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From the team that brought you Hot Ones comes HEAT EATERS, the ultimate spicy food adventure where our host, chef Esther Choi, hits the streets to eat her way through the world's spiciest cuisines.
2024
Heat Eaters is back! In the Season 3 premiere, Chef Esther Choi links up with K-Pop sensation Stray Kids for an unforgettable spicy Korean BBQ feast. The episode kicks off with a fiery tour of NYC’s KTown, where Esther and Camera Guy Bill sample spicy bites like Flamin' Hot Cheetos Rice Hot Dogs and jalapeño kimbap. Esther then heads to Ahgassi Gopchang (https://ahgassigopchangnyc.com), her favorite spot for gopchang - aka grilled Korean BBQ intestines, to meet Stray Kids and challenge their spice tolerance with her special hot sauce.
Chef Esther Choi teams up with her friend and food TV icon Adam Richman, an expert from The HISTORY Channel’s “The Food That Built America,” for a global spicy street food crawl in Jackson Heights, Queens. They kick things off with aguachiles drenched in a habanero mango sauce - the perfect spicy wake-up call for the day. Then onto classic NYC pizza with a Mexican twist: chicken tinga and al pastor topped with a creamy chiltepin hot sauce. The adventure continues at a Tibetan momo truck, where they try mom’s recipe for chili-drenched laphing and juicy dumplings. Finally, they finish strong with ghost pepper-infused Bangladeshi fuchka and jhalmuri, which leaves Adam in pure pain.
Chef Esther Choi is back for another spicy Thai adventure! Last year, Esther spent a month eating her way around Bangkok and Thailand, and now she’s on a mission to find that irresistible heat in her hometown of NYC. First stop: boat noodles, an iconic dish from Thailand's famous floating markets. Esther slurps down these flavorful noodles, using a spice-adjustable condiment caddy to add a variety of chilis. Next, she heads to one of her favorite spots, Fish Cheeks, where she’s joined by rapper Denzel Curry. Over a feast of regional Thai dishes, Denzel and Esther swap stories about their time in Thailand and his muay thai training. Then, it’s game on as they go head-to-head in a friendly eating showdown with the intensely spicy nam jim sauce.
From grab-n-go rolls you find at supermarkets, to high-end versions at sushi bars, the spicy tuna roll is seemingly everywhere. In today’s episode, Esther Choi investigates what makes this legendary sushi roll so beloved. First stop: Sunrise Mart, one of the most iconic Japanese marts in NYC, for spicy tuna rolls. Esther links up with her good friend Sakuri Yagi, whose family opened one of the first East Village sushi restaurants and helped kick-start the rise of sushi eating culture in the 1980s. Then, Esther heads to the legendary Michelin-starred Masa for an extraordinary spicy omakase experience. Master sushi chef Masa Takayama pulls out all the stops in an effort to “make Esther cry” - from wasabi-laced nigiri, an extra spicy habanero-jalapeno tuna roll, and culminating with Masa’s spiciest Japanese curry, leaving Esther gasping for water.
The wait is finally over! After seasons of fan requests, Uncle Roger and Auntie Esther team up in the kitchen for a spicy rendezvous. Uncle Roger is on a mission to win her over with a classic Malaysian noodle dish, packed with spice. But does he have what it takes to impress his crush, who’s known for her sky-high standards? Or is he in for a roasting of his own?
Chef Esther Choi is on a mission to create the ultimate spicy challenge—one that’s as mouthwateringly delicious as it is hot. Teaming up with legendary Hot Ones pepper breeder Smokin’ Ed Currie, they create a next-level showdown: 100 dumplings stuffed with Pepper X and Carolina Reaper spice bombs. And who better to face this monster challenge than competitive eating legend Matt Stonie? Can Matt tackle the heat and devour the massive plate, or will the spice bring him to his knees?
The San Gabriel Valley is the spot for next-level regional Asian food and hands-down some of the best Chinese eats in America. Chef Esther Choi hits up this foodie paradise with her chef buddies - Michelin-starred Jon Yao and Top Chef winner Mei Lin - to take on the spiciest, most drool-worthy dishes SGV has to offer. From fiery Hunan chili frog, to tongue-numbing Chongqing noodles, to a chili-loaded fish head, this food crawl turns up the heat and shines a spotlight on the bold, fiery flavors of this Los Angeles culinary hub.
