Medan, the fourth largest city in Indonesia, undoubtedly where I call my home that holds a fuzzy spot in my heart. The question I get most frequently when I proudly declare myself as a Medanese is ‘what is special or defines Medan?’
To be utterly frank, I have been to the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba, for countless time, driven pass The Great Mosque, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Maimoon Palace and The City Hall, since I have seen light in this world. When you see landmarks for just way too many times, it would seem mediocre. I might not be the best person to recommend for sightseeing, but what never fails to disappoint is the extraordinary culinary indulgence.
For close to 15 years, I left my hometown to get a taste of food around the world, but I have to say, nothing is as delightful as Medanese food. As the prelude for your trip to Medan, these few eateries gives a mouth-watering glimpse of what Medan has to offer and the list goes on awaiting for your debarkation.
1. Nasi Ayam Asen, Jln Sumatera No 68F 86, Medan (Chicken Rice)
Nasi Ayam Asen, Jln Sumatera No 68F 86, Medan
2. Tabona, Jln Mangkubumi No 17, Medan (Curry Noodle)
Tabona, Jln Mangkubumi No 17, Medan
3. Sate Kacang, Jalan Asia 47 C Medan (Satay with Peanut Sauce)
Sate Kacang, Jalan Asia 47 C Medan
4. Bakso Aan, Jln Singa, Medan (Meatball Noodle)
Bakso Aan, Jln Singa, Medan
5. A Heng Emie, Jalan Asia 47 C Medan ((literally Boiled Noodles)
A Heng Emie, Jalan Asia 47 C Medan
6. Kwetiau Goreng Jln Gedeh, Medan (Fried Flat Noodle)
Kwetiau Goreng Jln Gedeh, Medan
7. Warung Kopi Srikandi, Plaza Medan Fair Lt.4 (Jl. Gatot Subroto) (Misc Indonesian Dessert)
Warung Kopi Srikandi, Plaza Medan Fair Lt.4 (Jl. Gatot Subroto)
8. Sate Padang Ajo ,Jln Tilak, Medan (Satay)
Sate Padang Ajo ,Jln Tilak, Medan
9. Mie Hock Seng, Jln Kumango, Medan (Hokkien Noodle)
Mie Hock Seng, Jln Kumango, Medan
10. Bebek Bihun Asia, Jalan Kumango No 15, Kesawan, Medan (Duck Noodle)
Bebek Bihun Asia, Jalan Kumango No 15, Kesawan, Medan
11. Chasio Afuk 88 , Jln Katamso No 80E, Medan (BBQ pork)
Chasio Afuk 88 , Jln Katamso No 80E, Medan
travelwithoutborders.wordpress.com 
Looks like my next trip to Indonesia (after the one I’m on my way to now) should be to Medan. So far I have only been to Central and East Java (where I am going back to today). But Medan is so easy to go to from Kuala Lumpur so I think I will go for a short trip there next year
Sumatra is slightly different from Java, people is not as soft as Javanese. So there might be a bit culture shock. But overall, i believe it will be a great travel experience. Have fun! 🙂 🙂
TWB
And don’t forget the Badak, right? :)).
Two things that I love about Medan culinary are its diversity and taste that outstandingly delicious! The chasiu made me drooling so much, ah but my friend said that we can’t find it in Jakarta. I guess I have to go to Medan soon just to finish the list based on this post :hehe. Thanks for the recommendation!
Oh Yes, i love Badak too. They have Badak in Jakarta,no?
TWB
Looks delicious! I agree that when you pass the same tourist attractions every day they can lose their excitement at bit, but this food looks great! Makes me want to visit 🙂
Go go go, you wont be disappointed with the foddie! slurp……
TWB
Oh my God. It’s 10.45 AM, and I’m hungry now. Reading this post is a mistake. MISTAKE! 😦
Kidding 😀
I didn’t thought that Medan has so many culinary attractions. Some of them are new for me. Thus, I think it would be better if you give a simple description for each food, like: what’s the differences compared to other similar food. Thank for sharing, koh 🙂
Medan is famous for its culinary. Do drop by when u have time 👍👍😊😊😊TWB
Great looking food. Oh I miss Medan and all good food. I also miss Lake Toba my home town..
Definitely, me too! Medan food is the best 🙂 🙂
TWB
ah, you making me hungry. we got pretty much them all here in jakarta. many of them medanese vendors have opened a branch here in the city. from the whole list, my first choice would have to be emie. i’m not a big fan of yellow noodles or prawns, but i simply can’t resist emie. it’s simply delish!
Hi Rudy, Try to go to Medan and taste them. :)~~ hahaha
TWB
i have. i do find them to be stronger in taste.
now, i’m hungry! hahaha
TWB
this article make me miss medan
especially the foodie? 😛 😛
TWB
How about this? https://travelwithoutborders.wordpress.com/?s=medan&submit=Search