The Power of a Pepper: Hot & Spicy 2020 Reignited the Party in Beijing

The Beijingers | Aug 17, 2020 3:00 pm | Add a comment | 463 reads

After a lonely summer, it almost feels like a miracle that a party like the Beijinger’s Hot & Spicy Festival could happen at all this year – but boy, oh boy, did it happen! Many a sombrero-wearing chili fan made it out to Galaxy Soho for a full weekend of flaming hot food, fire tunes, and the all-around good times that we were so sorely in need of.

This was our first year to begin the festival on a Friday, allowing for three full days of spice in the sun – and sunny it was, despite false predictions of rain! All of it kicked off with a speech by Mexican ambassador to China, José Luis Bernal. Then, after the ceremonial beating of the virus piñata, the flames of the party burned on all weekend, fanned by live musicians The Latin Rockers, Joker’s Belief, and Buffalo Blues, as well as DJ Pancakelee+Mario Yu, DJ Arquitecto, and a mariachi dancing duo.

But the people didn’t dance on an empty stomach. Old favorites like Q Mex and Homeplate filled up plenty of bellies, while a number of newcomers dished out peppery plates for the first time – Superfly brought their spicy Sichuan noodles, while Palms LA and El Nido served up tacos and beer. Meanwhile, Rourou satisfied seafood passions with their spiced-up and cheesy crawfish rolls, and Henry’s Sliders got a head start on Burger Fest with their premier in-person sales, with jalapeños added for spice, of course.

Peppers of all sorts were passed around at the annual chili eating contest, and while many were daring enough sunk their teeth into them, only two would be crowned the chili champions.