TIMES JAZIRAH, YOGYAKARTA – Indonesia’s street food culture is famous for its sizzling grills, smoky aromas, and fearless flavors. From skewered chicken to spiced goat meat, satay is a national icon. But in certain corners of the country, the familiar wooden skewer carries something far more unexpected: snake meat. Known as Sate Ular, this dish stands as one of Indonesia’s most extreme and controversial foods.

Snake satay can be found in several regions, particularly in parts of Java and Sumatra, where traditional beliefs intersect with culinary practice. Often sold by roadside vendors or night market stalls, the dish is not marketed as exotic cuisine, but as functional food — something believed to restore stamina and strength.

Unlike conventional satay, Sate Ular uses meat from python or cobra, depending on availability and local preference. The meat is cleaned, sliced into small chunks, and skewered before being grilled over open flames. The preparation is simple, allowing the natural texture of the meat to remain intact.

Where the Snakes Came From

The snakes used for Sate Ular are sourced from a combination of licensed snake catchers, local suppliers, and small-scale breeders. Most commonly, non-protected species such as pythons or cobras are obtained from rural areas in Central and East Java, where they are considered pests and regularly removed by experienced handlers.

In recent years, some vendors have also relied on registered reptile breeders to ensure a steadier supply and comply with local regulations, reducing dependence on wild capture while maintaining traditional practices.

Where to Try Extreme Satay in Yogyakarta

If you’re in Yogyakarta and seeking a bold culinary adventure, here are some places where extreme satay experiences — including snake or unusual animal skewers — are available:

1. Cobra Imperial Kitchen

A long-standing local destination known for sate kobra (cobra satay), cobra soup, and other reptile-based dishes. Located on Jl. Hayam Wuruk in Yogyakarta’s Tegal Panggung district, this spot offers authentic snake marinated and grilled over charcoals in traditional Javanese style. 

2. Tongseng Ular

A popular satay restaurant in Sleman where snake meat is featured alongside other exotic skewers. The charcoal-grilled tongseng (spiced stew) and satay here combine bold flavors and local spice blends, perfect for travelers ready to test their palate.

3. Kedai Sate & Tongseng Bulus

This vendor is located at  Jl. Tri Margo No.221, Cokrodiningratan, RT16 RW04, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. While not exclusively snake satay, this Yogyakarta eatery specializes in other unusual grilled meats like sate bulus (soft-shelled turtle), giving adventurous eaters another unique option close to the city center.

4. Warung Soto & Biawak Bu Tini

Located at Gandekan, Tlogoadi, Mlati, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta this place is known for dishes featuring biawak (monitor lizard) along with other local specialties. Though not strictly snake-focused, this place is often mentioned alongside extreme reptile foods in Jogja’s culinary scene.

Extreme reptile and wild animal dishes can vary seasonally and by vendor, and not all places serve snake every day. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check social media for availability.

Belief, Strength, and Local Wisdom

For many locals, Sate Ular is tied to traditional health beliefs. Snake meat is widely believed to boost energy, improve blood circulation, and increase vitality. While scientific backing for these claims is limited, these beliefs remain culturally entrenched. 

Those brave enough to try Sate Ular often report surprise rather than shock. The meat has a firm, slightly chewy texture and a mild flavor that takes on the aromatics of the grill and spice rubs.

“People believe snake meat helps improve stamina and blood circulation. Some customers come regularly because they feel stronger after eating it. For us, this belief has been passed down for generations," says Slamet, a longtime snake satay seller in Yogyakarta (25/1/2026)

In recent years, dishes like Sate Ular have attracted attention from travel vloggers and adventurous tourists. While some vendors now serve these extreme items for curious visitors, the tradition remains rooted in local culture and belief systems.

In Indonesia, extreme food like sate ular or snake satay is not simply about daring the eater — it’s about honoring history, survival, and the diverse relationship between people and the natural world. (*)