Redditor's Coworker Goes Off About Their ‘Stinky’ Food, Prompting Them To Cook Up An Even ‘Stinkier’ Revenge

“That’ll teach her!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• November 11, 2023

About eight years ago, our narrator (Original Poster) found themselves in a rather peculiar workplace situation. During a busy workday, they decided to enjoy a meal at their desk.

They had chosen a fragrant and flavorful ethnic meal consisting of rice and adobo, a delectable stew. The office, like most, was partitioned into cubicles to create a modest sense of personal space.

OP savored their lunch, punctuating mouthfuls of adobo with the occasional work shimmy. Suddenly, the neighboring cubicle's inhabitant leaned over, wearing an exaggerated expression of distaste.

She inquired about what OP was eating with a tone that betrayed her apparent disgust. OP was very busy and not particularly fond of this co-worker. They curtly replied that they were eating “lunch.”

She informed OP that their lunch was disgusting and she shouldn’t have to smell it; she insisted they eat it in the kitchen. OP paid her no mind and continued to dig into their delicious meal.

The woman stormed off to HR, determined to report OP and end their desk dining. Unfortunately for her, eating at one’s desk was a deeply ingrained office tradition. Her demands were dismissed, and she returned to her desk fuming.

The next day, OP came prepared. They asked their wife to make the most pungent and aromatic curry she could muster. OP went on to air it at their desk for a full hour for maximum diffusion.

Their colleague had no choice but to “enjoy” the delightful aroma. That’ll teach her a spicy lesson she won’t forget in a hurry! 

Let’s dig into the details

A little background

The next day, OP came to the office with an even “smellier” food, just to punish their colleague

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

The best way to end a “Stinky Food” war

Apparently, curry stew smell absolutely delicious

“Honestly, I can't stand people eating at their office.“

“You’re invading your coworkers’ personal space with your pungent food.“

“Not every person in the office needs to know what you are eating. Go in the break room.”

“Not sure if you won a battle, or got the whole office to hate you behind your back.“

“I have a high sensitivity to smell. Especially curry and garlic. I get physically ill.“

“If she had talked to you differently, would it had made a difference?“

“Honestly you are an a**hole here. I care about people around me and take my food to the kitchen to eat it.“

“You are not the hero of the story you think you are.”

“Honestly she was an a**hole for how she spoke to you. But your actions the next day affected all of your coworkers.”

OP's culinary revolt was driven by a desire to make a point. We can only laugh as we imagine the co-worker’s futile attempts to stifle the aroma.

That will be the last time she ever made fun of someone else’s traditional dishes—hopefully.

Regardless, we can’t dispute the possibility that the “Stinky Food” war affected other staff members in the office. Probably, OP could have taken a different approach. But hey, delicious victory served!

We’d love to get your thoughts about this story. Join the conversation in the comments.

Jesse