We Can’t Stop Thinking About the ‘Heated Rivalry’ Tuna Melt Scene—But There Are Two Things We’d Change

A single sandwich has become the emotional center of the internet’s latest TV obsession. In episode four of HBO’s Heated Rivalry, a late-night tuna melt lands with far more force than any grand declaration ever could. Viewers aren’t just replaying the scene for the romance—they’re dissecting it, meme-ing it, and remaking it in their own kitchens.

For those catching up, the series tracks a decade-long, on-again off-again connection between rival hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their relationship is built on secrecy, tension, and carefully maintained emotional distance, which is exactly why the tuna melt moment hits so hard. Instead of the usual quick exit, one character lingers and offers food. He checks the temperature of the soda. These moments are quietly intimate, domestic, and ultimately signal that a shift has occurred. 

‘Heated Rivalry’ | Crave

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That’s why this sandwich has taken on a life of its own online. It represents comfort, effort, and the willingness to tend to someone else’s hunger (physical or otherwise). And because this is the internet, it also sparked a parallel conversation: how to recreate the moment. And for us, that means doing it without the fish.

The viral tuna melt goes vegan with two easy swaps

A classic tuna melt relies on three things: a creamy, briny filling; gooey cheese; and crisp-buttered bread. Luckily, every one of those elements has a plant-based counterpart that delivers the same comfort-food payoff.

For the vegan tuna, chickpeas remain the gold standard. Mashed just enough to keep some texture, they mimic the flaky bite of canned fish while absorbing flavor beautifully. A mix of vegan mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, red onion, and dill gives that familiar deli profile, while capers or chopped nori add a subtle fishy note. Check your local supermarket cold case for some pre-made versions, but doing this at home takes less than 10 minutes. Just slightly mash the cooked chickpeas, add in the rest, and stir until well combined. (Check out this recipe for step-by-step instructions and measurements.)

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Cheese is where the melt either succeeds or falls apart. Vegan cheeses have come a long way, but not all are built for heat. Slices made from coconut oil or cashew bases tend to melt more evenly than starch-forward shreds. For a sharp, classic flavor, dairy-free cheddars from brands like Miyoko’s, Violife, or Follow Your Heart perform reliably under a broiler. If you prefer a more neutral, creamy finish, a cashew-based mozzarella-style slice delivers stretch without overpowering the filling.

Bread matters more than you might think. Sourdough brings tang and structure, while a sturdy white sandwich loaf delivers nostalgic softness. Butter the outside generously with vegan butter, cook low and slow in a skillet, and finish under the broiler if needed to achieve that golden top without drying out the center.

The Heated Rivarly tuna melt relies on pickles from the popular brand Grillo’s. On this we have no notes, except maybe, add a few extra.

And since what makes the scene resonate isn’t the tuna itself—it’s the care implied in the act of making food for someone else, a vegan version keeps that meaning intact. Whether you’re watching Heated Rivalry for the romance, the longing, or now, apparently, the sandwiches, one thing is clear: sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest mark.