Bringing the Heat This Winter: Shanghai's First Hot & Spicy Food Festival
On February 7 and 8, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival makes its Shanghai debut at BFC, the first southern foray of a tradition that began nearly two decades ago in Beijing.
- Free entry
- 40+ vendors, 20+ cuisines!
- Chili Pepper Eating Contest
- Pet-friendly
- Feb 7 & 8, Sat & Sun, 11am-9pm
Expect not just spicy foods from around the globe, but winter warmers as well to beat back Shanghai's chilly weather.
We've assembled 40+ epic spicy dishes from around the globe – from Mexican Tacos and Thai Tom Yum to the numbing punch of Sichuan cuisine.
Think you can handle the heat? Step up and challenge your limits at the Chili Pepper Eating Contest and win a package of prizes that includes vouchers from Smokin'Hog, swag from Parlay, hot sauces & T-shirts from from Big Philly Hot Sauce Co, bottles of wine and more.
Sign up here:
No tickets needed – just show up! Grab your foodie squad, come sweat it out on the Bund, and let's kick off 2026 with a fiery bang!
The origin story
We first created the Chili Pepper Eating Contest in Beijing back in 2005, when it appeared as a side show on stage at the annual Canada Day celebrations. It was meant to be a bit of fun; it quickly became something much bigger.
Year after year, the contest returned. The crowd grew. We refined the rules, smoothed out the rough edges, and learned a few lessons along the way – mostly about making sure our contestants did not end up spending the rest of the week curled in the fetal position.
From side show to standalone festival
What never changed was the reaction: people loved it. Eventually, it became clear that the chili contest had outgrown its original stage. When the Canada Day organizers – quite reasonably – decided it was time for the peppers to have their own spotlight, that moment became our spark.
That spark turned into the Hot & Spicy Food Festival: a fullscale celebration built around bold flavors, global spice, and the simple joy of eating warming food together in winter.
A food festival first, a challenge second
Yes, the legendary Chili Pepper Eating Contest will take place, and we're in talks to bring our reigning Beijing champion to take on Shanghai pepperheads. But the real reason to come is the food. With more than 30 confirmed vendors, this is a rare chance to eat your way through serious heat without committing to just one cuisine – or one level of bravery.
China brings the fire
Spice across China takes many forms, and this lineup reflects that range. Dive into the international scene with Tacolicious, a Shanghai staple serving hearty Birria Nachos, or satisfy your cravings at Cages Sports Bar with Mexican Churros paired with a secret spicy dipping sauce. Carnivores can feast on Weimar Style Cuisine's authentic German sausages fused with an extra spicy kick, or indulge traditional Belgian fries drenched in "devil" spicy beef sauce. Italy is in on the game too, featuring two of Bella Vita's spiciest pizzas.
Global heat, no passport required
For local flavors, don't miss the Drum Tower Miao Sour Soup Beef Noodles, a refreshing Intangible Cultural Heritage dish, and the Yunnan Stuffed Burst Tofu, crispy on the outside and paired with dry chili powder for a shot of pure adrenaline.
Not just spice: winter warmers
Shanghai winters call for more than just heat, and the festival delivers. Alongside the chilies, you'll find roasted pear drinks, hot broths, mulled wine, warming desserts, and freshly made milk tea. Sweet treats come with subtle spice, and comforting soups offer a reset between fiery bites. It's a lineup designed to keep you warm, fed, and happy–even if you overdid it on the chilies earlier.
Come Hungry, Leave Warm
So whether you love the spice or just want a good excuse to get out of your apartment this winter (and you crave something more than a temple fair), come warm up with us.
The contest that started it all
And yes, the legend lives on. The Chili Pepper Eating Contest returns–now wellhoned, tightly run, and one of the most entertaining things you'll see all weekend. This is where spectators crowd in with phones out, and contestants discover exactly where their limits lie. It's equal parts bravery, spectacle, and crowdpleasing chaos.
Ready to throw your hat into the ring? Sign up for the contest here:
Spicy made nicey with lemon lime icy
Sprite Lands at Shanghai's Hot and Spicy Festival! One sip of Sprite ignites your "Cool & Spicy Soul"!
Ready for your taste buds to experience a symphony of ice and fire? This time, we're not just bringing the classic, bone-chilling cool of Sprite. We're also introducing our latest star – Sprite Prebiotics Sugar-Free Sparkling Water. The savior for feasts, cutting through the grease with refreshing ease. Let's dive into a mind-blowing spicy feast together!
How to Join:
- Buy 2 Sprite bottles → Get a chance to draw prizes instantly!
- Interact at the booth/Share photos online → Earn another chance at lucky draw!
- Join the Spicy Challenge→ Get Free Sprite Prebiotics Sugar-Free Sparkling Water!
Win awesome Sprite merch: Gear up with cool, spicy-themed goodies!
Hurry to the Sprite booth! Double the thrill with Sprite & spice, and dive into the lucky draw fun at Hot & Spicy Fest!
About venue
As a hub of fashion and youth culture on the Bund, the BFC Weekend Markets presents regular cultural and lifestyle programs of varied themes all year round. Since its debut in 2020, it has quickly become one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots on the Bund, the most interesting night market and the most dynamic block in the city, showcasing the true essence of Shanghai Nightlife to millions around the globe.
上海火辣节 Hot & Spicy Festival
Date: February 7–8
Venue: Bund Financial Center
Address: 600 Zhongshan Rd E2
Free entry
"Live refreshing! Pair Sprite with spicy food for a HURTS REAL GOOD experience.
Why Sprite goes well with Spicy: Spicy food lovers don't need relief of spice–they crave for the thrill of spice! And Sprite is your ultimate spicy food pairing choice! Sprite's refreshing burst of lemony-lime bubbly refreshment enlivens your tastebuds, maximizing the thrill in every spicy bite to make that moment intensely fresh. Hurts real good with Sprite.
GenZ Connection: Sprite, with its core of ultimate refreshment and bold flavor, sparks a genuine connection with young consumers. Sprite empowers the next generation to find their own path, push boundaries, and make every moment with ultimate refreshment."
