Some folks laugh or roll their eyes when they see a food-eating competition on TV. Others get a glint in their eye at the thought of proving their prowess as a world-class power-eater. For those in the latter camp, this list is sure to please. Below is a list of our 10 Favorite Food Challenges from across the state.
New Jersey is home to some of the most outrageous, over-the-top food challenges on the East Coast. From molten curries that require a gas mask to cook, to burritos the size of a baby, these culinary gauntlets test more than just the appetite. They push the limits of scorching spice levels and comically-enormous portions, all on a ticking clock. Succeed, and earn a place on the Wall of Fame (and usually a t-shirt). Fail, and leave with an empty wallet, an engorged stomach, and a humbling case of wounded pride.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find our Favorite Food Challenge nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Bricklane Curry House
Where: Jersey City
Challenge: Phaal Curry Challenge
Details: Some like it hot, but for those that like it unreasonably hot, there’s the Brick Lane Phaal Curry Challenge. The restaurant claims this is the hottest curry in the world, so prepare (both mind and body) accordingly. To add to the drama of this challenge, the curry is so spicy they cook it wearing a gas mask. The restaurant also makes challengers sign a waiver before attempting the dish. The Prize: Anyone with the intestinal fortitude to finish the curry receives a (much needed) free beer and picture on the Wall of Fame.
Junior’s Pizza
Where: Oakland
Challenge: Fat Sandwich Challenge
Details: While not the original home of the fat sandwich (we’ll get to that in a bit), Junior’s Pizza is no slouch in the enormous food department. Their Fat Sandwich Challenge tasks hungry challengers with eating two 14-inch sandwiches in 20 minutes. No help from others, no bathroom breaks: Just two sandwiches and unlimited drink refills. The good news is challengers can select any two sandwiches they desire from 5 different options. Winners have their meal comped and get their picture on the wall. Losers pay $36 and live with the dietary consequences.
Central Jersey
22 West Tap & Grill
Where: Bridgewater
Challenge: 22 Ultimate Burger Challenge
Details: Burger lovers can take their infatuation to the next level at 22 West Tap & Grill. Their “22 Ultimate Burger Challenge” gives glory-seekers 30 minutes to eat a loaded burger and side of fries. The burger contains two patties, two pieces of fried chicken, pork belly, mac & cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and an onion ring on top for good measure. The mac & cheese is in a skillet beneath the burger, and the fries or tots come on the side. Successful challengers earn a free t-shirt (and presumably internet bragging rights for life).
Pappa Pancho’s Pizza
Where: Edison
Challenge: Spicy Pizza Challenge
Details: Moghul Express is an Indian, Thai, and Chinese restaurant. So what’s the deal with the restaurant hosting a pizza challenge? It turns out the building is home to Moghul Express, The Bake Shop (an Indian-inspired bakery) and Papa Pancho’s Pizza. The latter specializes in both Indian-inspired pizzas and gelato, and hosts a popular Spicy Pizza Challenge. Challengers must eat a 12-inch pizza doused with Naga Chili Paste (300,000 more Scoville units than a ghost pepper). Winners receive 5 free pizzas as well as a spot on the Wall of Fame.
RU Hungry
Where: New Brunswick (Also in Newark)
Challenge: “The Challenge” aka Eat 5 in 45
Details: RU Hungry is the world-famous inventor of the fat sandwich and a cornerstone of New Jersey’s culinary creations. So it’s no surprise they have a food challenge that dares hungry competitors to mighty monstrosities. Simply known as “The Challenge”, challengers must Eat 5 fat sandwiches in under 45 minutes. Challengers can select their preferred sandwiches to eat. The prize is a holy grail amongst food challenge enthusiasts: The right to create and name a sandwich that remains on the menu.
Jersey Shore
The Chicken or the Egg
Where: Marlton, Beach Haven
Challenge: Ludicrous Wing Challenge
Details: The CHEGG is among the Jersey Shore’s most popular destinations for wings. So of course the restaurant ups the ante with a popular food challenge. Enter: The Ludicrous Wing Challenge. Anyone crazy courageous enough to attempt it must eat 12 breaded wings covered in Ludicrous Sauce in under 15 minutes. How hot is the Ludicrous Sauce? Nothing too hot, just a mere stomach-melting 3 million Scoville units. Challengers can drink milk or water and can also wear gloves. This is considered one of the most extreme challenges in America.
