How to order the secret menu item in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

In Pokémon Gyms, Trainers traditionally battle the Gym Leaders’ lackeys before they can take a shot at fighting for a badge. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, that trope is flipped upside down and replaced with a much more creative mechanic. Each Gym throws a new challenge at would-be Trainers, and one of the most unique is the Medali Gym food test. There are a few ways to do this one, so let me show you how to order the secret menu item in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

How to order the secret menu item in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

You’ve got two methods at your disposal for this test. For the fastest way, you can order the following ingredients to immediately pass the test:

• Grilled rice balls
• Medium serving
• Extra crispy, Fire Blast style
• Lemon

It’s as simple as that. Give these instructions to the waiter by the door to complete the challenge and order the secret menu item.

The other method is to complete the objective the intended way by deciphering clues from NPCs around Medali. Inside the Treasure Eatery, there’s an NPC that will give a hint about the Lemon garnish. Outside, there are three more NPCs you must talk to, but the big difference is you’ll need to battle before you’re given the hints. 

Battles are always good for EXP but not essential if you just want to battle the Gym Leader. In Medali, you’ll fight Larry, who specializes in Normal types. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Gyms are quite challenging, especially compared to previous mainline entries. With this in mind, here’s what you’re up against:

Gym Leader Larry

Komala LV35 (Normal)
Dudunsparce LV35 (Normal)
Staraptor LV36 (Flying/Normal)

Don’t let the ‘Normal’ typing fool you, as Larry is quite the formidable opponent. Normal Pokémon have no weaknesses other than Fighting, so a Fighting type is excellent in this Gym. Komala is annoying as it knows Yawn and will put your Pokémon to sleep unless you immediately switch them out. Staraptor is a nasty pick for a Normal Gym as it’s actually Flying/Normal. This means it can deal with your Fighting types with Aerial Ace, a Flying attack. Still, Staraptor is weak to Rock, Electric, and Ice, so you have plenty of options. 

If you play multiple Pokémon games and are looking to bring your Pokémon from GO to HOME and other titles, check out our guide, which contains everything you need to know.