Lychee Challenge: 2 Chefs Make Dinner and Dessert With Lychee | Mystery Menu | NYT Cooking

Mystery Menu is back! Sohla and Ham El-Waylly are the dynamic kitchen duo who take on the challenge of cooking dinner and a dessert from a secret ingredient in under an hour. Today’s secret ingredient is … lychee! How will they use it? Watch to find out.
Cover photo by Graiki, via Getty Images
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[@Lou-Mae]

I just love how supportive Ham is. It says a lot about my expectations for men in general, but he doesn't bulldoze Sohla's ideas or 'take charge' like a lot of men do - he listens and responds and expands on her suggestions, and I just love it so much. They seem like such an awesome couple.

[@emboe001]

He has the energy of being yelled at and manipulated by her.

[@plaguednecro]

@@emboe001 so just because a man knows his place and isn't a douche who wants to take control, he's abused? get a grip bro, all i see is two people who very clearly love each other. they both look at each other with such loving gazes

[@lolerene3776]

@@plaguednecroI agree

[@rockpooladmirer]

@@plaguednecrothe person you're replying to comments shit about Sohla constantly on this channel, sometimes about her and Ham as well. there's no rhyme or reason to it, unless you count racism, xenophobia, misogyny/sexism. edit: I'm brown! and not a cis man! among many other marginalisations. I'm in a fatigue flareup right now and do not have the spoons to explain in detail why I think the above, but you can go through the user's many comments and see them for yourself. they speak on her and her previous workplaces, one of which was BA which she left due to racism and xenophobia in the workplace, which intersected with misogyny/sexism in her and many others' cases. it's not "bringing race into it". good grief!

[@emboe001]

​@@rockpooladmirerwhy gaslight for? 😢The non Anglo staff who called out her abuse are racist? Ok loon.

[@paigeh98341]

i am jealous of how good your child will eat 😭 theyre gonna go to their friends houses and be like wtf is this 😭😭😭

[@fc-zw1wc]

fr lmao got me wishing i could be reincarnated as their kid

[@clawdiajordan]

microwaved dinosaur nuggets will start a huge brawl

[@umsami]

Yeah and because they're not food snobs, their kid will probably not rebel. If kid wanted Kraft Mac & Cheese, Mom and Dad won't go, "Oh no, we'll make homemade..." They'd be like, "Oh yum!" Thus, rebellion averted.

[@kristinnelson-patel442]

I just love how Sohla and Ham riff off of each other’s ideas and work together so beautifully. They’re definitely thinking like parents now, all about efficiency and how to buy the elements they don’t absolutely love to make themselves!

[@SnrKagemusha]

To be fair to them, this is how they've always worked - both of them worked restaurants + are "yes, and" people. If you haven't seen their previous videos in this series, they're a treat to watch!

[@rockpooladmirer]

@@SnrKagemushayeah, it's definitely not something that started when they became parents. sure is useful on another level now though! :)

[@isabellah22]

As yummy as a mango mystery dish would’ve been, I think lychee was a more challenging fruit. I’m excited with what Sohla and Ham did with it. This series is my favorite!

[@MumrikDK]

Yeah, mango is so stupidly versatile.

[@yishkabob]

Yeah, the idea of roasting lychee was wild!

[@paisley82lover]

Cannot agree more!!!!

[@meizhou9279]

Totally agree!

[@sparklesthefatcat5826]

Petition to let Sohla and Ham do a bonus episode with mangoes! That would have been so much fun!

[@leanneaudrey4888]

"Toned-down" - meanwhile Dinner and Dessert turned into a 2 course meal plus dessert with drinks ❤

[@kayendubb890]

Sohla, HOW DID YOU DO THIS JOB DURING YOUR FIRST TRIMESTER?? I’m currently pregnant and food was the enemy during my first trimester. You are a superhero

[@emboe001]

Because she has has a team of slaves that do all the work and she yells at them?

[@emboe001]

Because there is a team of underpaid people that do most of the work yet still get yelled at by her?

[@DJ-xk1bp]

@@emboe001 someone is pissed from BA!

[@alli7447]

@@emboe001 the professional sohla slanderer strikes again…. and again…. and again

[@lisamehsikomer664]

The smells! I never would have been able to do this in 1T

[@Jay.1106]

Sohla multitasking at the end to complete everything - truly an amazing cook.

