Medan in 48 Hours: A Foodie’s Deep Dive into Indonesia’s Culinary Capital

Often overshadowed by Bali’s beaches or Jakarta’s urban buzz, Medan is Indonesia’s best-kept culinary secret. As the capital of North Sumatra, it’s a melting pot of Batak, Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, resulting in a street food scene unlike anywhere else in the country.

So, what makes Medan unique?

● Street food paradise – No frills, just bold flavours served at bustling markets and decades-old stalls.

● Iconic dishes you won’t find elsewhere – Think Bihun Bebek Kumango (duck noodle soup), Soto Medan (creamy coconut soto), and Durian Ucok (the city’s legendary durian stall).

This guide is designed for food-first travellers who plan their trips around meals. With just 48 hours, we’ll take you through must-try dishes so you can too eat like a local.

Breakfast: Start with the Staples

Kick off your Medan adventure with Lontong Sayur, a humble yet hearty dish of rice cakes drenched in creamy coconut curry, topped with sambal, tofu, and boiled egg. Locals flock to Tip Top Restaurant, an old colonial café that serves up nostalgia with every bite, or to roadside stalls along Jalan Pemuda for a more rustic experience.

To chase the spice, order a cup of Kopi Sanger, which is Medan’s answer to the classic kopi tarik. Made with robust local beans and sweetened condensed milk, this strong but smooth brew is best enjoyed at Kedai Kopi Apek, Medan’s oldest coffee shop. It pairs perfectly with a warm bun or kaya toast.

Midday Munchies: Noodle & Soup Fix

As the day heats up, head to Jalan Kumango for a bowl of Bihun Bebek Kumango, where you can enjoy rice vermicelli in duck broth, slow-simmered with herbs until the flavour is practically medicinal. Queues are the norm here, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Then, warm your soul with Soto Medan, a creamy yellow soup that’s unlike any other Indonesian soto. Infused with lemongrass and coconut milk, it comes loaded with beef or chicken, perkedel (potato cakes), and a side of rice. Wash it down with Es Timun Serut, a refreshing shaved cucumber drink laced with lime and syrup, the perfect palate cleanser before your next bite.

Afternoon: Snacks & Pasar Treats

No culinary tour is complete without exploring Medan’s vibrant markets. Pasar Petisah and Merdeka Walk are treasure troves of local street snacks. Sample chewy Bika Ambon, a honeycomb-textured cake made from tapioca and coconut milk, and Lemper Ayam, glutinous rice rolls with a savoury chicken filling.

If you crave crunch, go for Risoles – crispy crepes stuffed with ragout, vegetables, and minced meat. Sweet tooths will enjoy Kue Cubit (tiny half-cooked cakes topped with sprinkles) and Kue Lapis, a colourful layered cake that screams childhood nostalgia.

Dinner: Nasi Padang Feast

Come nightfall, feast like royalty with a Nasi Padang spread at Garuda Restaurant, one of the city’s most trusted names for this Minangkabau speciality. Dishes are served “hidang” style—meaning your table is soon covered with small plates of everything from Rendang (tender, spiced beef) to Dendeng Balado (crispy beef slathered in chili), Ayam Pop, and Telur Dadar Padang.

Pro tip: You only pay for what you eat, so pick wisely (or don’t, we’re not judging).

Supper: Dessert & Durian Culture

No visit to Medan is complete without indulging in its most divisive delicacy, Durian. Locals swear by Durian Ucok, a legendary 24-hour stall that offers multiple varieties, including the rich Durian Tembaga. The staff will hand-pick one to match your taste preferences, whether you like it bitter, sweet, or creamy.

For something more approachable, try Durian Pancake, a soft crepe filled with whipped cream and durian flesh or cool off with an iced coconut drink. Just remember: bring wet tissues and eat outdoors. You’ll thank us later.

Breakfast: Indian-Indonesian Fusion

Start your second day with a fusion breakfast at a mamak stall in the Medan Kota area. Crisp Roti Canai served with dhal or curry makes for a filling start, but if you want something lighter, opt for the sweet, paper-thin Roti Tisu. Pair either with a glass of Teh Tarik, a frothy, sweet milk tea that’s as theatrical to make as it is comforting to drink.

For something even more local, Rumah Makan Tabona is famous for its Curry Kwetiau – flat rice noodles steeped in curry broth, marrying Indian spices with Chinese technique.

Lunch: Medan's Chinese Food Heritage

At lunchtime, dive into the rich Chinese-Indonesian legacy that flavours Medan’s food scene. Bakmi Hock Seng and Kwetiau Ateng are staples for hand-pulled noodles served dry with lard and soy sauce, topped with roasted pork, fish cakes, or beef meatballs (Bakso).

These dishes reflect the influence of early Hokkien and Teochew migrants who brought their noodle mastery to Medan. Don’t forget to grab a side of Pangsit Goreng – crispy wontons that are addictively moreish.

