Bite, Chew, Conquer: The Craziest Food Challenges in Joburg

Forget dainty fine dining. Johannesburg has carved out a reputation for food challenges that are loud, messy, and only for the bold. Here, ego and appetite collide, and the reward is more than just a full stomachit’s bragging rights, freebies, and sometimes even cash.

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s most infamous challenges, and let’s just say, Joburgers are not shy about taking them on. Social media is filled with fiery faces, empty plates, and proud winners showing off their spoils.

The Smack Daddy Party Pie At Smack Pizza Co.

Think pizza night, but on steroids. Smack Pizza Co. dares you to finish a 58cm Party Pie plus a litre of beer or cooldrink within 45 minutes. If you survive, your meal is free. The fastest challenger also scores a R1000 voucher and a t-shirt. They even offer a vegetarian version, so technically you could argue it’s “healthy.”

The One Oh 111 Burger At Gilroy’s Brewery

This one is as intimidating as it sounds. Picture a 1kg Gilroy’s burger stacked high, paired with a kilogram of loaded fries, and rounded off with a litre of beer. The catch? You’ve got just 15 minutes. Conquer it, and your name goes up on the Wall of Fame. Fail, and you’ll be rolling home with nothing but regrets.

Kamikaze Heat At Burger Bistro

If spice is your battleground, Burger Bistro’s Kamikaze Challenge will push you to the limit with Carolina Reaper chilli sauce. For those who want less fire but just as much fight, the Mike Tyson burger comes with its own prizea legendary knife. Both challenges are stomach and spirit testers in equal measure.

The Heater Combo At Out And About

Here’s one for the seasoned pros: an extra-hot pizza and wings combo, served with a 20-minute ticking clock. Winners walk away with not only a free meal but also a trophy to show off back home. It’s less about dinner and more about daring destiny.

The Heart Attack Burger At Blue Parrot Cafe

Tucked away in Cowboy Town, Roodepoort, this monster of a burger weighs in at 1.5kg and comes with fries and a milkshake. Finish the whole lot in time, and it’s free. It’s called the Heart Attack Burger for a reason, so maybe keep some Gaviscon handy for the ride home.

Heidelberg’s King’s Mountain Man Challenge

Okay, so this one’s outside Joburg, but worth the short trip to Heidelberg. Grill King’s Mountain Man Challenge is not for the faint of heart: a giant burger, fiery wings, and a large drink to be polished off in 25 minutes. Those who’ve tried it say it’s as punishing as it is rewarding.

RocoMamas: The Wild Card

RocoMamas has earned cult status for hosting some of the wildest food challenges Joburg has ever seen. While there’s no current competition running, fans online are buzzing about the next one. Given their history, expect something outrageous to drop soon.

Food Meets Fun At Shooters, Fourways

Not technically a challenge, but worth mentioning. Shooters in Fourways is a neon playground where you can turn anything into a competition with friends. Pair that with hearty food, and you’ve got yourself a winning night out.

Why Joburg Loves Its Food Challenges

In a city that thrives on energy and competition, these challenges are more than just gimmicksthey’re cultural events. Friends film each other, restaurants proudly share winners online, and challengers often become mini-celebrities in their circles. At the very least, you walk away with a story worth retelling.

So, which one’s calling your name? Whether it’s the monster pies, the flaming burgers, or the wings from hell, Joburg has a food challenge waiting to test your limits.

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