This popular cake has a unique texture and a delightful aroma of pandan and coconut milk. It’s slightly chewy on the inside with a caramelized exterior.

Where to Try: Zulaikha Bika Ambon

A sweet Indonesian pancake filled with various toppings such as chocolate, cheese, and peanuts, cooked on a small plate

Where to Try: Martabak Yurich, Martabak Terang Bulan

Known for its creamy texture and intense flavor, Medan’s durian is a must-try for enthusiasts. Enjoy it fresh or in various desserts.

Where to Try: Ucok Durian, Durian House (durian pancake)

A feast of various dishes including rendang, sambal balado, fish head, and chicken curry, served with steamed rice. Each dish is rich in spices and flavors. Must try and my personal favorite.

Where to Try: Garuda Nasi Padang

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with a mix of vegetables, meat, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and other spices. Super famous kind of street food in Medan

Where to Try: Kwetiau Ateng

Skewers of marinated meat (usually beef or chicken) grilled to perfection and served with a thick, spicy peanut sauce.

Where to Try: Sate Padang Al-Fresco

A rich and creamy coconut milk soup filled with tender pieces of chicken or beef, served with rice and a variety of condiments like fried shallots, lime, and sambal.

Where to Try: RM Sinar Pagi

A hearty dish consisting of compressed rice cakes served with a savory coconut milk curry, boiled eggs, and a medley of vegetables and meats.

Where to Try: Lontong Kak Lin

Indonesian fried chicken that is smashed and served with sambal, rice, and fresh vegetables.

Where to Try: Ayam Penyet Joko Solo

Specialty: Famous for its seafood, particularly the jurung fish.

Description: Jumbo Restaurant is well-known for serving some of the freshest seafood in Medan. The jurung fish, a local delicacy, is a must-try for seafood lovers. The fish is often steamed seasoned with a perfect blend of spices that highlight its natural flavors.

Recommended Dish: Steamed Jurung Fish, Seafood Fried Rice, Escargot in Special Sauce

Specialty: Renowned for its stingray and Chinese Indonesian comfort food like stir fry pork belly, crispy fried thailand chicken.

Description: Pare House offers a cozy dining experience with its well-loved stingray dishes and a variety of Chinese Indonesian/Malaysian comfort foods that remind locals of home-cooked meals. The stingray is typically grilled or served in a spicy Instagram linksauce.

Recommended Dish: Grilled Stingray with Sambal, Stir Fry Pork Belly, Crispy Fried Thailand Chicken.

Specialty: Traditional Batak-style grilled pork.

Description: OnDo Grill Batak is the go-to place for authentic Batak cuisine, especially their succulent grilled pork. The unique blend of spices used in Batak cooking gives the meat an unforgettable flavor. The pork is marinated in traditional Batak spices and grilled to perfection.

Recommended Dish: Grilled Pork (Babi Panggang).

Instagram link

Specialty: One of Medan’s oldest restaurants serving Indonesian-influenced Western food, traditional bakeries, and desserts.

Description: TipTop is a historical landmark in Medan as it has been around since 1934. It brings a nostalgic dining experience with its wide range of dishes that blend Indonesian and Western cuisines. Their traditional bakery and dessert selections are also highly recommended.

Recommended Dish: Beef Steak with Dutch Sauce, followed by their signature ice cream for dessert, Hot Plate Fish, Bitterballen, Cakes

Specialty: Grilled fresh seafood with a wide variety of options.

Description: Marco Seafood is famed for its extensive menu of freshly grilled seafood, offering everything from fish to shellfish, all prepared to perfection with delicious marinades and spices. Each dish highlights the freshness of the seafood.

Recommended Dish: Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter, Grilled Fish, Grilled Chicken,

Specialty: Nasi Padang

Description: Restoran Garuda is a staple for those seeking traditional Nasi Padang, a variety of rich and spicy dishes served with steamed rice. The restaurant is known for its wide array of Padang dishes, each bursting with flavor.

Recommended Dish: Rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices) and Gulai Ayam (chicken curry).

Specialty: Modern Indonesian Fusion.

Description: Interlokal offers a contemporary take on traditional Indonesian dishes, blending local flavors with modern culinary techniques. It’s a must-visit for those looking to experience innovative Indonesian cuisine.

Recommended Dish: Sate Lilit – minced fish satay wrapped around lemongrass sticks, Lamb Shank Fried Rice, Bakwan Jagung, Bebek Goreng Crispy, Ayam Ketumbar

Specialty: Sundanese cuisine

Description: Lembur Kuring offers a great dining experience with a focus on Sundanese cuisine. The restaurant is spacious, making it ideal for family gatherings. The food is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional flavors.

Recommended Dish: Gurame Bakar (Grilled Gourami) and Sayur Asem (Tamarind Soup).

Specialty: Duck Noodle Sosp

This is the go-to place for duck lovers. Bihun Bebek Kumango serves delicious rice vermicelli with succulent duck meat, flavored with traditional Chinese herbs and spices. It’s a simple dish but packed with rich flavors.

Recommended Dish: Bihun Bebek (Duck Vermicelli).