[@rockpooladmirer]

Hi, still here asking for proper closed captions on your videos. the auto generated ones always have errors and omissions and are insufficient access for those who need them. the latest Recipe Quest video had them, so it's clearly doable. why the inconsistency?

[@ToppyTree]

Great point

[@jenibeanie]

Honestly a shame KZbin got rid of crowd sourced captions. Boosting your comment because yeah, this makes it inaccessible.

[@that_feralghoul_reaver7657]

Commenting to bring it to the top Closed captions! Equal access for all.

[@DeliaLee8]

Agree. And this is a problem on other channels also. I don't understand the Ways Of KZbin but maybe the reason I've been noticing this problem more is because of what @jenibeanie said - no more crowd sourced captions?

[@rockpooladmirer]

@@DeliaLee8that happened a few years ago now - plenty of youtubers add them themselves, so it's really telling when a well funded one like NYT cooking doesn't. I've been commenting for months and months and still nothing. they definitely read and interact with comments on here too. so it's very frustrating

[@joelbarish9898]

For new parents, Ham and Sohla look great! Love watching their genius and creativity, as always. Congratulations on the baby!

[@shinyy5184]

Sohla with mommy brain is leagues better at cooking than me at my cognitive best 😂

[@deniseferron3397]

That these guys can throw together an entrée, main dish, side salad, dessert AND a cocktail in one hour just blows my mind. Granted, the clock only starts to run after they’ve done the meal planning and grocery shopping, but still! Takes a lot of experience in the kitchen to do that. I doubt that Ham is henpecked like some previous commenter said: you can feel the complicity between these two people just in the way they work together. Seamless and peaceful.

[@lorithomasscott349]

I’ve always loved Sohla and Ham’s dynamic but there’s something even more special now in the way they talk to each other and collaborate ❤

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Between the tip of adding butter at the _beginning_ of caramel and the life lesson of "however long we have left is how long its gonna cook", I want to be raised by these two. 🥺💜

[@pnuffsaid]

The crew enjoying the food after shooting is done is my favorite part. ❤

[@emboe001]

Thats likely how they're paid.

[@disasterlaster]

i think after becoming a parent sohla may have gotten better at making time-saving modifications to execute her ideas- for example, opting for puff pastry or pie crust instead of making the dough herself. her whimsy has been constrained slightly, forcing her to make practical choices where before she would have pushed herself to do the more laborious/time-sucking thing. it's beautiful to watch this chef grow!

[@Darkknight512]

I want a two episode challenege, one low budget episode, and a high budget episode where the saved budget from the first episode is multiplied by two to be the "reward" for the second.

[@drewhuso9496]

WE'RE BACK!!

[@polleyjw]

This is one of my favorite videos to watch. I’m so happy to see that it’s back.

[@gumball5565]

SOOOOO BACK !!!

[@tofulabs]

YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!!

[@gillablecam]

I love how they work with each other, especially seeing how Ham helps Sohla plan and make decisions when she's tired out of her mind by asking good questions. Communication is great, love to see it done so well.

[@madelinehoerner2993]

Love the added shots of Ham and Sohla during the drawing part

[@Daanny2772]

"Not too sweet" ah the good ol asian compliment

[@ListerTunes]

I absolutely love watching these two work together. Trading ideas, bouncing them off each other, listening to each other, dividing tasks, adapting in the moment, being supportive --AND coming up with a meal that looks genuinely amazing using an ingredient they haven't cooked before. Fantastic work.

[@DeliaLee8]

Sola and Ham with mommy/daddy brain: Wow! Me and the rest of the world with mommy/daddy brain: Lucky if we can open a jar of baby food. Welcome back. Great video as always!

[@level844]

We, as a group, welcome yall back 😎

[@matias2911]

I grew up in El Salvador and that's exactly how we eat cashews. Roasted over coals, charred, bagged and sold fresh. Delicious.

[@AnubhavDasGuptaEsq]

shoutout to ham's cool shirt

[@KristineMaitland]

What I love about these two is that they are honest. They were forthcoming with their criticism.

