South Dakota offers more than just scenic landscapes and historical landmarks. The Mount Rushmore State has a thriving food scene that includes exciting culinary challenges for adventurous eaters. These food challenges test participants’ appetites and endurance, often featuring oversized portions of local specialties.
From massive burgers to platters of chislic, South Dakota’s food challenges showcase the state’s culinary identity while providing a unique dining experience. These contests attract both locals and tourists, adding an element of competition and entertainment to the dining scene. Participants who successfully complete these challenges often receive rewards such as prizes, recognition, or their meal free of charge.
1) Triple Bypass Challenge at Murphy’s Pub & Grill
Murphy’s Pub & Grill in Rapid City, South Dakota offers a formidable food challenge known as the Triple Bypass. This challenge features a massive sandwich loaded with hearty meats.
The Triple Bypass sandwich contains 1 pound of brisket, 1 pound of pulled pork, and a 1-pound crispy chicken fillet. All of these meats are piled high on a single bun.
Participants must consume the entire sandwich in one sitting to successfully complete the challenge. The meal also comes with a choice of two 1-pound side dishes and BBQ sauce.
Those who conquer the Triple Bypass Challenge receive a free “Father Hen’s Texas BBQ” T-shirt. Winners also earn a spot on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame.
Murphy’s Pub & Grill holds historical significance in Rapid City. It was the first bar to open in the area after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
2) Pho Challenge at Lam’s Vietnamese Restaurant
Lam’s Vietnamese Restaurant in Sioux Falls offers a unique food challenge centered around their popular pho dish. Participants must consume an oversized bowl of pho within a specified time limit.
The challenge features a massive serving of the restaurant’s signature beef broth, rice noodles, and various meat toppings. Contestants face a daunting task as they attempt to finish the enormous portion.
Success in this challenge requires not only a hearty appetite but also a strategy for tackling the large volume of soup and noodles. The broth’s temperature adds an extra layer of difficulty to the challenge.
Lam’s Vietnamese Restaurant has gained recognition for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with their pho being a local favorite. This challenge allows food enthusiasts to test their limits while enjoying a beloved dish.
Participants who complete the challenge within the allotted time receive recognition from the restaurant and may have their name added to a wall of fame. The Pho Challenge has become a popular attraction for both locals and visitors to Sioux Falls.
3) Chislic Champions at Crawford’s Bar and Grill
Crawford’s Bar and Grill in Sioux Falls hosts a popular chislic challenge that draws food enthusiasts from across South Dakota. Participants face a hefty platter of the state’s beloved dish, aiming to conquer it within a set time limit.
The challenge features a generous serving of chislic, typically made from cubed lamb or beef. Contestants must consume the entire portion, along with accompanying sides and sauces, to claim victory.
Crawford’s prepares their chislic using a secret blend of seasonings, giving it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other establishments. The meat is deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
Successful challengers earn bragging rights and their names on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame. Some lucky winners also receive Crawford’s-branded merchandise or gift certificates.
The event attracts locals and tourists alike, creating a lively atmosphere as spectators cheer on the competitors. It has become a highlight of Sioux Falls’ food scene, showcasing South Dakota’s culinary heritage.
4) Monster Burger at RedRossa Italian Grille
RedRossa Italian Grille in South Dakota offers a formidable food challenge for burger enthusiasts. The Monster Burger stands out as a colossal culinary feat, pushing the limits of what diners can consume in one sitting.
This massive burger features multiple beef patties stacked high, along with an array of toppings and condiments. The exact specifications may vary, but it’s safe to say the Monster Burger lives up to its name in both size and caloric content.
Participants who attempt this challenge face a time limit to finish the entire burger. Those who succeed often receive recognition, such as having their name added to a wall of fame or earning a free meal.
While RedRossa is known for its Italian cuisine, the Monster Burger challenge adds an American twist to their menu. It attracts food challenge enthusiasts and curious diners alike, creating a unique dining experience within the restaurant.
