“My tongue is on fire right now… Holy sh*t, it’s still burning. Is it going to get worse? It’s getting worse.”

In this special edition of Saigon Sunday Sessions, we turn up the heat—literally! Join me at Brick and Barrel for the ultimate hot sauce and taco-eating competition, where local chili aficionados battle it out for bragging rights and fiery glory.

From tasting sauces like the infamous Vietnam Reaper to cheering on contestants in a high-stakes taco showdown, this episode is packed with flavor, laughter, and a lot of sweating. Special guest Chad Mitchell from Mixtape joins the fun, tackling spicy tacos while answering big questions about life and beer.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to eat fire for fun, this is the episode for you.

– Niall Mackay

5 Key Takeaways (With Timestamps)
1. “The Vietnam Reaper” Takes the Crown – Sauce #5 earns its reputation as the spiciest in Saigon. (00:01:00)
2. Anne Pham’s Taco Triumph – Five fiery tacos in 13 minutes—Anne Pham wins the competition with grit and determination. (00:17:00)
3. Hot Ones Homage – Chad Mitchell faces the heat while discussing his journey from California to Saigon. (00:25:00)
4. Spice Brings People Together – From laughter to out-of-body experiences, the event highlights Saigon’s lively food culture. (00:33:00)
5. Pro Tips for Spice Lovers – Lessons learned: don’t touch your eyes, and keep the lime handy. (00:35:00)

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Brick and Barrel: The Heat Is On
01:00 – The Hot Sauce Gauntlet: From Mild to Mind-Blowing
17:00 – Taco Showdown: Anne Pham vs. Kung
25:00 – Spicy Q&A: Chad Mitchell Talks Beer and Life
33:00 – Reflections on Saigon’s Fiery Spirit

Reflect with Me

As someone who barely survived tasting just one taco, I have nothing but respect for the contestants and the brave souls who sampled all 11 sauces. This event perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, bold energy of Saigon’s food scene.

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