New Zealander wins giant burrito eating battle in Hong Kong at Cali-Mex restaurant
New Zealander chomps his way to victory in burrito eating contest held by Californian Mexican food chain Cali-Mex. Mischa Weston finished the huge kilo-sized meal in just three minutes, 29 seconds
Hong Kong may not have the speed eating chops of America – where eating can be a profession for those fast enough to compete regularly – but the city got a taste on Sunday when local Californian Mexican food chain Cali-Mex held a burrito eating contest.
Nineteen competitors (only two of whom were female), selected from volunteers who signed up to enter after buying a burrito during the past month, assembled at the chain’s Jardine’s Bazaar restaurant in Causeway Bay with their eyes set firmly on the prize: a holiday to California for two.
Although pulled pork was the most popular option among entrants, competitor Ashton Hyde revealed he chose a minced beef burrito as he believed its texture and consistency would give him the edge.
“It’s a slippery option but you still get a protein kick! I’m going to try to get the food down as quickly as I can – traditional style, peel and eat,” the 21-year-old New Zealander said, revealing that although he hadn’t trained for the event, he was “very confident” that he would be taking his girlfriend Maria, who was cheering him on in the crowd, to California.
On why he wanted to subject himself to an eating competition, which carries potential dangers, such as choking and unpleasant side effects including stomach cramps and vomiting, Hyde replied: “I really enjoy eating burritos, so having a kilo [sized one] is all the better.”