Brebes School Holds Shallot Satay Eating Contest for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day

A primary school in Brebes, Central Java, held a unique eating contest featuring satay made not from chicken or goat, but from raw shallots and garlic. Many participants found the experience overwhelming and withdrew from the competition.

The shallot and garlic satay eating contest was organised by SD Islam Al-Azhar 53 in Limbangan, Brebes. The shallots and garlic represent the colours of the Indonesian flag.

The contest, which was open to pupils from years three to six, was considered unusual. The satay consisted of whole raw shallots and garlic on skewers, eaten with a dip of pure honey as a substitute for chilli and soy sauce.

Amusing expressions were on display as the contest began. Several participants grimaced at the sharpness, shook their heads, and covered their noses due to the pungent aroma of the onions.

Each participant had to finish three skewers, with each skewer containing four shallots and four garlic cloves. In the final round, the winner was determined by who could eat the onion satay fastest within three seconds.

The head of SD Islam Al-Azhar 53 Brebes, Abdul Harris, said the shallot and garlic satay eating contest was held to enliven Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations.

“This contest is a unique way to simultaneously support the Red and White Village Cooperative (KOPDES) programme, because Brebes Regency is an economic centre and a hub for agricultural produce, particularly shallots,” said Abdul Harris.