Welcome to Medan – Indonesia’s fifth-largest city, bustling with life and flavour from the best restaurants in Medan! As the capital city of North Sumatra, Medan is your main gateway to visiting the stunning sights of Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake. Full of culture and famous for its impressive culinary scene, the city promises a flavour sensation that foodies will not want to miss!
Here’s our pick of Medan’s top restaurants that you’ll definitely want to check-out on your trip!
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1. Uda Sayang
One of Medan’s favourite restaurants is never empty of diners, especially during lunchtime. In keeping with Minang tradition, Uda Sayang Restaurant immediately serves all the dishes on the table at once – buffet style! The restaurant is particularly famous for its two types of chilli sauces, featuring green and red chillies alongside its pickled dried chillies, known as chilly jerky.
2. Restoran Garuda
The menu at Restoran Garuda features plenty of local delicacies from fried prawns, squid curry and meat soup, to various other fish-based dishes. If you’re a fan of chicken, the crispy fried chicken served alongside white rice and mashed sweet potato leaves is a hearty meal. For veggie options, we’d recommend trying the cassava leaves, mashed and cooked in an anchovy mixture giving it a salty, savoury taste.
– Jalan Gajah Mada No. 8, Kota Medan
– Kapten Pattimura No. 238, Kota Medan
– Jalan Nibung Raya No. 163-153, Kota Medan
3. Padang Nusantara Vegetarian
It’s amazing how diverse and flavourful plant-based dishes can be! At Padang Semesta, their combination of rice, curry, cassava leaves, jackfruit and vegetarian “fish” creates an incredible array of textures and flavours. Meat-lovers don’t need to miss-out though, as this popular restaurant also provides a variety of tasty meat-based meals too!
53, Jl. Bakaran Batu No.23a, Sei Rengas Permata, Medan Area, Medan City, North Sumatra 20211
4. Nasi Gurih Ibu Ida Pasar Beruang
Rice and sambal take centre stage in this authentic dish. The coconut milk-infused rice adds a fragrant aroma which, when paired with the sambal and omelette, provides a delicious flavour combination. A popular local breakfast choice to kick-start the day!
5. Siobak Pui Brayan
If you want to try this dish, it’s best to arrive before 1pm as it often sells-out quickly! The large portions of crispy pork belly, flavourful char siu and delicious sauce, are very popular with lunchtime diners. Getting there early and taking your time is the best way to enjoy this delicious and satisfying lunch!
6. Sate Padang Triadi
The perfectly balanced spice combinations of Padang curry gravy paired with smoky satay delivers an authentic and aromatic taste that’s ideal for enjoying at sunset. The dish features a range of different meat satays, including chicken, beef tongue and mussels, served alongside crackers and drinks for a delicious local dining experience.
Jl. Malaka No 30, Pandau Hilir, Kec. Medan Perjuangan, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20233, Indonesia
7. Lontong Kak Lin
Vegetable lontong is a beloved breakfast option for many Medan residents. If you’re craving a delicious traditional vegetable rice cake breakfast, head to Lontong Kak Lin, where you can choose from tempting side dishes such as eggs, fried chicken and rendang. This popular spot also sells other local foods such as lontong pecel, savoury rice and light snacks.
Jl.Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 8M, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
