蛮, fried chicken with tartar sauce) both pack a punch.

The Place

Hagi specializes in all things chicken — from yakitori (焼き鳥, grilled chicken skewers) and oyakodon (親子丼, chicken and egg over rice) to karaage (唐揚げ, Japanese-style fried chicken) and chicken nanban (チキン南蛮, fried chicken with tartar sauce).

The Challenge

The weekday challenge is downing an extra-large size of Hagi’s signature oyakodon in 15 minutes priced at ¥4,000. If you go on Saturdays, you’ll tackle not only a massive serving of chicken nanban, but also extra fried chicken and a large serving of rice. The cost is ¥5,093 and you must finish in 45 minutes.

The Prize