Man in Indonesia fries tempeh in plastic to prove it’s the secret to making crispy food

[yperic]

He noted that the plastic-laced tempeh was noticeably crispier.

Indonesian man fries tempeh in melted plastic to make it crispier​

An Indonesian online personality has sparked outrage and debate across the internet after uploading a TikTok video of himself frying and eating tempeh cooked in melted plastic — all in the name of science.

TikTok creator Edwin Kurniawan Agung conducted the experiment to test a long-standing rumour: that some street food vendors in Southeast Asia might use plastic in hot oil to achieve extra crunch.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

In the now-viral video posted on 7 May, Edwin first fries a batch of tempeh, a traditional soy-based staple in Indonesia, in regular cooking oil.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

Then, in a second batch, he melts pieces of plastic — including a disposable cup — directly into the oil before cooking the tempeh.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

He then tastes both versions, concluding that the plastic-laced tempeh was noticeably crispier.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

The experiment, though tongue-in-cheek in tone, underscores serious concerns about food safety and unethical cooking practices.

Online reactions: Crunch comes at a cost​

While there’s no confirmation of street food vendors actually doing this en masse, Edwin’s experiment has reignited public concern.

Some commenters thanked him for confirming their suspicions about food that’s suspiciously crispy.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

However, others criticised the stunt itself as irresponsible.

Some users noted that his experiment was unneccessary and raised the concern that he may suffer health consequences from it.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

In fact, even Edwin himself seems to be aware of the experiment’s dangers — warning viewers against doing the same at home.

Source: Edwin Agung on Tiktok

Health experts have long warned that heating plastic releases toxic chemicals that can cause cancer, hormonal imbalances, affect our metabolic system and other serious conditions.

Featured image adapted from Edwin Agung on Tiktok.

 

[yperic]

 

[tatsit]

i thought this was quite common in msia too?

 

[cet87]

It’s a known secret.

 

[Comage]

Nobody cares here.

There's no such street food here, and I have never heard of "Indonesian fine dining" restaurants making it big.

 

[A Better Tomorrow]

Thankfully, moi never like such food.

 

[David Lai]

his blain coated with a layer of plastic?

 

[eatingtunic]

Common in neighbouring countries. Saw them put whole packet oil in the wok didnt even cut the plastic. Some stall use plastic straw.

 

[buttbERry]

this is scary sia...

 

[priore]

Dude has hidden talent.

Should've let it stay hidden though..

 

[whatheheck]

then crabstick reh

 

[Turalyon]

I thought there was a documentary where the street food vendor just threw the whole bottle of frying oil into the wok to fry? Including the plastic bottle and cap?

 

[niefeng80]

The first time I have heard of this when I went to Genting Highlands. There were many street food vendors and sold lots of fried food. I notice their food when left in the open for long periods of time is still crispy. That was when my friend told me they fry with plastic then I literally saw some young chap doing on front of me. From then on, I don't dare to eat street fried food anymore.

 

[radish]

actually this is not a secret, its done in many 3rd world country street hawkers for many years. ppl just dump plastic bottles into frying oil, the plastic coated fried food will stay crispy longer. its bad of cos but it is happening still.

 

[Apparatus]

Will plastic gives off toxic materials when heated up?

 

[qhong61]

Common in neighbouring countries. Saw them put whole packet oil in the wok didnt even cut the plastic. Some stall use plastic stray.

Plastic tray?

 

[keewee0415]

Nobody cares here.

There's no such street food here, and I have never heard of "Indonesian fine dining" restaurants making it big.

Not just Indonesian lah, no "Fine Dining" estab ever made it big.

'Cos when you say "fine dining", there's this key element of exclusivity in the concept. When you expand the concept, it becomes mass market liao and lost that exclusivity liao.

 

[yusoffb01]

dont eat tofu while in indo

 

[Joseph12]

i thought this was quite common in msia too?

It’s a known secret.

Common in neighbouring countries. Saw them put whole packet oil in the wok didnt even cut the plastic. Some stall use plastic straw.

I thought there was a documentary where the street food vendor just threw the whole bottle of frying oil into the wok to fry? Including the plastic bottle and cap?

Haha
Heard of this decades ago but didn't want to say it publicly

Heard its more crunchy this way

Anyway wonder whether their citizens get more cancer cos of this

 

[deathan9el]

can somehow see the symptoms on his facial expressions while explaining his experiment :/