Medan Indonesia – A Foodie’s Paradise

Medan is rightfully famous for its culinary tourism and wonderous fusion of cultures. The food here in Medan is an exotic hodgepodge of flavours, aromas and tastes. Spicy, peppery and flavoursome, the food in Medan packs a delicious punch and one is likely to remember the dish fondly long after the empty plate has been cleared.

Dishes to try in Medan

Due to the strong influences of the Chinese-Indonesians and the Bataks over many centuries, the local food specialities in Medan have taken on a life force almost of their own.

One of our most memorable local dishes is soto and travellers will have no difficulty locating various options of the delicious coconut broth. Often recognised as Indonesia’s national dish, soto comes with assorted meats, such as prawns (Kesawan), chicken (Ayam) or beef (daging) and vegetables in a creamy broth. Because this dish is so popular in Medan it can be found being ladled up at street stalls, as well as fine-dining restaurants.

Kwetiau goreng Medan is also a must-try dish that is inspired by Medan’s Chinese influence. The dish consists of chewy, thick, Chinese stir-fried noodles with garlic and onion, and various meat alternatives such as prawns, chicken, scallops, squid or pork. Sweet soy sauce is thrown on generously, as well as cabbage, other vegetables and egg.

Babi Panggang Karo or Karo Roasted Pork is a popular dish in Medan that was brought in by the Bataks. The pork is tender, sweet and crunchy and served on a bed of steamed yam leaves, green chili sauce and tauco, a sweet, red sauce made of soybeans.

Travellers may also enjoy sampling durian – the controversial, smelly fruit that is sold throughout Southeast Asia and banned on airlines and public transport for its pungent odour. Durian pancakes are a Medan speciality and a popular shop ‘Durian Corner’ on Mojopahit Street sells these by the masses.

While browsing through Mojopahit Street keep your eyes peeled for the many cake shops selling bika ambon which is a sweet, chewy, sponge cake that is served both hot and cold. Bika ambon comes in an assortment of flavours with pandan being the most popular.

Street food and cheap eats

Cheap, street food served up in delicious, generous portions can be found anywhere on the street corners of Medan and those on a budget will have no problem at all locating hearty and inexpensive meals.

For travellers wishing for a more polished setting while still eating authentic, local fare; head to Merdeka Walk across the field from the main train station where dozens of food stalls conglomerate come evening time. The flooring is tiled and customers are able to perch themselves on one of many metal chairs and tables and tuck into a steaming bowl of Bihun Bebek (skinny rice noodles and duck) or a sweet treat of sour sop syrup and fermented rose apple. The average price of a meal at Merdeke Walk will cost around IDR 50,000 while the average street food dish will cost around IDR 30,000.

For those wanting to get lost in Hokkien-Chinese street-food heaven, Selat Panjang will be right up your alley. This little alleyway is peppered with street-food carts selling an assortment of local dishes, chilled desserts as well as various old Chinese restaurants for those wanting a sit-down meal. Popular dishes here are Hainan Chicken Rice, Chee Cheong Fun (similar to dim sum but rolled into a thin roll and stuffed with fillings), and Sate Padang (marinated, satay chicken on a stick). Other traditional Indonesian desserts are on offer here too, such as our favorite es campur, which is a sweet dessert made from various fruits, coconut, milk and syrup.

Famous for its Indian inspired foods, the area Jalan Perniagaan in Medan is well known for its delicious roti canai (Indian-influenced flat bread) and martabak (a spicy, folded omelette with vegetables). This area has two especially well-known stalls - Martabak Gapa and Martabak Saren. The reputation of both of these stalls is reason enough to queue up and order a tasty, satisfying lunch with the locals. The price of the average dish is around IDR 10,000.

Local restaurants

For travellers who enjoy eating where the locals eat, be sure to check out Soto Kesawan, a small, local warung (Indonesian restaurant) situated on Jalan Ahmad Yani (just opposite Tjiong A Fie Mansion), which is popular for its flavoursome and creamy soto udang. This spicy, coconut-based broth is piled high with tender, velvety prawns and dipping in a crumbly roti canai is a highly recommended addition. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this spot is a must-visit for those longing for traditional, authentic Medan cuisine.

Another of our favourite local eateries would have to be Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi situated on Jalan Sei Deli, an IDR 10,000 becak ride from the main train station. This bustling eatery is packed with locals talking animatedly and slurping away on steaming bowls of soto ayam (chicken) or soto daging (beef). Other menu items include perkedel which is a deep-fried mashed potato pattie; prawn crackers; and various teas. A generous bowl of soto will cost around IDR 35,000. Open daily from 8am until 3pm, this restaurant is sadly not a dinner option.

Westrn and international food

For the traveller who finds him/herself craving a taste of home, Medan has a couple of modern, Western restaurants which sell delicious international food too.

Pilastro Café and Lounge, located on Jalan Bukit Baisan No. 3, near the train station, serves a big selection of Western dishes. Menu items include steaks, pastas, potato wedges, salads, smoothies, burgers, desserts and crepes; but what makes Pilastro so well-known is its excellent coffee and extensive hot chocolate menu. The locally sourced coffees are brewed in every fashion imaginable and it’s up to the discerning coffee connoisseur to order a drink that best meets his/her caffeine needs. Espresso, poured-over milk, syphon, chemex etc., the choice is yours. Add on the refreshing air-con, free Wi-Fi and excellent service and you have yourselves a winner, folks. Open from early until late.

Another tasty Western food restaurant is The Traders Restaurant which serves scrumptious upper-end cuisine in a lovely, high-quality establishment in Jl. Kapt. Pattimura No. 423. This is a great spot for those looking for a romantic place to wine and dine for the night or for a professional looking for an impressive spot for a business meeting. The ambiance is lovely, the service impeccable and the meals are all beautifully presented.

Cafes and coffee houses

Well-known for their excellent coffee houses, Macehat Coffee is one of our personal favourite hangouts in Medan when needing a morning or afternoon cup of java. Located on Jl. Karo No. 20, this spot has a cosy, comfortable interior and an excellent selection of coffee-inspired drinks. We recommend the Mocha Lava jelly, the Avocado Coffee Float with a scoop of ice-cream, and Machehat’s personal coffee roast with a shot of condensed milk. The snacks on offer also pair very well with the coffee drinks. Expect to pay around IDR 30,000 for a beverage.

Bars and nightlife

For those looking for a lively spot to grab a few drinks after the sun goes down, Entrance, located at the Grand Aston Hotel is a firm favourite with expats in Medan. There are a host of foreign DJs, a dance floor and a lot of people over weekends.

For travellers looking to have a few cold ones without the dancing, try out the live music venue, Prime Bar, located in the swanky JW Marriott Hotel. With a substantial list of local and imported beer, Naga3 Beer House is also a great option for those looking for a relaxing spot to have a drink after a long day of exploring. The ambiance is young and lively, and the snack menu comes highly recommended.