Medan Food Guide: 9 Must-Try Local Dishes for First-Time Visitors

Medan is a city in Indonesia famed for its amazing food scene, blending many cultural influences into delicious dishes. This Medan food guide is perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the city’s culinary delights. 

Medan offers countless options, from bustling food street Medan stalls, food court Medan, to legendary old restaurants, thanks to its multicultural heritage. (Fun fact: Indonesia’s oldest known coffee shop is right here in Medan!) 

As the capital of North Sumatra, the city is a true melting pot of Batak, Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, resulting in a street food scene unlike anywhere else. You can find everything from spicy Batak grilled meats to Chinese noodles, Indian curries, and fresh Malay seafood. In short, food in Medan is an adventure in itself. No trip would be complete without sampling the city’s iconic eats.

For a first-timer, it might be hard to know where to start. Here we’ve rounded up 9 of the best foods in Medan, along with where to find them, especially suited for first-time visitors. These are famous local spots and dishes that truly represent Indonesian Medan food culture. From a 100-year-old coffee shop to spicy noodles and the king of fruits, get ready to feast!

9 Best Foods in Medan for First-Time Visitors

1. Kopi Apek

Kopi Apek’s old-school interior retains a vintage charm, unchanged since the 1920s.
Start your Medan food tour at Kedai Kopi Apek, a humble coffee shop that’s often cited as the oldest in Indonesia. 

Established around 1922, this historic kopitiam (coffee shop) has survived World War II and Indonesian independence, serving coffee for nearly a century. The specialty here is traditional Medan robusta coffee brewed the old-fashioned way using a cloth strainer and kettle over charcoal. 

The result is a strong, aromatic cup with a slightly bitter, bold flavor and a warm aftertaste. Locals often take it with condensed milk (creating a rich kopi susu), accompanied by house-made kaya toast or local pastries. The atmosphere is decidedly vintage. 

Sipping coffee surrounded by faded photographs and rickety wooden chairs really takes you back in time. Despite its fame, Kopi Apek remains very affordable: a cup of coffee starts at around Rp15,000 (about $1). 

2. Tip Top Restaurant

Tip Top is a legendary restaurant in Medan that offers both a trip down memory lane and a satisfying meal. First opened in 1934, Tip Top still occupies its original location in the old Kesawan area, Medan’s historic downtown. 

Walking into Tip Top feels like stepping back into the Dutch colonial era. The decor features rattan chairs, marble-top tables, and Art Deco touches, preserving a time-capsule ambiance. 

This restaurant is famous for its homemade old-school ice cream, made from recipes and even machines dating back to the Dutch days. A popular treat is the Moorkop Ice, a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in two light pastries and drizzled with chocolate. It is a delightful colonial-era dessert. 

The menu at Tip Top is extensive, covering Indonesian, Chinese, and Western dishes, from classic bitterballen snacks to nasi goreng. Many visitors try the rijsttafel (a Dutch-Indonesian rice table of assorted dishes) or simply enjoy coffee with a slice of their famous cake. 

Prices are very reasonable given the portion and heritage, about Rp30,000–Rp100,000 per dish or dessert. Tip Top is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution. Enjoy a meal on the sidewalk patio or inside under slow-turning fans, and imagine the conversations it has witnessed over nearly 90 years.

Also Read: 7 Best Street Foods in Jakarta That You’ll Definitely Adore!

3. Lontong Kak Lin

If you want to experience a hearty local breakfast in Medan, head to Lontong Kak Lin. This legendary breakfast stall has been operating since 1985 and is beloved by locals for its namesake dish, lontong. 

Lontong Medan is a rich vegetable curry dish featuring compressed rice cakes in a creamy, spiced coconut milk soup. At Kak Lin, a bowl of lontong comes loaded with pumpkin or chayote stew (sayur labu), tofu, and long beans, all drenched in fragrant turmeric-infused gravy. 

It’s topped with a medley of flavorful sides: spicy balado egg, crunchy prawn crackers, fried tempeh chips, and a dollop of sambal chili, creating an explosion of flavors and textures in one plate. Everything is prepared fresh each morning from a family recipe passed down through generations.

Lontong Kak Lin is usually packed during breakfast hours, so come early. A generous portion of lontong here costs around Rp20,000 (just over $1). Don’t miss the street food Medan style that’s cheap, filling, and delicious.

4. Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok

Medan’s culinary scene also showcases influences from nearby provinces, and Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok is a perfect example. This eatery is famed for Mie Aceh, the spicy noodle dish originating from Aceh. Here you’ll get one of the best versions in town. 

The mie Aceh comes as thick yellow noodles cooked in a rich, curry-like gravy bursting with spices (cumin, cardamom, chili, and more). One of their signature dishes is Mie Aceh Kepiting, which includes fresh crab meat in the spicy noodle soup. Imagine slurping curried noodles while cracking sweet crab claws, a messy but mouthwatering affair! Each plate is garnished with bean sprouts, fried shallots, and emping crackers for crunch. 

If crab isn’t your thing, you can order mie Aceh with beef, shrimp, or even vegetarian. Titi Bobrok also offers Acehnese-style fried rice and kwetiau (flat rice noodles), which are equally flavorful. 

Portions here are known to be generous, and prices are very budget-friendly. A basic bowl of mie Aceh might be Rp15,000, while the deluxe crab version is around Rp50.000 (about $3). Thanks to its large portions and bold flavors, this place is popular among tourists and locals alike. 

5. RM Sinar Pagi (Soto Medan)

No Medan food guide is complete without Soto Medan, and Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi is the go-to spot for this iconic dish. “Sinar Pagi” translates to “morning light,” fitting since this place has been a breakfast institution for over 60 years. 

Soto Medan is a hearty coconut-milk-based soup, yellowish in color, made with a fragrant blend of local spices. At Sinar Pagi, the broth is simmered to perfection. It’s rich, savory, slightly spicy, and extremely aromatic. 

You can choose either tender beef chunks or chicken as the protein, which comes in the bowl along with rice vermicelli, potato croquettes, and a sprinkle of fried shallots on top. A squeeze of lime and some sambal chili on the side elevate the flavors even more. 

A serving costs roughly Rp34,000 (around $2) per bowl, a great value for such a satisfying meal. For an authentic food in Medan experience, enjoy your soto at a shared table and strike up a conversation.

Also Read: 2D1N Explore Parapat and Stay in Bobocabin Parapat, What Can I Do?

6. Durian Ucok

Medan is world-famous for its durian, the spiky “king of fruits” known for its strong aroma and creamy flesh. Ucok Durian (also called Durian Ucok) is the place to go for durian lovers. This no-frills durian shop has become a legend, visited by celebrities, presidents, and curious tourists alike. 

It’s essentially a durian warehouse with piles of fresh durians sourced from local farms. Here, you can enjoy durian in various forms: try the fresh durian flesh right out of the shell, sample their durian pancakes (cold crepes filled with durian puree), which are a popular souvenir, or cool off with durian ice cream. 

All products use quality local Medan durians, known for their sweetness and bitterness balance. The shop is open 24 hours and tends to be busiest late at night. The staff at Ucok will crack open fruit after fruit until you get one you’re happy with (you can reject any that aren’t to your taste). 

Prices are quite reasonable: you can get a whole durian for around Rp50,000–Rp100,000 per kg, depending on size and variety, and durian pancakes or boxed durian pulp start from Rp15,000 per pack. The shop even offers vacuum-sealed durian packages for travel. 

Keep in mind, the scene here is more of a quick street dining experience. It’s often crowded, a bit messy, and the smell is pungent. But that’s all part of the adventure. If you’re a durian fan, Ucok Durian is a must-visit in Medan,

7. RM Tabona

Rumah Makan Tabona is a Medan culinary legend specializing in one thing: kari bihun, or curry noodle soup. This long-standing eatery has been serving its famous Medanese curry since 1982 and consistently draws crowds. 

The curry here is unique; it’s lighter in consistency than Indian curries but incredibly aromatic, made with a blend of spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and the local andaliman pepper. You can choose beef or chicken curry, and it comes either with rice vermicelli (bihun) or rice/egg noodles, plus a side of pickles. 

Most locals recommend the kari bihun sapi (beef curry with vermicelli) for the most authentic taste. The broth is golden and silky, the beef is slow-cooked until very tender, and the vermicelli soaks up all that flavor. Don’t forget to spoon on some of their special chili relish for an extra kick. 

