Welcome to Spicy SEAP! This special edition of the podcast recreates the popular TV show Hot Ones—but with a twist! Instead of chicken wings, our guests take on a lineup of spicy Southeast Asian dishes, from snacks to main courses and mysterious desserts.

Host Francine Barchett is joined by Lijun Zhang, a PhD candidate in History and co-chair of the Cornell Southeast Asia Program (SEAP) Gatty Lecture Series. Lijun’s research explores female migration from southeastern China to British Malaya and Singapore, focusing on grassroots intimacy, women’s mobility, and the agency that shaped legal travel within the colonial judiciary. Her academic journey began in a Singaporean high school and evolved through her undergraduate studies at Colgate. Lijun’s favorite Indonesian word is duduk-duduk—any guesses on what it means? Tune in now!

 

 

Appetizers:

Carada Rice Ball Cuttlefish – 5:45

Hanami Chili Prawn Crackers – 7:15

Snacks:

Musang King Durian Cake – 11:15

Hapi Sriracha Peas – 15:40

Taokaenoi Mala Crispy Seaweed – 19:25

Grilled Spicy Seaweed Roll – 25:00

Main Challenge:

2xspicy Buldak Ramen – 33:40

Mystery Item:

Pandan Euro Cake – 40:07

Lijun Zhang’s top recommendations:

• The White Lotus Season 3 by Mike White

• The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew

The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino style Rondalla group established in Cornell University. Check them out here.

Produced by Adam Farihin and Cecilia Liu