What to Buy in Medan: Must-Try Foods & Non-Food Souvenirs!

What to Buy in Medan – Many travelers come to Medan only for transit, either before heading to Lake Toba, Berastagi, or other nearby destinations. But those who take time to explore this vibrant North Sumatran capital often discover that Medan is a city of deep cultural richness, dynamic history, and irresistible culinary treasures.

If you are planning to fly back home soon, you may be wondering: What to buy in Medan that is truly worth taking with you? Should you focus on signature food, try local snacks, or look for meaningful cultural souvenirs? The good news is—Medan offers plenty.

This guide walks you through the top things to buy in Medan, from iconic cakes and traditional dishes to cultural keepsakes such as Ulos and Kain Songket Deli. We’ll also share a few places you can visit to find them conveniently in one stop.

Whether you are a food hunter, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for gifts to bring home, Medan won’t leave you empty-handed.

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What to Buy in Medan? Signature Foods and Cakes

Medan has long been recognized as one of Indonesia’s most diverse culinary cities. Its heritage blends Batak, Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, creating layers of flavor you may not find elsewhere. Because of that, many visitors prioritize culinary items when shopping for souvenirs.

Below are the must-try foods and cakes that truly represent the city.

1. Medan’s Signature Cakes

Apakah Bika Ambon Ada yang Palsu atau Bukan “Resep Medan” — Bika Ambon

If there is one category that dominates Medan’s souvenir scene, it is cakes. Not only are they delicious, but they also travel well—making them ideal to bring home to family and friends.

Some of the most popular options include:

Bika Ambon: A golden, honeycomb-textured cake made from coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and tapioca flour. It has a soft chewy center with a delicate fragrance. Despite the name “Ambon,” the cake is actually a Medan specialty and is found in almost every souvenir shop.
Lapis Legit (Layer Cake): Made from dozens of thin baked layers, this buttery cake is rich, dense, and fragrant with cinnamon and spices. Lapis Legit is usually considered premium, making it a perfect gift.
Bolu Gulung Meranti: A staple among Medan visitors, Bolu Meranti is a rolled sponge cake filled with cheese, chocolate, or fruit jam. Light, moist, and delicious—many travelers consider it a must-buy.

These cake variants are easy to find and come in neat packaging, ensuring they stay fresh throughout your trip home.

2. Medan’s Signature Foods

Beyond cakes, Medan is well-known for hearty, flavorful dishes with deep cultural roots. If you love exploring culinary traditions, these are worth trying before you fly home.

Here are top recommendations:

1) Mie Ayam Jamur Spesial H. Mahmud

This comforting dish features springy noodles topped with flavorful chicken and mushrooms. Many locals recommend it for its taste and consistency. The restaurant offering this dish has also become quite iconic, known not only for delicious food but also for serving a wide variety of regional specialties at affordable prices.

If you are Muslim, you can dine peacefully—the food is halal.

2) Sate Kerang Tanjung Balai

These flavorful cockle skewers are simmered in spices and lightly grilled, resulting in a savory snack with a slightly chewy texture. They’re often packed for takeaway, making them easy to bring home.

3) Ikan Mas Arsik

Also known as goldfish arsik, this is a dish rooted in Batak culture. Prepared with spices such as andaliman (similar to Sichuan pepper), shallots, garlic, ginger, torch ginger fruit (asam cikala), turmeric root, galangal, lime, chili, and long beans, the cooking process can take up to 3–4 hours to achieve the best texture and flavor.

The result is complex, spicy, and aromatic—a memorable culinary experience that speaks to the region’s heritage.

Tip:

If you want to explore many authentic Medan foods and take home local treats in one stop, visit Mie Ayam Jamur Spesial H. Mahmud. Their signature menu is extensive, the prices are friendly, and the location is easy to reach.

3. What to Buy in Medan? Recommended Snacks

What to Buy in Medan - Snacks — Durian Medan

After trying the signature dishes, don’t miss the snack section. These items are portable, fragrant, and often addictive.

Here are recommended picks:

Durian Medan: Medan is called the land of durian for a reason. Creamy, sweet, and aromatic—many believe Medan’s durian is simply unmatched. If you can’t bring fresh durian home, there are packaged options available.
Sidikalang Coffee: A strong, earthy coffee grown in the highlands of Sidikalang—great for gifting or drinking at home. From Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud, you can also pick up snack-friendly souvenir options.
Srikaya Spread – from Restaurant Sedap, Siantar: This rich, silky coconut jam is beloved by locals—often enjoyed with bread or crackers. Many travelers consider it one of the best srikaya in North Sumatra.
Sumatra Tea, Keris Tea & Kawat Tea: These aromatic teas are perfect for cooler weather and make excellent gifts for tea lovers.
Terasi Medan (Shrimp Paste): If there is one item you must bring home, this could be it. Medan’s shrimp paste has deep flavor and is difficult to replace. Many travelers claim they cannot find better anywhere else.

Must-Buy in Medan: Non-Food Cultural Keepsakes

If you appreciate cultural souvenirs rather than edible ones, Medan still has plenty to offer. The city is home to several ethnic groups, but the Bataknese heritage stands out prominently—reflected through textiles and traditional crafts.

Two top cultural souvenirs worth buying:

1) Ulos

Ulos is a hand-woven traditional fabric made by local artisans, often used as a ceremonial shawl in Bataknese culture. Each Ulos carries symbolic meaning—related to blessing, protection, and connection.

It’s commonly gifted during major life events such as weddings or births. Ulos comes in many patterns and colors; some are more intricate and expensive due to the weaving process and meaning behind them.

Bringing Ulos home is more than buying fabric—it is carrying a piece of Batak identity.

2) Kain Songket Deli

This exquisite brocade textile is woven with gold or silver thread. Historically, songket was worn by sultans and nobles, making it one of the most refined traditional gifts in Medan.

The shimmering threads symbolize beauty and celebration. Even today, the cloth is often used in weddings and ceremonies. A piece of Songket Deli makes a beautifully elegant keepsake—whether framed as decoration or worn as part of formal attire.

Let’s Visit Medan and Bring Home Its Souvenirs!

Medan is more than a stopover city—it is a place where stories, flavors, and traditions come together. Whether you choose to bring home iconic cakes like Bika Ambon and Lapis Legit, explore savory dishes such as Ikan Mas Arsik, or pick up meaningful textiles like Ulos and Songket Deli, you’ll find that Medan offers souvenirs with soul.

So, when you return home and people ask what you brought from Indonesia, you can share more than just objects, you’ll share a taste of Medan’s culture.

Pack your bags, explore the city, and bring home something unforgettable.

Have a great journey—and let Medan surprise you!