It started early, with team lining up to grab prime booth space as early as 5:30 am. In the morning, flamed on, chili, onion, beef and any no-name ingredients were fused with a rattler of pots and pans; in the afternoon, heated up, the crowd screamed up with chili-sweat and chili-breath, jostling and squeezing. By 8, chili was cooking in pots. Seems like they all went all out this year, simmering Huge pots of chili for the coming crush of the crowd.  By word of mouth, Maya seemed to hit the most and made a name for its "specially-braised" beef. They had a crown to protect.  As its chef whispered, his signature chunk was cooked by heart and soul, not only just with chili.  Inside and outside the bistro are packed with chili lovers and music yankees: An array of booths offered a quick fix for chili cravings; old rock and country favorites music went through the whole event.

The Chili Cookoff had never changed its venue for its annual competition. Just set up next to the TCM clinic, the whole fair threw its heat and spread its aroma around the quiet clinic. Whether due to the magic spells at Halloween or due to the hot wave of chili fair, the staff and patients in the clinic all joined in and tried the hot. Overwhelmed by the loud rock and free flow of beer and thick chili soup with various flavour, and unexpected "hey, man", we definitely had not much chance to take a break. Only when crossing that clinic for a sip might you enjoy a free massage. 

The people gathered immediately the clock struck 4 in the afternoon. It was really a tough race, but ShanghaiExpat got the job done, as a runner-up again for its genuinely hot flavour and unique texture. Michael was still the knew how to make a good, HOT, chili. Perhaps ShanghaiExpat would carve out a niche for itself on chili bistros one day, not only the hot forum. And finally Tabascos eked out a tough victory this time for "The Best Chili in China". Cafe' Agave snagged the People's Choice with a tasty chili and some added bonuses for voters.  It was a tough field to play in and everyone had a worthy effort. Flying Pigs Chili, Cat Boxing Brewry, TexAus Twisters, Zapata's, and several independent competed.  Shanghai is another home to chili lovers apart from Texas.