Food TV legend, author, and all-around genius Alton Brown teams up with his good friend Chef Esther Choi for an unforgettable omakase experience with a spicy twist. Esther pulls out all the stops, crafting a custom tasting menu inspired by Alton’s life, career, and favorite dishes. From the Korean fried stuffed chicken wings featured on Iron Chef to his beloved Korean bibimbap from Good Eats, every dish cranks up the heat while paying tribute to Alton’s iconic legacy. Will he rise to the challenge of Chef Esther’s creations, or will Chef Esther push him to his limits?
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2025
K-pop group Le Sserafim (르세라핌) are fearless on stage - but how fearless are they with spice? Chef Esther Choi turns up the heat with a bubbling extra spicy Budae Jjigae and a lineup of challenges designed to push their limits. The members battle it out in a slurping-noodles showdown, play “never have I ever” with a fiery punishment, and crown each other with superlatives. In the end, each face the ultimate test of fearlessness: a Level 10 Last Dab.
WWE Superstar Becky Lynch loves a challenge - but can "The Man" handle the heat? Chef Esther Choi fuels the fire with a three-course lineup inspired by Becky’s Irish roots: a Dublin-style spice bag, a hearty “grind mode” Irish breakfast, and an unhinged Pepper X–Reaper Irish stew. Along the way, Becky talks early wrestling memories, the rise of the Four Horsewomen, and shares a few hilarious family stories.
Comedian Caleb Hearon may love his Midwestern comfort food - but can he survive Chef Esther Choi’s spicy remix? Esther puts him to the test with a fiery three-course lineup of his favorites: chicken wings, a kicked-up tater tot casserole, and extra-saucy, last dab–infused Kansas City BBQ ribs. Between bites, Caleb breaks down classic Midwestern stereotypes and unleashes a stream of pop-culture hot takes - from Christian music and chain restaurants to Taylor Swift and Patrick Mahomes. It all builds to a chaotic paper-football finale where a missed touchdown means one thing: a Last Dab penalty!
Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee has nailed perfect 10s in gymnastics - but can she survive a 10 on Chef Esther Choi’s Scoville lineup? Esther throws down a custom three course heat feast: spicy Korean fried chicken, a hot Choi pepper X pizza, and Khao Poon, Suni’s ultimate Lao comfort dish. Between bites, Suni plays a game of Agree or Disagree, sounding off on pop culture hot takes, and breaks down her biggest career moments while revealing how nervous she really was. And for the final test, Esther dares her to a spoonful of the Last Dab, a challenge fit for an Olympian.
2023
In the season 2 premiere of HEAT EATERS, Chef Esther Choi embarks on a quest to 1). Try NYC’s spiciest chicken sandwiches! and 2). Create her own ULTIMATE version with K-pop superstar, JEON SOMI. The adventure begins at Pecking House, a restaurant that went viral during the pandemic, and famous for its fried chicken that at one point boasted a waitlist of 10,000 customers. At Pecking House, Chef Eric Huang teaches Esther the culinary process for their renowned Chinese Nashville-style, spicy chili oil-dipped chicken sandwich served on milk bread. Next, Esther meets up with Chef Chintan Pandya at Rowdy Rooster to sample their notoriously spicy Level 5 Indian Rowdy Sandwich - one that Eric Andre hailed as spicier than anything featured on Hot Ones! After her fact-finding mission, Esther teams up with JEON SOMI to construct their own PERFECT spicy chicken sandwich, using ingredients that Esther personally curated for SOMI.
In this episode of HEAT EATERS, Chef Esther Choi explores the spicy food ICONS of New York City! Think classic NYC staples, with some major heat. Her journey begins at the legendary Scarr's Pizza, where she samples the 'Hot Boi' slice loaded with spicy pepperoni, jalapenos, and drizzled with hot honey. Next, Esther hits up Han Dynasty with renowned food TV icon and native New Yorker, Andrew Zimmern, for a Sichuan feast spiked with chilis and Sichuan peppercorns. Han Dynasty founder, Chef Han Chiang, also throws in an extraordinary surprise: an off-menu Habanero-infused Bull's Penis specialty. The spice trail continues in Midtown Manhattan where Esther is joined by her friend and fellow New Yorker, Chef Eric Adjepong, for a classic meal at the Tik-Tok famous Adel’s Halal Cart. The order? Lamb and chicken over spicy rice, topped with four different sauces and french fries—the stuff of legend.