The Monster Burger challenge exemplifies South Dakota’s hearty appetite and love for oversized portions. It joins the ranks of other food challenges across the state, offering locals and visitors a chance to test their eating prowess.
5) Onion Ring Tower at Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium
Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium in Deadwood, South Dakota offers a unique food challenge centered around their famous onion rings. The establishment is known for serving enormous, batter-coated onion rings that have garnered rave reviews from customers.
The Onion Ring Tower challenge invites patrons to conquer a towering stack of these oversized rings. Each ring features a thick, crispy batter that encases a substantial slice of onion. The challenge tests both appetite and endurance as participants attempt to finish the entire tower.
Oggie’s Sports Bar provides a lively atmosphere for those taking on the Onion Ring Tower. Located in historic Deadwood, the venue combines local charm with the excitement of a sports bar setting.
Visitors praise not only the size of the onion rings but also their flavor. The batter is described as tasty and perfectly cooked, complementing the sweet onion inside. This challenge attracts food enthusiasts looking to experience a memorable culinary feat in South Dakota.
6) Kolache Eating Contest at Tyndall Bakery
Tyndall Bakery in South Dakota has gained a reputation for its delicious kolaches. These Czech pastries have become so popular that the bakery now hosts a kolache eating contest.
Participants gather to see who can consume the most kolaches in a set time period. The contest draws both locals and visitors eager to test their appetites against these sweet treats.
Contestants face a table laden with freshly baked kolaches in various flavors. Popular fillings include fruit preserves, poppy seed, and cheese. The aroma of warm pastry fills the air as competitors prepare to begin.
At the signal, participants start eating as quickly as possible. Spectators cheer on their favorites as kolaches disappear at an impressive rate. The person who eats the most kolaches within the time limit is declared the winner.
Prizes may include bakery gift cards, kolache-themed merchandise, or even a year’s supply of the pastries. The contest has become a beloved local tradition, celebrating both the bakery’s signature item and the community’s Czech heritage.
7) Inferno Wing Challenge at Wacko’s Heartland Grill
Wacko’s Heartland Grill in South Dakota offers a fiery challenge for spice enthusiasts. The Inferno Wing Challenge tests participants’ heat tolerance with increasingly spicy chicken wings.
The challenge features multiple levels of spiciness, starting from mild and progressing to the aptly named “Hotter Than Hell” wings. Each level intensifies the heat, with the final stage reaching an estimated 4 million Scoville units.
Challengers can choose between boneless or bone-in wings. They must complete all wings in a single sitting to successfully conquer the challenge.
Those who manage to withstand the heat and finish the challenge are rewarded with a $10 gift card. This prize serves as a small consolation for braving the intense spiciness.
The Inferno Wing Challenge attracts daring diners looking to prove their spice tolerance. It has become a popular attraction at Wacko’s Heartland Grill, drawing both locals and tourists seeking a memorable culinary experience.
8) Big Sioux Burrito at Jacky’s Restaurant
Jacky’s Restaurant in Sioux Falls offers the Big Sioux Burrito challenge to adventurous eaters. This massive burrito is a testament to South Dakota’s hearty appetite and love for Mexican-inspired cuisine.
The Big Sioux Burrito contains a generous mix of seasoned meat, beans, rice, and cheese. It’s topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, all wrapped in a large flour tortilla.
Contestants face the task of consuming this enormous burrito within a set time limit. The exact weight and time constraints may vary, but the challenge typically requires finishing the entire burrito in one sitting.
Those who successfully complete the Big Sioux Burrito challenge often receive recognition from the restaurant. This may include having their picture displayed on a wall of fame or earning a commemorative t-shirt.
Jacky’s Restaurant has multiple locations in Sioux Falls, including one on East 10th Street and another in the Empire Mall. The Big Sioux Burrito challenge adds an exciting element to the local dining scene, attracting food enthusiasts and competitive eaters alike.
9) Bison Burger Challenge at The Attic Bar & Grill
The Attic Bar & Grill in Sioux Falls offers a unique food challenge featuring South Dakota’s iconic bison meat. Participants face the daunting task of consuming a massive bison burger within a set time limit.
