Try 7 Authentic Medan Specialties, Complete with Prices
Medan is one of the cities in Sumatra known for its rich culinary culture with bold and diverse flavors. The influence of Malay, Batak, Chinese, and Indian cultures gives Medan’s traditional food a unique character, ranging from savory and spicy dishes to sweet treats that are perfect as souvenirs.
If you are visiting Medan, do not only try its main dishes. There are also many snacks and local souvenirs from Medan that you can bring home for family or friends.
7 Authentic Foods from Medan
Here are some must-try foods from Medan, complete with their estimated price range.
1. Bika Ambon
Bika Ambon is one of the most popular traditional foods from Medan and is often bought as a souvenir. Although it has “Ambon” in its name, this cake is actually strongly associated with the city of Medan. Bika Ambon has a chewy texture with its signature honeycomb-like holes inside. It has a sweet taste with a strong aroma of pandan and kaffir lime leaves. Besides the original flavor, there are now many variants available, such as cheese, chocolate, and pandan. Bika Ambon generally has a shelf life of a few days, so it is best consumed soon after purchase. The price usually starts from around Rp30,000 to Rp70,000, depending on the size and brand.
2. Soto Medan
Soto Medan is one of Medan’s signature dishes that is perfect for those who love soup-based meals. Unlike soto from other regions, Soto Medan has a yellow broth with a fairly thick texture because it uses coconut milk and various spices. Usually, Soto Medan is served with pieces of chicken or beef, boiled egg, potatoes, and perkedel. The broth has a savory taste with a strong spice aroma. Soto Medan is best enjoyed fresh because it is not a long-lasting dish. A portion of Soto Medan usually costs around Rp20,000 to Rp40,000, depending on the place and choice of toppings.
3. Bolu Gulung Meranti
Bolu Gulung Meranti is one of Medan’s most well-known souvenirs among tourists. This rolled cake has a soft texture with various filling options, such as cheese, chocolate, and mocha. One of the main attractions of Bolu Gulung Meranti is its generous filling, making it perfect to enjoy with family.
4. Lontong Medan
Lontong Medan is a traditional Medan dish that is often eaten for breakfast. This dish usually consists of rice cakes served with vegetable curry, chili sauce, egg, tofu, tempeh, and various side dishes. The broth has a savory taste and is rich in spices. Each seller may also have different variations of side dishes and seasoning, making the experience of trying Lontong Medan quite diverse. The price of Lontong Medan is relatively affordable, usually around Rp15,000 to Rp30,000 per portion, depending on the choice of side dishes.
5. Mie Gomak
Mie Gomak is a traditional Batak dish that is quite popular in Medan and North Sumatra. This dish uses thick noodles that look somewhat similar to spaghetti. Mie Gomak can be served either with broth or as a fried noodle dish. One of its distinctive characteristics is the use of andaliman, which gives the dish a spicy and slightly numbing sensation. The price of Mie Gomak is usually around Rp15,000 to Rp30,000 per portion. This dish is worth trying for anyone who wants to experience the distinctive taste of Batak cuisine.
6. Durian Pancake
For durian lovers, Durian Pancake is one of Medan’s signature treats that should not be missed. This food is made with durian flesh wrapped in a thin and soft pancake skin. Its sweet taste and strong durian aroma are the main highlights of this dessert. Durian Pancake is usually stored frozen to maintain its quality and texture. The price of Durian Pancake varies, starting from around Rp30,000 to Rp100,000 or more, depending on the size, quantity, and quality of the durian used.
7. Arsik
Arsik is one of the most well-known Batak dishes, famous for its use of fish and strong spices. Carp is the most commonly used fish for making Arsik. Arsik seasoning usually uses various traditional spices, including andaliman, resulting in a savory, spicy, and aromatic taste. Arsik is often served during family gatherings or special celebrations, but it can also be found in Batak restaurants in Medan. The price of Arsik usually ranges from Rp30,000 to Rp60,000 per portion, depending on the size of the fish and the restaurant.
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