[@Omomoification]

The amount of multitasking is staggering. Professionals at work!! Amazing

[@meghanjane]

ohmy goodness, their children must be the cutest little beings. congrats to you both, you bring me so much joy.

[@APham-lm6qd]

my favorite series on the internet is back!!! seeing how both sohla and ham work through a menu and how quickly and spontaneously they're able to call on different flavors and textures and ingredients to work together is an absolute delight.

[@MagdalenaCastex]

I'm not too fond of most of the ingredients they use, to me boiling a hot dog is a challenge, but I can sit here for hours on end to see them work together, respect each other, and set an example of a healthy relationship. We love you! please keep them coming!

[@saritafield172]

The way they collaborate, communicate to, and support one another is so natural and gorgeous. This is an example of healthy communication!!! #goals

[@Dap740]

im happy they chose leeche! there are so many mango recioes already out there, these dishes looked absolutely creative and incredibly delishous!!

[@notfedersic8492]

I don't know how long I've now checked in EVERY DAY for this couple (and show) to show up again😍😍 Favorite series here on youtube by FAR! Loved this episode

[@maetaylor5677]

Congrats on being new parents! Ror being potentially sleep deprived you guys smashed this out of the park! So impressive. The tarte tatin is pristine

[@paisley82lover]

I’m so happy you guys picked the lychee, it’s my favourite fruit❤ every dish looks sooooo good! And I am tempted to recreate that drink😍😍😍

[@alexwang3282]

lychee and rose flavour is a very good combination for dessert

[@colettearmstrong1484]

I hope this series never ends. Love them and their amazing brains. I also loved seeing the crew eat together at the end. I love people appreciating their work and the community of it all

[@alyssadubash]

I couldn’t love these videos more- they’re both so insanely talented and it’s wonderful to watch them in action!!! I still remember the early videos when Sohla would call Ham from his office to ask questions- so glad they joined forces!!! LOVE them!

[@joke0602]

NYT cooking should do some episodes where they take more time to flesh out some of their ideas that didn't work out as well, and see where these ideas could actually develop into. Like the lamb shanks and lychee tarte tarin.

[@betsywilken8091]

Sohla and Ham … You are fantastic. Funny, smart, and clever. I learn so much from you.

[@MsAsb-zx4sr]

This was probably my favorite video of the series. This all looks sooooo delicious

[@SAmaryllis]

I love how respectfully they disagree and ask for clarity from each other! It really feels like teamwork, of an "ok let's figure it out together" energy

[@moyetlicious]

I hope this series never ends, love these two so much ❤️

[@thegrynne]

Celery leaves are delicious! Bonus second vegetable if you can get a bunch with fresh leaves intact. Pick them off the stem when you get them home and store separately, otherwise the stems will start drawing water from the leaves to try to keep the plant alive, causing the leaves to wilt faster. They're wonderful chopped up fine and sateed in fried rice.

[@fkim003]

They’re just the best, I’m so glad they brought Ham on. Congrats to them becoming new parents 😊

[@rachelarnold8839]

I would love recipes from these videos, especially the cocktail

[@Asturjgm]

Ok but when are the recipes for the french 75 and the tarte tatin dropping? 👀

[@fulfordpoint]

So happy for you both. A baby changes everything, lol. P.S. I like the overhead room view which gives the story more umph/meat! 😎

[@gregmuon]

I'm glad the picked lychee. It's much more interesting and new. Everybody cooks with mango.

[@larissaduong8601]

If the whole video was just the first 5 minutes of them bouncing ideas off each other and being wholesome-ly supportive I would still watch and rewatch it over and over. I just love them

[@michellekulikauskas1236]

I love this series and I love them! It's also fun to watch their joint creative process. They come up with some really interesting recipes together.

[@bradenlanter8226]

💜💜💜 Love this show! Just wish we could get even more Sohla and Ham!!

[@fordkoleski7913]

I love watching these two! Watching them brainstorm & plan, and cook!

[@withamandagrace]

I am SO HAPPY to have you in my feed this morning! Welcome back, I'm looking forward to another great season!

[@jacobeichhorn4827]

Wow! What a beautiful lesson in listening, collaboration, and compromise. And the food looks amazing too!

[@arthurcharest9061]

So happy these video are back, they are great together. So creative!

