Should I Have Served Spicy Food Despite Coworkers Sensitive Stomach?

Some office potlucks are basically a food court, and then there are the ones where one person’s “signature recipe” turns into a workplace drama. In this story, a 27M designated cook is feeling pretty proud of his spicy chili era, until one coworker’s stomach apparently did not sign up for the sequel.

Last month, he made a chili that everyone loved, people were raving for days, and the heat level became part of the lore. This time around, Sarah had already told him she has a sensitive stomach and struggles with spicy food, but he still served up another batch without a warning. Sarah grabbed a bowl, realized too late it was spicy, and ended up leaving work early, while everyone else argued about who should have remembered what.

Now he’s stuck wondering if his love of chili got him labeled as the problem.

Original Post

So I'm (27M) the designated cook for office potlucks. I take pride in my cooking and always try to impress my coworkers with new recipes.

Quick context - last month, I made a spicy chili that everyone loved. It was a hit, and people raved about it for days.

Here's where the issue arose: one of my coworkers, let's call her Sarah, mentioned to me in passing that she has a sensitive stomach and struggles with spicy food. Now, I clearly remember this conversation, but fast forward to our next office potluck, and I decided to make another batch of my famous spicy chili.

I didn't warn anyone about the heat level, assuming they'd remember from last time. Turns out, Sarah had a bowl without realizing it was spicy.

She ended up in discomfort and had to leave work early. Some of my other coworkers, who enjoyed the chili, defended me, saying Sarah should've known based on last time.

But now, reflecting on it, I feel guilty for not considering Sarah's condition. So AITA?

That first “everyone loved it” chili is exactly what made OP assume the next potluck would go the same way.

Comment from u/pizza_lover91

NTA - Sarah should've remembered, not your fault she forgot. Spicy food is common at potlucks. She could've asked about it before trying if she was unsure.

Then Sarah’s earlier warning comes back to haunt him, because she said she struggles with spicy food and still ended up eating it.

Comment from u/theater_gal

YTA - You had prior knowledge of Sarah's sensitivity and still chose to make the chili spicy. It was inconsiderate, and you should've made a milder dish for everyone to enjoy.

It’s basically the same potluck tension as the debate over sharing a family secret chili recipe with coworkers.

Comment from u/choco_chip_ninja

ESH - You for not accommodating Sarah's needs, but Sarah also could've double-checked with you before eating. Both sides could've handled it better.

The moment she has discomfort and has to leave work early, the whole potluck turns into a blame game.

Comment from u/icecream_fiend

Sounds like a hot mess all around. Sarah should've communicated better, but you could've been more mindful too. Next time, a heads-up could avoid this spicy situation.

And while the coworkers who enjoyed the chili defend OP, the guilt hits him anyway, because Sarah was the one who paid the price.

Comment from u/cozyblankets23

NTA - Who forgets spicy chili is spicy? Sarah should've been more careful, it's not like you were deliberately trying to harm her. People need to take responsibility for their own choices.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Nobody wants their potluck win to turn into Sarah’s “I have to leave early” moment.

Still stuck on whether to share, check out the AITA post about keeping homemade chili to yourself.