Discover a variety of tempting Medan specialties, from Mie Gomak to Nasi Kentut, with authentic flavors and unique spices that are second to none.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is not only famous for its rich culture but also its unique culinary delights.
Each Medan specialty has a unique taste, a blend of local spices and rich traditions. From food with eye-catching names to delicious a lasting taste, here are 10 Typical Medan Foods that you must try.
1. Mie Gomak: A Legendary Batak Dish
Nicknamed “Batak spaghetti,” Mie Gomak is one of Medan’s culinary icons that should not be missed. This dish consists of thick, chewy noodles, available in two variants: soup and fried.
Mie Gomak soup uses thick coconut milk, combined with typical Batak spices such as andaliman, creating an alluring spicy and savory taste.
This dish is often found in the Tapanuli, Samosir, and Sibolga areas, making it a favorite in various places in North Sumatra.
2. Lontong Medan: A Delicious Combination with Tauco Seasoning
As a favorite breakfast for the people of Medan, Lontong Medan offers a different taste from the usual vegetable lontong. This dish is complemented with its signature tauco seasoning, creating a deep, savory flavor.
This lontong is usually served with pumpkin vegetables, boiled eggs, chili sauce, crackers, and sprinkled with fried onions. This combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients makes Lontong Medan a dish that is hard to forget.
3. Mie Balap: Fast, Delicious, and Filling
Named Mie Balap because of its quick serving, this dish is a favorite for breakfast in Medan. You can choose between rice vermicelli, kwetiau, or yellow noodles cooked with simple but delicious spices.
These noodles are often served with additional bean sprouts, eggs, and pieces of seafood or chicken. With its rich taste and affordable price, Mie Balap is the perfect choice to start your day in Medan.
4. Clam Satay: A Savory Snack with a Touch of Spice
sweet, and savory taste. Made from mussel meat cooked with special spices, this satay is a favorite snack of the local people.
Served on bamboo skewers, Sate Kerang is often served as a complement to dishes such as lontong or rice, adding to your culinary experience in Medan.
5. Soto Medan: A Warming Spice-Rich Soup
Soto Medan is one of the iconic dishes that offers thick coconut milk sauce with a deep spice flavor. This soto usually contains rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, potato croquettes, and chicken feet.
Add a squeeze of lime for a refreshing sensation that complements the savory flavor. Soto Medan is best served warm with white rice, making it a perfect lunch menu.
6. Medan Laksa: A Tempting Soup Dish
Medan Laksa offers a distinctive savory taste from its coconut milk sauce. Complete with round noodles, shrimp, beef slices, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs, this dish presents a rich balance of flavors.
With strong spices and varying textures, Medan Laksa is perfect for those who like soupy food with complex flavors.
7. Nasi Kentut: Unique Name, Authentic Taste
Nasi Kentut may sound strange, but this food is one of Medan’s culinary specialties that you must try. This rice is wrapped in sembukan leaves, known as “fart leaves,” giving it a distinctive aroma.
Nasi Kentut is usually served with side dishes such as fried chicken, anchovies, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables. The combination of savory and fragrant flavors of the sembukan leaves makes this dish very special.
8. Savory Tauco Vegetables: A Delicious Eid Dish
Tauco Savory Vegetables is a typical Medan food that is often present during holidays. This dish uses tauco as the main seasoning, producing a distinctive aroma and taste that is difficult to imitate.
This vegetable filling includes beef, shrimp, tofu, and vegetables such as long beans or pumpkin. Served with lontong or rice, Sayur Gurih Tauco is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and salty flavors.
9. Spicy Porridge: Delicious Spices in Every Spoon
Bubur Pedas is a typical Malay dish that is popular in Medan, especially during the month of Ramadan. This porridge is made from rice cooked with various spices, vegetables, and additional minced meat or seafood.
Its soft texture and rich taste make Spicy Porridge a warming and filling dish. This dish is the right choice to enjoy the warmth of Medan’s culinary traditions.
10. Bika Ambon: Iconic Sweet Souvenirs
Bika Ambon is a traditional cake that is a typical souvenir from Medan. With a soft, perforated texture and just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is perfect as a snack or tea time companion.
Bika Ambon is available in various flavors, such as pandan, chocolate, or durian, which adds variety to the deliciousness. Don’t forget to bring home Bika Ambon as a souvenir of your culinary trip in Medan.
Medan’s culinary specialties offer an unforgettable taste journey. Each dish, from Mie Gomak to Nasi Kentut, has a unique story and taste that reflects the richness of local culture.
For those of you who visit Medan, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the deliciousness of this special food. From savory to sweet, every Medan specialty, featuring Typical North Sumatra Food, will pamper your tongue and leave unforgettable memories. Enjoy!
