Where to Eat in Medan
The diversity of races and the colonisation period of Indonesia had shaped the way Indonesia is right now. As the food haven of Indonesia, experience Medan through the culinary scene and taste the various local delicacy and street food in Medan, the best way possible
1. Curry Bihun Tabona
To say this Tabona Kari Bihun owns the best curry stall in Medan is not an overstatement. Known also as one of the most legendaries stall in Medan, this is a place you can’t miss! It’s been going for 80 years now, and this curry stall is not slowing down anytime soon with its flavourful curry broth. A balance ratio of the ingredients creates a perfect curry, not too watery nor oily yet also not too creamy like most curries.
The dish consists of juicy beef cuts (or chicken), blood cubes, boiled potatoes and boiled rice vermicelli and not to forget that mouth-watering orangy curry broth! To get a bowl of this heavenly perfection, you probably should go a little early. You cannot leave Medan without having Kari Tabona.
Address: Jl. Mangkubumi No.17, Medan Operational hours: 6.30 – 17.00
2. Soto Sinar Pagi
Established in 1962, this famous restaurant serves heavenly traditional Indonesian soup called Soto Medan. Many people line up to order as soon as it opens at 7 am (this place sells 500 bowls per day on average). You can choose to have your soto with beef entrails, meat or chicken shreds. The soto is served with warm rice for your carbo energy.
Soto Sinar Pagi has indeed grown into a household name that you can’t miss when you come to Medan.
Address: Jl. Sei Deli No. 2D/1 , Medan Operational hours: 07.00 – 15.00
3. Bihun Bebek Kumango
If you can only have one meal in Medan and duck is your thing – make time for this, you won’t regret it. Medan style rice noodle with tender duck meat served with a very flavorful rich duck broth. It is very tasty and special you cannot find any where else. The kingmaker here is the duck broth that is beyond delicious – a work of culinary art that’s only made possible after endless hours of preparation
Bihun Bebek Asie Kumango is known to use only Duck to make their broth; so could you imagine how intense and rich their soup is? The price may be quite pricey but you’ll see that it’s worth it. Pro tip visit early before everything solds out!
Address: Jl. Kumango No. 15, Kesawan, Medan Operational hours: 6.30 – 23.00 (Mon – Sat)
4. Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok
Locally known as the only place to eat good Mie Aceh (or the one that would pop up into our mind when talking about Mie Aceh), this place is always crowded with people. Mie Aceh is an Acehnese curried spicy noodle dish, specialty of the people from neighbouring Aceh province. Offering choices of beef, chicken, or seafood toppings, Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok is always crowded by food lovers charmed by its enticing aroma and spot on spices.
You can choose either a dry, watery or soupy dish, but every bite promises the strong spicy aroma of an authentic traditional dish. The authenticity of this noodle could not be questioned. Give this noodle a try — it could be a break from all the other noodles that may look similar to each other.
Address: Jl. Setiabudi No.17 D, Medan Operational hours: 11.00 – 21.00, 14.00 – 21.00 (Friday)