Coffee Break: Medan’s Café Culture

Take a breather at one of Medan’s hip cafés. Habitat Coffee, and Monks Coffee Roasters are known for their Instagrammable interiors and expertly brewed beverages.

Sip on Kopi Toba, made with single-origin beans from the highlands of Lake Toba, or try a Cold Brew with Aren Sugar, a modern local twist that’s smooth and subtly caramelised. Pair your drink with banana fritters or buttery croissants for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Dinner: Seafood, Street Eats, and Spices

Dinner is a spectacle in Medan, especially if you head to Wajir Seafood, an open-air restaurant where locals and tourists alike battle for tables. The menu is massive, but highlights include Grilled Squid, Udang Balado (spicy prawns), and Crispy Crab.

If you're feeling more adventurous, explore Jalan Selat Panjang, a buzzing night market with everything from Satay to spicy Stir-Fried Shellfish and sizzling Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) served with fiery sambals.

Late Night: Wrap It Up with a View

To cap off your whirlwind trip, unwind with a drink and a city view. Head to The Edge at Cambridge Hotel or the SKY the OASIS. These rooftop bars serve up cocktails infused with local flavours, think markisa (passionfruit), soursop, or even arak for a punchy finish.

It’s the perfect setting to toast your Medan food journey with a full belly and an even fuller heart.

Bonus Tips for First-Time Visitors

● Getting Around: Download ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek. They’re affordable, safe, and way more convenient than flagging a cab. Traffic can be hectic during rush hours, so plan accordingly.

● Payments: Bring cash, especially smaller notes, for street eats and markets. Some modern cafés accept QR payments, but don’t count on it everywhere.

● Hygiene: Stick to stalls with high turnover. Bring hand sanitiser and avoid raw foods if you have a sensitive stomach.

● Best Time to Visit: May to September is the dry season, perfect for food-hopping without getting drenched

Young happy family asian father mother and daughter happy exciting preparing luggage suitcase booking ticket and hotel for vacation holiday travel trip

Medan is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Between snapping food pics, navigating crowded markets, and sampling dishes from every corner, it’s easy to misplace your wallet or have an accidental slip. The last thing you want is for a small mishap to ruin your foodie getaway.

That’s where Singtel Daily Travel Protect, underwritten by Great Eastern, has your back. For just S$4 a day, this plan ensures that your foodie adventure stays stress-free, covering you where it matters most:

● Medical emergencies: Up to S$100,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses and personal accidents, plus up to S$500,000 for emergency medical evacuation.

● Credit card fraud protection: Up to S$1,000 if your card is lost or stolen in busy areas like night markets.

● Phone repair: Up to S$100 to fix or replace your phone if it gets accidentally damaged mid-adventure.

And the best part? You don’t need to stress over forms or hidden fine print. It’s built for the spontaneous traveller—quick, easy, and totally worth it.

Your Taste Buds Will Thank You

Medan doesn’t whisper, it roars with every plate, bowl, and bite, it tells a story of history, heritage, and unapologetic flavour. It’s a city where cultures mix, spices dance, and food is never just food, it’s identity.

So don’t just pass through. The next time you’re planning a weekend escape, skip the cliché routes. Book that ticket. Pack your appetite. Medan is waiting.

What should I do if I lose my phone while navigating Medan’s crowded markets?

If your phone gets lost or damaged mid-trip—whether from a slip at a food stall or the bustle of a night market, you’re not completely out of luck. A plan such as Singtel Daily Travel Protect includes up to S$100 for phone repair or replacement, so your foodie adventure doesn’t skip a beat.
Is there protection if I fall sick after eating street food in Medan?

Accidents or food-related illnesses can happen while exploring vibrant destinations like Medan. With Singtel Daily Travel Protect, you can get up to S$100,000 in overseas medical coverage, ensuring peace of mind even if your stomach can’t keep up with your appetite.
What if my wallet or credit card gets stolen in a busy food market?

Bustling night markets like Jalan Selat Panjang can be thrilling but also prime spots for pickpocketing. A policy like Singtel Daily Travel Protect offers up to S$1,000 coverage for credit card fraud if your card is lost or stolen during your trip.
What’s a must-try dish for a first-time foodie in Medan?

Start with Bihun Bebek Kumango, a herbal duck noodle soup beloved by locals. It’s a signature dish that reflects Medan’s bold, comforting flavours, and the queues alone prove it's worth the hype.
Are there any unique desserts I shouldn’t miss in Medan?

Definitely! Try Durian Pancake, a Medan speciality that wraps creamy durian flesh and whipped cream in a soft crepe. For purists, Durian Ucok is the place to go for the real deal, but just remember to eat it outdoors to prevent a pungent smell in your hotel!

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