In this episode of HEAT EATERS, Joshua Weissman and Esther Choi combine forces to make the ultimate spicy instant noodles! And with these two chefs, you know it’s gonna be gourmet. For inspiration, Esther first visits the Instant Noodle Factory in Queens, a unique haven dedicated to different instant ramen packets from around the world. After ranking and taste-testing noodles, Josh and Esther cherry pick their favorite elements for a high-end take on this dorm-room staple: a creamy carbonara loaded with guanciale, chili oil, and a ferocious Trinidad Scorpion pepper blend!
In this episode of HEAT EATERS, chef Esther Choi is joined by chef Sohla El-Waylly and NY Times food reporter Priya Krishna to explore the vibrant South Asian flavors of Jersey City’s India Square —including spicy dosas, pani puri, and CRAZY HOT Bangladeshi homestyle cuisine, featuring the infamous Naga chili pepper. Home to one of the highest concentrations of South Asians in the U.S., Jersey City's India Square boasts a kaleidoscope of incredible traditional street food and culinary delights that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the community. Esther kicks off her day with a classic street food snack, pani puri—crispy hollow spheres loaded with chickpeas or lentils, and drenched in spiced chili water. Esther continues her journey at Sri Ganesh's Dosa House, where, alongside Sohla, she taste-tests the intricate flavors of savory dosas, which include a variant so full of fiery flavor that it's aptly named 'gunpowder' spice.
Attention all Spice Lords - the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! In this episode of Heat Eaters, chef Esther Choi embarks on the much-anticipated journey down to South Carolina to visit legendary Hot Ones' Pepper Breeder, Smokin' Ed Currie. From cultivating Carolina Reapers to the newly-crowned Hottest Pepper in the World, Pepper X, along with top-secret peppers in development — this episode offers a comprehensive view into what it takes to run the most fiery pepper farm and hot sauce company in the world. Tune in for a master class on Pepper Breeding 101! Learn about Ed’s 'Field of Dreams', where he pioneers ferocious new pepper strains! Get an exclusive factory tour where all Hot Ones' hot sauces are brought to life, including the famous "Last Dab"! And, best of all, hear firsthand accounts of what Smokin' Ed is REALLY like, from the friends and family who know him best!
Get ready for the hottest season finale of Heat Eaters yet, infused with Italian heat! This isn't just a spin on your Nonna's tomato sauce - it's a sizzling Italian feast that delivers a punch hotter than Mount Vesuvius. Our journey kicks off in the Bronx at the iconic Arthur Avenue, where host Esther Choi and Bronx-bred chef Christian Petroni—a local celebrity familiar to everyone on the block— explore the spicy realms of Calabrian cuisine. Paying respect through historical landmarks, they taste-test various spicy cured sausages from Calabria Pork Store and try the renowned Calabrese-style egg, potato, and porchetta sandwiches from Mike's Deli—a cultural cornerstone since the 1940s. To cap off her adventure, Esther jets to Brooklyn to join forces with Binging with Babish at his home studio. Together, they unleash the formidable flavor of Carolina Reapers from Smokin' Ed to make “Spaghetti all’Assassina," also known as “Assassin’s Pasta”.
2026
Hear ye, hear ye - the Queen has arrived! Brittany Broski takes a seat at the Heat Eaters table as Chef Esther Choi serves up a royally unhinged spicy meal: spicy chicken bites, Korean gumbo, and a Dragon’s Breath Royal Feast fit for a queen. Between waves of heat, Brittany and Esther co-author Jacob Elordi fan fiction (trope: enemies to lovers, obviously), while Brittany delivers royal decrees on the trends of our time - deciding what stays and what gets banished from her kingdom forever. And if you can’t get enough of Her Majesty, check out Royal Court and The Broski Report, right here on YouTube.
