Los Angeles competitive eater Raina Huang recently took on the "Big Fat Fatty," a 30-inch, 14-pound sandwich challenge offered at select Fat Sal's locations. The sandwich, which must be finished by a single person within 40 minutes, is described as a massive undertaking.
According to Josh Cook, VP of Operations at Fat Sal's, the challenge was conceived by founders Josh Stone and Sal Capek shortly after the deli opened in 2010, inspired by food television programs. The "Big Fat Fatty" is comprised of cheeseburger, fried eggs, bacon, Philly cheesesteak, pastrami, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chili, marinara, French fries, and the restaurant's signature Fat Sauce. Notably, the sandwich contains no vegetables.
Of the more than 1,000 individuals who have attempted the challenge over the years, only six have successfully completed it. Those who finish receive a full refund for the sandwich, along with a Fat Sal's merchandise bag and gift cards.
Huang, who opted for a 10-minute time limit rather than the full 40 for her attempt, found the sandwich to be "very heavy and dense." She noted the absence of vegetables as a factor that doesn't offset the sandwich's rich ingredients.