Irish Pride- The Top Five Food Challenges In Ireland

The American culture has always left a level of intrigue to the Western consumer, particularly in the days before social media through movies and television shows. One craze was the art of professional eating. Historically, we (the Irish) were not always fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to have the luxury of overeating, however in recent years the craze has swept up on Irish shores, not only that but has hit us with a well crafted bang. 

In recent years there is an ever-growing list of restaurants wanting to challenge the public with their gargantuan feeds or spine-tingling spicy challenges and here it is the Chalk and Cheese top five food challenges in Ireland. 

5. Judge Roy Beans- 64oz Steak Challenge

This is a food challenge that truly separates the men from the boys (or the women from the girls) – this 64oz steak challenge comes in four one-pound portions and comes with mash and vegetables. This delicious but deadly combo costs €59.95 (if you are unable to finish) and has an hour window to do so. If you do finish you get the meal for free and a spot on their wall of fame- The STEAKS are high but the reward is sweet. 

Address: 1 Edward St, Moorfield, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 TD58

 4. Pinheads Pizza- The Notorious 32inch in 32 Minutes Challenge, Dublin

This isn’t just a piece of the pie, it’s the whole thing; and one giant son of a gun at that. If you can eat this gargantuan sized pizza (starting at 35 euros if you cannot finish) along with two milkshakes you come away with it free. 

The exciting part is if you can finish this challenge in under 32 minutes you will receive €500, a few stomach aches and surely a lot of bragging rights with your mates. 

Address: 104 S Circular Rd, Portobello, Dublin, D08 EV80

 3. The Lab- El Capitano Toastie Challenge, Dublin

This is not one for the faint-hearted- the challenge seems so simple, 6 toasties that have to be finished within 30 minutes, so easy right?…WRONG. The sheer amount of bread and cheese within these sandwiches in such a time frame will cause you to get more full than an unattended wheelie bin; not to mention that the cheese hardens after a few minutes. However, if you think you’ve got the stuff to take on this challenge, then you can win yourself some serious bread (pun intended). If finished within 30 minutes you  will recieve €1oo from an entry fee of just ten euro.. serious Stonks (2017 meme, I am old). Get yourself down and give it a go!

Address: Raheny United Football Club

 2. Scotty’s American Diner – 5X5 Challenge, Galway

The burger challenge of all burger challenges, if you can consume 5 half-pound burgers, five slices of cheese, 5 strips of bacon on a toasted bap with onion rings, 1lb of coleslaw, mayo, lettuce tomato and 1lb of chips you get your picture on their illustrious wall of fame and you get the meal free (if you cant its €34.99). Be a part of history and win the key to the city of Galway (this is not true). 

Address: Cúirt Na Coiribe / Hubble, Headford Rd, Galway, Ireland

1.    Tony’s Bistro- The Godfather Full Irish Breakfast Challenge, Cork

The height of madness and what’s more it’s with the the most staple Irish food around. A full Irish can set you up for the day, this might set you up for congestive heart failure; but what a bloody way to go out.

The breakfast consists of  8 Horgans Irish sausages, 6 smoked bacon rashers, a 6oz sirloin steak, 4 hash browns, 4 slices of Clonakilty black and white pudding, 2 fried eggs, 2 scrambled eggs, 2 bowls of chips, 3 whole fried tomatoes, 1 bowl of baked beans, 1 bowl of sauteed mushrooms, 1 bowl of fried onion rings, 6 slices of toast, and 3 slices of soda bread. 

You have 2.5 hours to complete this challenge and if the plates are cleared you get the meal free (if not it will cost you 40 euros) and a spot on their wall of fame, rubbing shoulders alongside the man himself, the king of food challenges Randy Santel.. ATLAS. 

Address: 69 N Main St, Centre, Cork, T12 H61W