Delicious and Diverse
Nestled on the northern coast of Sumatra, Medan stands as Indonesia’s third-largest city and an enchanting gateway to the island’s diverse cultures and historical depth. Known for its culinary scene, Medan is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a palate-pleasing fusion of flavors that reflect its rich cultural history. The city’s streets buzz with food vendors and traditional coffee shops, each corner offering a taste of local and international cuisines that tell the tale of migration and trade that has shaped this region. From the famous Bika Ambon and spicy Laksa to the refreshing sweetness of Es Campur, Medan’s food does not just satisfy hunger; it offers a vivid experience of its heritage and the warmth of its people.
The cultural and culinary landscape of Medan is a complex melting pot shaped by centuries of migration, trade, and colonial history. The influence of the Malay, Batak, Javanese, Indian, and Chinese communities is evident in every bite of its street food and every tradition celebrated on its bustling streets. This mix has not only contributed to the culinary variety but also to the festivals, languages, and everyday practices that make the city a vibrant hub of activity year-round. The history of Medan is told through its architecture, from the grand Maimoon Palace to the old Dutch buildings, and through its food, where each recipe carries stories of adaptation and fusion.
In the Muslim-dominated landscape of Indonesia, Medan stands out with its culinary exceptions, notably its generous use of pork, a testament to the significant Chinese influence in the region. Despite being in a predominantly Muslim country, the culinary practices in Medan embrace this diversity fully, showcasing dishes like Babi Panggang Karo (Karo roasted pork) and Cha Sio (sweet barbecued pork), which are immensely popular among locals and tourists alike. This culinary inclusion mirrors the city’s broader cultural ethos of acceptance and integration, where food becomes a bridge connecting various ethnicities and traditions. This blend not only enriches Medan’s food scene but also reflects a larger picture of cultural harmony and mutual respect that pervades the city’s social fabric.
Traveling to Medan offers more than just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a dive into a rich cultural experience. For those planning a visit, here are some tips to fully embrace what Medan has to offer: start your day early to catch the morning markets in full swing, where you can sample fresh local fruits and traditional breakfasts. Be sure to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and eat where the locals eat – small side-street warungs and cafes that offer authentic flavors at modest prices. Lastly, embrace the local transport options like becaks and local buses to explore deeper into the city’s charming neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and stories to tell.
Here are five food we think you must try when visiting Medan:
Bika Ambon
A spongy, honeycomb-textured cake made from tapioca flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk. It’s known for its distinctive bouncy texture and is commonly flavored with pandan, giving it a fragrant aroma.
Soto Medan
A flavorful soup combining a rich and creamy coconut milk broth with chicken, beef, or innards, infused with local spices and served with rice, potatoes, and a variety of condiments.
Babi Panggang Karo (BPK)
A traditional Batak-style grilled pork dish, which is marinated in a mixture of aromatic spices and then grilled to perfection, served with a side of tangy, spicy blood sauce.
Mie Gomak
A Batak noodle dish that is similar to spaghetti, served in a spicy coconut milk-based sauce with traditional spices, and often accompanied by seafood or minced meat.
Bihun Bebek
This comforting bowl combines rice vermicelli with a deeply savory duck broth. The duck is slow-cooked with a blend of traditional spices such as garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, which imbues the broth with a rich and aromatic flavor. Served with tender, shredded duck meat and often garnished with green onions, fried shallots, and Chinese celery, Bihun Bebek is a popular choice for a hearty breakfast in Medan, offering a warm, satisfying experience that epitomizes the local culinary culture.