A bowl of curry noodles at Tabona costs around Rp60,000–Rp90,000 per portion, a great deal given the rich taste and portion size. You can also order a plate of rice to go with the curry if you prefer. 

The shop itself is simple and usually packed at lunchtime – sharing tables with strangers is normal here. If you enjoy Southeast Asian curries, make sure to put Tabona on your list. It’s an authentic taste of Medan that showcases the city’s blend of Malay and Indian culinary heritage.

8. Sate Memeng

For street food Medan-style satay, look no further than Sate Memeng. This satay stall has been around since 1945, and it has truly stood the test of time. Sate Memeng serves charcoal-grilled skewers of meat with an addictive sauce that keeps customers coming back for decades. 

You can choose from beef, chicken, or mutton (goat) satay, or get a mix. What makes Sate Memeng special is its secret marinade and grilling technique. The bite-sized meat pieces are marinated in a blend of spices (the recipe is a closely guarded family secret) and grilled over hot coals, giving them a smoky aroma. 

Each order is typically 10 sticks of satay, doused generously in sauce. You can have the classic peanut sauce (thick, sweet-savory, with a hint of chili) or a kecap manis sauce (sweet soy sauce-based with shallots and chili).

 Sate Memeng is a modest street-side eatery with a few plastic tables. It usually opens in the evenings. Prices are very affordable: a portion of 10 satay sticks is around Rp20,000 – Rp30,000, depending on the meat (that’s only about $2). Many consider this the best satay in Medan. Tip: Enjoy it with a plate of rice or lontong rice cakes, and an iced sweet tea to wash it down.

Also Read: Your Complete Guide to Visiting Tjong A Fie Mansion, Medan

9. Wisma Benteng Seafood Restaurant

Last but not least, treat yourself to a classic Medan seafood dinner at Wisma Benteng Seafood Restaurant. This famous restaurant is considered the pioneer of halal Chinese food in Medan, with a history going back decades. It’s a large banquet-style restaurant often used for family gatherings, business dinners, or even weddings. 

The menu is extensive, covering Chinese Indonesian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood in Medan. Some standout dishes include their steamed fish in ginger sauce, chili crabs, butter prawns, and the assorted cold platter appetizers. More exotic specialties like sea cucumber soup or shark fin with chicken can also be found on the menu, reflecting the Cantonese influence.

The restaurant’s location is convenient. It’s in the city center, opposite Santika Hotel and near Merdeka Walk. The dining atmosphere feels a bit old-school, complete with round tables and lazy susans; it might remind you of a nostalgic Chinese food Medan wedding party! 

Being a seafood restaurant, prices here are higher than street food: dishes are often priced per kilo or per portion. For example, large prawns are about Rp160,000 for 4 pieces, while a whole steamed fish could be around Rp100,000 or more, depending on size. 

However, portions are generous (meant for sharing), and the quality justifies the price. If you’re traveling in a group or want to splurge on a great dinner, Wisma Benteng is the place to go for an authentic halal Chinese-Indonesian feast in Medan.

Explore the Best Medan Foods and Stay at Bobocabin

Medan’s food scene is truly one-of-a-kind, a culinary adventure that reflects the city’s rich cultural tapestry. From sipping heritage coffee and savoring street-side noodles to indulging in tropical fruit and hearty curries, you’ll quickly discover why Medan is often called Indonesia’s food paradise. 

After treating your taste buds to all the delights in this Medan food guide, you might also be looking for a peaceful nature escape not far from the city. One highly recommended retreat is Bobocabin Kaldera, Toba by Bobobox, a unique cabin accommodation near the beautiful Lake Toba. 

Surrounded by lush scenery and offering modern comforts, it’s the perfect place to relax and reflect on your Medan food journey. Consider adding a stay at Bobocabin Kaldera Toba to your itinerary; you’ll enjoy stargazing by the lake and continue your Sumatra adventure in style.

So, what are you waiting for? Come for the food in Medan, stay for the hospitality, and make unforgettable memories. Download the Bobobox app today to easily book your stay and explore more awesome travel guides. Happy eating and happy travels!

 

Writer: Syifa Nuri Khairunnisa

Featured Photo: Zane Holmes via Pexels