Hoffman’s Ice Cream
Where: Point Pleasant Beach, Spring Lake
Challenge: Octopus Ice Cream Sundae Challenge
Details: We’ve talked a lot about challenges that crank up the heat on this list. So it’s high time we cooled things down with a more stomach-friendly food challenge. Hoffman’s Ice Cream is a staple of the Jersey Shore. Their Octopus Ice Cream Sundae Challenge is a tantalizing test for even the sweetest tooth. Challengers must endure a brain-freezing 8 scoops of ice cream, plus 8 toppings, topped with a whipped cream octopus. All in under 8 minutes. Those that can survive the elements earn a free t-shirt and get their picture on the Wall of Fame.
Rosalita Roadside Cantina
Where: Englishtown
Challenge: Kitchen Sink Burrito
Details: The food challenge at Rosalita is a fiesta for the mouth. Challengers ordering the Kitchen Sink Burrito have to contend with a 5-pound behemoth made with 5 flour burrito tortillas, 1 scoop of chicken, 1 scoop of marinated pork, 1 scoop of beef, 3 scoops of Mexican rice, 3 scoops of black beans, and lots of shredded Mexican cheese; topped with red enchilada sauce, more shredded cheese, lettuce, fresh Pico de Gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Eat it in under 20 minutes and it’s free, fail and it costs $38.99 (plus the price of pride).
South Jersey
Genova Pizza
Where: Audubon
Challenge: 10-Pound Pizza “Sandwich” Challenge
Details: Perhaps one of the most famous spots on this list, Genova Pizza is no stranger to the limelight. Their famous square grandma pizzas have been seen across many local news networks, and are the subject of frequent viral attention on social media. But what isn’t as well known is their 10-Pound Pizza “Sandwich” Challenge. This challenge takes 2 Grandma-style cheese pizzas as a bun, and fills it with any choice of meat, lots of cheese, and marinara sauce. Anyone who eats it in under 45 minutes gets the $70 meal for free, plus a free hoodie.
The Kibitz Room
Where: Cherry Hill
Challenge: The G.B.M.F. Challenge
Details: The Kibitz Room challenges hungry patrons to go big or go home with The G.B.M.F. Challenge. With 30 minutes on the clock, the challenge requires devouring a massive deli sandwich. The G.B.M.F. is loaded with corned beef, pastrami, turkey, roast beef, brisket, cheese, and veggies. The challenge also includes one order of potato salad, one order of coleslaw, and one of each pickle. Win and it’s free, and get immortalized on the Wall of Fame. Lose or tap out and take it home, and there’s a $100 charge (plus the incalculable cost of shame).
NJ’s Best Food Challenges FAQs
What’s the Spiciest Food Challenge in New Jersey?
The undisputed fire-breathing king is the Phaal Curry Challenge at Brick Lane Curry House in Jersey City. Made with multiple super-hot peppers (including ghost and scorpion), it’s so intense the chefs wear gas masks while cooking it. Handle with caution.
Which Food Challenges Involve Fat Sandwiches?
RU Hungry in East Brunswick is the originator of the fat sandwich, and their challenge dares contestants to eat 5 sandwiches in 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Junior’s Pizza in Oakland offers their own Fat Sandwich Challenge, requiring eating two 14-inch sandwiches in under 20 minutes.
What is the Craziest Pizza Challenge in NJ?
Undoubtedly, the one at Genova Pizza in Audubon. Their 10-Pound Pizza “Sandwich” Challenge features two full Grandma-style pizzas sandwiching layers of meat, cheese, and sauce. For spicy eaters, Papa Pancho’s Pizza in Edison offers a Spicy Pizza Challenge using Naga chili paste.
Are There Any Dessert-Based Food Challenges in New Jersey?
Yes! Hoffman’s Ice Cream in Point Pleasant Beach and Spring Lake offers the Octopus Sundae Challenge. 8 scoops of ice cream, 8 toppings, and a whipped cream octopus, all to be devoured in under 8 minutes.
What is the Best Food Challenge at the Jersey Shore?
The Ludicrous Wing Challenge at The Chicken or the Egg (aka The CHEGG) in Beach Haven is legendary. Challengers have 15 minutes to eat 12 wings smothered in a sauce that hits 3 million Scoville units. We recommend wearing gloves.
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Top Photo: © Genova Pizza / Facebook