The challenge burger consists of a thick, juicy bison patty topped with local cheese, fresh vegetables, and a special house sauce. It’s served on a large artisanal bun alongside a generous portion of crispy fries.
Contestants must finish the entire burger and side within 30 minutes to claim victory. Those who succeed earn their name on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame and receive a commemorative t-shirt.
This challenge showcases South Dakota’s rich culinary heritage while testing the limits of even the heartiest appetites. The Attic Bar & Grill’s bison burger challenge has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists visiting Sioux Falls.
10) Breakfast Burrito Challenge at Chevy’s Catering & Food Truck
Chevy’s Catering & Food Truck in Rapid City, South Dakota offers a daunting breakfast challenge for hungry patrons. The Breakfast Burrito Challenge features an enormous burrito stuffed with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and cheese.
Weighing in at over 5 pounds, this massive morning meal is wrapped in a giant tortilla. Contestants must finish the entire burrito within 30 minutes to claim victory.
Those who successfully complete the challenge receive a free t-shirt and their picture on the food truck’s wall of fame. Winners also earn bragging rights and a free meal, as the burrito is complimentary for those who conquer it.
The challenge has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists visiting Rapid City. Many attempt the feat, but few manage to devour the whole burrito in the allotted time.
Chevy’s food truck can often be found at local events and festivals throughout the Black Hills region. The Breakfast Burrito Challenge is available daily during their regular operating hours.
Overview of South Dakota Food Challenges
South Dakota offers a variety of food challenges that showcase the state’s culinary culture and test the appetites of brave diners. These challenges feature local specialties and massive portions.
History of Food Challenges in South Dakota
Food challenges in South Dakota gained popularity in the early 2000s as restaurants sought to attract customers and create memorable dining experiences. The trend began with steakhouses offering oversized cuts of meat, challenging patrons to finish them within a set time limit.
As social media grew, these challenges became marketing tools, drawing attention to local eateries. Rural diners and small-town cafes soon joined in, creating challenges that highlighted regional dishes and ingredients.
By the 2010s, food challenges had spread across the state, ranging from simple quantity-based contests to more elaborate multi-course feats.
Typical Foods Featured in Challenges
South Dakota food challenges often spotlight the state’s agricultural heritage and traditional cuisine. Beef features prominently, with many challenges centered around enormous steaks or burgers.
Chislic, a dish of cubed and fried meat, is another popular challenge item. Urban Chislic in Sioux Falls offers a 100-ounce chislic challenge accompanied by side dishes and sauces.
Other common foods in South Dakota challenges include:
- Bison burgers
- Pheasant sandwiches
- Indian tacos
- Cheese curds
- Kettle chips
Many challenges incorporate local ingredients like wild game, corn, and locally-produced cheese. Portion sizes are typically massive, with some challenges requiring participants to consume several pounds of food within a specified time frame.
Tips for Participating in Food Challenges
Proper preparation and strategy are crucial for success in food challenges. Equally important are health considerations to ensure safety while pushing your eating limits.
Preparation and Strategy
Start by researching the specific challenge rules and requirements. Practice eating large quantities of similar foods to build stomach capacity. Arrive hungry but well-hydrated. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Pace yourself during the challenge – start strong but maintain a steady rhythm. Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Alternate between solid foods and liquids to aid swallowing. Focus on high-calorie items first when energy levels are highest.
Break large items into smaller, manageable pieces. Use condiments strategically to add flavor and lubrication. Stay motivated by engaging with spectators or focusing on a goal.
Health Considerations
Consult a doctor before attempting any extreme eating challenges, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Be aware of your personal limits and stop if you feel unwell.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after the challenge. Avoid alcohol, which can slow digestion. Take breaks if needed to prevent choking or nausea.
Plan for recovery afterwards. Expect digestive discomfort and prepare accordingly. Eat light, easily digestible meals in the following days. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
Consider the long-term health impacts of frequent participation in food challenges. Moderation is key to balancing the fun of challenges with overall wellbeing.