Strap in - the Internet’s favorite stuntwoman, @MichelleKhare , is about to face her most dangerous mission yet: Chef Esther Choi’s kitchen. Michelle Khare is trading her harness for a fork as Esther serves up a fiery three-course gauntlet: spicy mushroom tempura, butter chicken & samosas, and a Last Dab lobster arrabiata. While fighting through the spice, Michelle and Esther revisit her most death-defying feats - from escaping Houdini’s water tank to literally hanging off the side of a plane, and chef Esther puts Michelle through a spice-induced IQ quiz to see if she can retain any knowledge while her body goes into survival mode.
2023
In the premiere episode of Heat Eaters, chef Esther Choi goes on a SPICY Korean food crawl in L.A.'s legendary Koreatown, in search of the most delicious and tongue-sizzling delicacies. For Esther, Ktown in L.A. is ground zero for the best Korean food in the country, and she's on a mission to share her favorite spots. From spicy-laced dakbal chicken feet at Hanshin Pocha, to succulent yangnyeom-gejang fermented raw crab at Soban, to an INSANE adrenaline-infused Ktown tteokbokki challenge that uses a Scoville chart-topping spice blend at Yupdduk, Esther and her pals will experience the spiciest dishes Koreatown has to offer. Tune in to learn about why spicy challenges are a beloved form of communal suffering, what makes raw fermented crab so craveable, and why eating chicken feet is the ultimate litmus test for a romantic partner. This is HEAT EATERS.
In the second episode of Heat Eaters, chef Esther Choi does a deep dive into SPICY CHINESE FOOD to explore tingly hand-ripped noodles, powerful street-food lamb skewers, and classic hot pot with Bobby Flay. Esther visits Flushing Queens to satisfy her craving for mala spice, a numbing and spicy seasoning made from Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Her journey begins at Xi'an Famous Foods with friend and restaurant owner Jason Wang, where they engage in a hand-ripped biang biang noodle-making tutorial and sample their most fiery dishes, including the spicy and tingly beef noodles. Afterward, Esther and Jason visit Jue Wei BBQ, a Chinese street food cart, to try mala-spiced lamb skewers. Lastly, Chef Esther teams up with her good friend and mentor, Bobby Flay, to relish in the heat of Chengdu style hot pot at Xiang Hot Pot Restaurant. Can Bobby beat the heat?
Calling all Spice Lords—we're finally pulling back the curtain on all things Hot Ones! For the first time in Hot Ones history, we're giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of how an episode of Hot Ones is made. Heat Eaters host Esther Choi explores the heart of First We Feast headquarters with her trusty tour guide, Camera Guy Bill. From hanging out with Sean in the studio and getting the scoop about his pre-shoot rituals and research process, to learning about their systematic wing tossing approach, to checking out rare mementos from the 'Museum of Curiosities' collected from past episodes, Esther’s visit is loaded with the type of inside info fans have been clamoring for. But that's not all! After her studio tour, Esther links up with Noah Chaimberg—the founder of Heatonist and producer of Hot Ones sauces—for a very special hot sauce-tasting flight, including an INSANELY hot Pepper X tincture from the legend Smokin Ed Currie.
Get ready for the SPICIEST Mexican food tour! In this episode of Heat Eaters, Esther Choi teams up with acclaimed taco scholar Bill Esparza for a tongue-sizzling journey in Los Angeles, unearthing the vibrant, chili-infused cuisines of Sinaloa, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan regions of Mexico. First stop is Del Mar Ostioneria, an unassuming food truck that serves incredible chili-laced aguachiles and ceviche from Sinaloa, with top-quality marsicos that you'd expect to find at Nobu. Next, they meet up with the Oaxacan Queen herself, Bricia Lopez, to try a rare, hyper-regional spicy mole from Candelaria Lopez, who drove from Santa Maria Valley to whip up a special feast. To cap it all off, Esther and Bill head to a backyard taco pop-up, Ek Balam, to sample spicy cochinita pibil tacos and — as is customary in the Yucatan — chase them down with raw habaneros!
Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing THAI SPICY journey! On this fiery episode of Heat Eaters, our host, Chef Esther Choi, joins forces with her friend and renowned James Beard award-winning Chef, Justin Pichetrungsi. Their mission? To create spicy Thai Tacos for Justin's Thai Taco Tuesday event at his restaurant, Anajak Thai. Their culinary adventure kicks off with a visit to the Northern Thai Food Club in Los Angeles, where they seek flavor inspiration. Next, they visit Silom Supermarket in the heart of LA’s Thai Town, sourcing fresh and unique ingredients intended to infuse their tacos with bursts of flavors. Then, in a culinary showdown reminiscent of an Iron Chef battle, our grand finale sees Chefs Esther and Justin going head to head at Anajak Thai - each crafting their version of a spicy Thai taco. The challenge? To impress the discerning palates of their esteemed guests and judges, Chefs Jet Tila, Molly Baz, and Vanessa Lavorato. Will they withstand the heat?
Are you ready for a taste of the tropics? In this episode of Heat Eaters, our host, Chef Esther Choi, embarks on a fiery food journey through the vibrant Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. Esther's culinary adventure starts off at Irie Jerk Chicken, where she links up with singer and Brooklyn-native, Justine Skye. Together, they feast on succulent Jamaican spicy jerk chicken paired with sweet festival bread, and eat scotch bonnet peppers straight from a spicy escovitch sauce. Next, Esther joins her friend Pierre "Chef P" Serrao, co-founder of the Bronx Culinary Collective - Ghetto Gastro. Together they hit up Ariapita, renowned for its authentic Trinidadian Homestyle cuisine. Chef Osei "Picky" Blackett serves up a medley of Trinidadian dishes, including spicy fruit chow, Chinese-style wings, and flavorful oxtail curry. In the grand finale, Chef P and Esther meet up with Andre Springer, the founder and mastermind behind Shaquanda's Hot Pepper Sauce.
2025
Heat Eaters is back—and this season, Chef Esther Choi returns to her favorite place ever: the kitchen. She’s serving up custom spicy tasting menus inspired by each guest’s life, career, and favorite foods. And who better to kick things off than comedy legend Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias - following his hit Legend of Fluffy Netflix special. In this episode, Esther crafts a three-course flavor gauntlet just for Fluffy: a cheesy spam quesadilla, a brisket–hot dog sandwich stacked with fiery condiments, and a sweet-and-spicy Hawaiian-style finale. As the heat builds, Fluffy opens up about his early comedy days, throws shade at the spice, and walks away with a custom chili pepper shirt worthy of the legend himself.
In this episode of Heat Eaters, comedian Bobby Lee shows up chill and totally unprepared for the spicy chaos Chef Esther Choi has in store. What begins as a gentle trip down memory lane spirals into a full-blown ambush: surprise ingredients, building heat, and a final prank dish that catches him off guard. From a throwback TV dinner with a fiery twist to a deep-dish pizza straight out of the Temple of Doom, each course pushes him closer to total meltdown.
Simu Liu is an actor, superhero, and noodle obsessive—so obsessed, he joined the team at MìLà, the beloved dumpling and noodle brand. But today, he faces his spiciest nemesis yet: Chef Esther Choi. After “training for weeks,” Simu takes on Esther’s three-course menu: a fiery remix of poutine, a DIY spicy KBBQ ssam, and an absolutely insane chili king crab noodle finale. Along the way, he builds his dream (co-ed) Marvel boy band, talks heroes vs. villains, bonds with Esther over growing up in immigrant families - and finds out if spice is his greatest foe… or his newest superpower.
F1 driver Alex Albon knows speed, but can he handle the heat? In this episode of Heat Eaters, Chef Esther Choi serves up a fiery three-course menu tailored to Alex’s tastes: a spicy take on a grid-favorite pasta (shoutout Team Carbono), a Pepper X-loaded burger inspired by In-N-Out, and Alex’s ultimate dream meal - a spicy Pad Krapow topped with Esther’s homemade Level 10 Last Dab. Along the way, Alex breaks down the diet of an F1 driver, talks about his early racing obsession, and shares how he juggles life on the road with caring for his many pets.
Esther Choi
Self