[@katiekorell9776]

I love that you guys are back!😊. Congrats guys! I'm so happy for you 🎉!

[@amyzae2502]

So happy to see this show drop again, very excited!

[@XusernamegoeshereX]

I know they thought they would be more scattered after the arrival of Baby, but they seemed so... chill? Love it!

[@elenayee3093]

Love listening to their creative process

[@RayrayIsYourFavorite]

Oh gosh this is so good! I’ve been waiting!!! And now lychees are in season and popping up in my stores and I’m so happy ✨✨✨

[@voulezmonarch]

I'm so happy that this series is coming back!! I'm really craving throughout the video with the dishes that they make

[@fibonacci227]

I love watching these two collaborate! And seeing how their collaboration has changed since baby! Cannot wait for more of this season.

[@adielen]

This is definitely my fave ep yet. Food looks WAY too good for a 1 hr challenge 😍

[@kl5792]

Love this series!

[@lunarmagpie619]

Awesome to see real, accurate closed captions!! Hope this is the new default for the channel. Disabled people cook too!

[@russelltan8957]

I looove this series so much! So glad you guys came back

[@emdeers]

I love them. 😍 I’m so happy they’re back! ♥️

[@mandanal2232]

I'm soo so happy this series is back I love them so much ❤

[@aiiipham]

This has made my entire morning. LOVE Sohla and Ham!

[@chloechartier2707]

yay!! so excited for more Mystery Meals!

[@lisamehsikomer664]

I can’t say enough how much I like this show. I would watch them on the daily.

[@ChanningWearsSunscreen]

these episodes make me so happy!

[@lorassorkin]

So glad you're back! I would be overjoyed if presented with any of these dishes!

[@emmaj53713]

Thrilled they are back! Love this show so much!

[@c.a.parker5036]

I love watching these two creative experts brainstorm and execute their vision, and all with enjoymeny not intensity. Some of the best content on YT ❤

[@johnfuruno]

Love this show, love these two

[@herhere4714]

this is BY FAR my FAVORITE episode of this series

[@nateramsey1521]

I've missed these two so much!! Glad Mystery Menu is back! 😅

[@angelawu2435]

They are so knowledgable. I love it!

[@MizTree]

Huzzah! I needed something happy today. Ty ty

[@biancalapenna5715]

THE BEST SHOW EVER

[@icyboi13]

I needed some joy & this was exactly what I found here. I need them to forever have this show (or some variation)

[@kcanded]

First of all CONGRATULATIONS! I haven't caught up with this series and didn't know they were expecting. Second, I am so in awe of their expertise and knowledge of all things edible and drinkable. As someone else said, I love the way they riff together. I better catch up on the series!

[@ellsedge8845]

There's a baby el-waylly!!!! It even rhymes!!!

[@melindarocha9335]

The way Sohla and Ham brainstorm is the most romantic thing I've ever seen!

[@dibamoca9885]

I love these two together! Always a good time☺️

[@sujurean]

Only subscribed to this channel for this series. Super happy it's back!

[@chartreuseverte]

these two are incredible. it's beautiful to see top-of-the-line chefs in this fun environment, we are so lucky!

[@ohohlily]

wow it was actually so cool to hear them actually use the vietnamese word "rau ram" instead of opting for like.. "vietnamese mint" or something! i love that!!!!

[@buffienguyen]

same! sometimes "vietnamese mint" or "thai basil" can help give people an idea of the flavor/smell, but always nice to hear the Vietnamese word 'cause it's easier for me to know what it is haha

[@entredeuxbouchees]

Those two are the best.

[@wilsoh8816]

Congrats on the kid!!! So happy to see yall back and looking happy :) cheers!

[@timmieistimmie]

Absolute best series on KZbin! Wish they were even longer

[@dianahellman9254]

I've been looking forward to this!!!!

[@fabiolemes3395]

CONGRATS EL-WAYLLY FAMILYYYYYY!

[@barbrafite9876]

Love you guys, it lychee recipes seem great, especially the seafood salad want to try I soon. Congratulations on your addition ❤

[@TumisangRantshali]

BEEN waiting!!!

[@staszdziech]

so glad this is back!

[@christievega5052]

They’re back! Yay! ❤🎉