“Top Chef,” “Iron Chef America,” Hot dog eating contests. Local pie contests. What is it with Americans and competing with their food?

Regardless of where the interest lies, either in competitive eating, drinking or cooking, the fact remains that people love their food and love the challenges that can be shaped around it. According to Time Magazine, competitive eating has a foothold in 13th-century Norse myths, where an eating contest between the god Loki and his servant ended in the servant’s victory through consuming the plate. Major League Eating, the official international eating contest organization, records that the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest has been held each year since 1916.

Food competitions outside of TV are by no means a recent phenomenon. “Iron Chef” premiered in Japan in 1993, was adopted in the United States in 2005 and by the UK and Australia in 2010. The appeal for viewers to witness food competitions, instead of lessons on preparing food, is an interesting and surprising phenomenon. Food competitions, both in eating and cooking, do not allow the TV viewer or audience member to sample the products. Sure, it’s entertaining to see reigning champ Takeru Kobayashi eat 20 pounds of rice balls in 30 minutes, but what is it that keeps this type of entertainment alive?

According to NBC’s “Today,” strong personalities and enthusiastic eating and food-description keep the audience engaged. Competition shows like “Project Runway” and “American Idol” allow the viewer a bit of personal judgment, something that food shows cannot provide. This, however, can be compensated for through the use of entertaining judges and hosts, and delicious food. Sure, not everyone can sew a gown or sing a ballad, but everyone enjoys food.

At the end of the day, this is what draws people to food-based competitions — the desire to witness food on a level they perhaps cannot reach, but can appreciate. Sure, most of us can’t eat 41 Lobster Rolls in 10 minutes like Kobayashi, or win “Iron Chef” battles like Bobby Flay, but there’s something about watching people eat and describe amazing food that keeps us coming back.