Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Medan, Indonesia
1. Nasi Padang
A diverse plate of Minangkabau cuisine offering various dishes like rendang, curry, and sambal. Try it at Bari Barik Padang Restaurant.
- Wide Variety: Offers a vast selection of dishes to cater to every taste
- Authentic Experience: Experience traditional Minangkabau cuisine in its birthplace
- Affordable Price: Reasonably priced, allowing you to sample multiple dishes without breaking the bank
2. Gurame Goreng Kalo Medan
Crispy fried catfish served with a spicy sambal. Don't miss it at Warung Mak Bakwo.
- Unique Preparation: The fish is marinated using a secret family recipe
- Delicious Flavor: Combines crispy texture with a tangy, spicy sauce
- Local Favorite: A well-known dish among the locals and a must-try for visitors
3. Kue Lumpur
Smooth, glutinous rice flour dessert made with coconut milk and palm sugar. Available at Pasar Maimun.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional recipe passed down through generations
- Unique Texture: The smooth and velvety texture sets it apart from other desserts
- Inexpensive Snack: An affordable treat to enjoy during your exploration of the market
4. Nasi Kapau
A spicy rice dish made with chicken, fish, and vegetables. Savor it at Warung Sate Kapau.
- Spice Level: Offers a choice of mild to extremely spicy flavors
- Versatile Dish: Comes with various side dishes, ensuring a filling meal
- Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional spices and cooking methods to deliver an authentic taste
5. Pisang Goreng Kalo Medan
Thick-cut banana fritters coated in a crispy batter. Available at Warung Es Tongkol.
- Delicious Snack: A popular, tasty snack enjoyed by locals and tourists alike
- Crispy Texture: The crispy batter envelopes the soft banana inside
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly snack that won't break your travel budget
6. Bubur Sumsum
Sticky rice porridge with palm sugar and coconut milk. You can find it at Pasar Maimun.
- Traditional Dish: An age-old dish passed down through generations
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cold mornings or as a dessert after a meal
- Versatile Topping: Offers various toppings like peanuts, coconut, and corn
7. Sate Medan
Grilled satay skewers made from tender beef or chicken. Enjoy it at Warung Sate Padang.
- Tender Meat: Uses high-quality, tender meat marinated in special sauces
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Served with a flavorful peanut sauce that adds depth to the dish
- Street Food Experience: Experience the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Medan's street food scene
8. Kue Pukis
Thin, flaky, and layered sweet cake made from coconut milk. Available at Warung Mak Nyoman.
- Unique Layering: The intricate layers create a visual appeal as well as a unique texture
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional recipe passed down through generations
- Delicious Treat: A sweet treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert
9. Es Teler
Refreshing shaved ice dessert made with avocado, sweetened condensed milk, and various fruits. Try it at Warung Es Tongkol.
- Cooling Effect: Ideal for hot weather, providing relief from the tropical heat
- Fruit Variety: Uses a variety of fresh fruits to create a unique flavor combination
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly treat to help you beat the heat
10. Rujak Medan
Fruit salad tossed in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Available at Pasar Maimun.
- Fresh Fruits: Uses fresh, seasonal fruits that are carefully selected
- Spicy and Sweet: Combines sweet and spicy flavors for a unique taste sensation
- Versatile Snack: A popular snack that can be found throughout the day at the market
11. Martabak Manis
Sweet pancake filled with various ingredients like cheese, chocolate, and condensed milk. Available at Warung Martabak Kartini.
- Versatile Fillings: Offers a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes
- Satisfying Snack: A filling snack that can be enjoyed anytime of the day
- Affordable Price: An affordable treat that won't break your travel budget
12. Sate Kernih
Thin and tender beef satay served with a peanut sauce. Enjoy it at Warung Sate Medan.
- Tender Meat: Uses high-quality, tender meat marinated in special sauces
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Served with a flavorful peanut sauce that adds depth to the dish
- Street Food Experience: Experience the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Medan's street food scene
13. Sambal Teri Kecap
Spicy anchovy sauce made with kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce). Try it at Warung Mak Bakwo.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness creates a unique flavor
- Versatile Condiment: Can be used as a dipping sauce or added to various dishes for extra flavor
- Local Ingredient: Features locally sourced anchovies and Indonesian sweet soy sauce
14. Ayam Tauge Medan
Stir-fried noodles with chicken, bean sprouts, and cabbage. Savor it at Warung Tauge Medan.
- Versatile Dish: Comes with various side dishes, ensuring a filling meal
- Spicy Level: Offers a choice of mild to extremely spicy flavors
- Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional spices and cooking methods to deliver an authentic taste
15. Es Campur
A mix of shaved ice, fruits, and various sweets. Available at Warung Es Tongkol.
- Cooling Effect: Ideal for hot weather, providing relief from the tropical heat
- Fruit Variety: Uses a variety of fresh fruits to create a unique flavor combination
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly treat to help you beat the heat