What to Eat in Medan? Try These 7 Best Local Foods!

What to Eat in Medan – Medan, the vibrant capital city of North Sumatra, is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food. Chinese, Malay, Batak, and Indian influences blend harmoniously here, creating an extraordinary culinary landscape unlike anywhere else in Indonesia.

For travelers visiting Medan, one of the most delightful experiences is undoubtedly its food scene. From aromatic soups to rich noodles and exotic desserts, Medan offers a culinary journey that speaks to both the heart and the senses.

But if you’ve just landed in the city and are wondering, “What to eat in Medan?”, you’re not alone. Many visitors find it challenging to decide where to start because the variety is simply overwhelming. That’s why this article will be your ultimate guide, exploring the must-try local dishes that truly represent the city’s flavor and soul.

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Getting to Know the Different Types of Food in Medan

Before diving into specific dishes, it’s worth understanding what makes Medan’s food so distinctive.

Medan’s cuisine is all about bold flavors, rich spices, and generous portions. You’ll notice the city’s multicultural heritage reflected in every bowl and plate. Chinese-style noodles served alongside spicy Batak dishes, or Malay curries sharing the table with Indian-inspired roti and sambal.

Another thing that makes Medan special is its halal-friendly culinary environment. While many traditional dishes are influenced by Chinese cooking, you’ll find countless halal options available. Making it a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers as well.

Street food plays a massive role too. From early morning markets to late-night hawker stalls, Medan’s culinary rhythm never stops. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or new experiences, the city’s cuisine promises something memorable in every bite.

What to Eat in Medan? Try These 7 Best Local Foods

Here’s a curated list of seven authentic local dishes you simply can’t miss when visiting Medan. Complete with where to find them and why they’re loved by locals.

1. Mie Ayam Jamur (Chicken Mushroom Noodles)

One of Medan’s most beloved noodle dishes, Mie Ayam Jamur, combines springy noodles, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms in a flavorful soy-based sauce.

Among the city’s many versions, the most iconic can be found at Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud, a local institution that has been serving customers since 1988.

For Medan locals, this place is more than just a noodle shop — it’s part of the city’s culinary history. The noodles here have a uniquely chewy texture, perfectly coated in a sweet-salty sauce that captures the essence of Indonesian comfort food. The mushroom topping adds a deep umami aroma, and the generous portions ensure you’ll leave fully satisfied.

Want to elevate your meal? Pair your noodles with crispy kerupuk kulit (fried crackers), sate kerang (spicy mussel satay), and end with a famous Durian Ucok pancake, a truly Medanese combination of savory and sweet.

2. Bihun Bebek (Duck Vermicelli)

If you’re craving something rich and nourishing, Bihun Bebek is the answer. “Bihun” means rice vermicelli. Thin, translucent noodles made from rice flour — and “bebek” means duck. This dish features delicate noodles served with slices of duck meat, often in a herbal broth or mixed dry with aromatic sesame oil.

There are two main types of Bihun Bebek: the soup version and the dry version. Many locals recommend trying the dry version first. The noodles are fragrant with sesame oil and garlic, while the tender duck meat melts in your mouth.

It’s a simple dish at first glance, but one that showcases Medan’s Chinese heritage beautifully. Many travelers describe their first bite as “comforting and deeply flavorful,” perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.

3. Mie Sop (Medan-Style Soup Noodles)

A classic comfort food for Medan residents, Mie Sop combines noodles with clear broth, shredded chicken or beef, fried shallots, and crispy fried toppings like perkedel (fried potato patties).

What makes Mie Sop unique is its clean yet flavorful broth, which balances garlic, pepper, and chicken stock to perfection. You can easily find it in small local warungs (stalls) across the city. It’s a simple but heartwarming dish that captures Medan’s home-style cooking tradition.

For travelers seeking something light yet fulfilling, Mie Sop is a must-try, especially on a rainy afternoon when you need a warm, comforting bowl.

4. Soto Medan (Medan-Style Coconut Soup)

If you want a truly distinctive taste of Medan, Soto Medan is your go-to dish. This creamy yellow soup is made from coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric, and local spices, giving it a rich and slightly sweet flavor.

Interestingly, you can also find delicious Soto Medan at Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud, which serves a wide range of local dishes — all halal-certified, making it an ideal choice for Muslim travelers.

The soup is typically served with rice, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and slices of beef or chicken. Every spoonful bursts with tropical aroma and comfort, representing the warmth of Medanese hospitality.

5. What to eat in Medan? Sup Sum-Sum (Bone Marrow Soup)

A specialty from Sipirok, South Tapanuli, and a favorite across North Sumatra, Sup Sum-Sum is a dish you’ll never forget. It features large beef bones filled with marrow, simmered slowly in rich, savory broth.

What makes it special is not just the flavor — it’s the experience. Locals often enjoy this soup by sipping the marrow directly through a straw inserted into the bone, creating a fun and interactive dining moment.

The broth is hearty, full of nutrients, and usually seasoned with shallots, garlic, and lime juice to balance the richness. For adventurous food lovers, this is one of Medan’s most authentic culinary experiences.

6. Tau Kua He Ci (Tofu and Shrimp Fritters)

Tau Kua He Ci is a perfect example of Medan’s Chinese-influenced street food. It’s a combination of crispy fried tofu, shrimp fritters, vegetables, and sometimes squid, all served with a sweet-spicy peanut sauce.

The name itself reflects the mix of languages — “Tau Kua” means tofu, while “He Ci” refers to shrimp fritters in Hokkien dialect. The texture contrast between the crunchy fritters and soft tofu makes it highly addictive.

You’ll often find this dish at local hawker stalls, where it’s freshly fried and served hot. It’s the kind of snack that keeps you coming back for more, especially when paired with fresh coconut water on a sunny afternoon.

7. What to eat in Medan? Bihun Ikan

Rounding out our list is Bihun Ikan, or Fish Vermicelli Soup. One of Medan’s signature dishes that beautifully represents its coastal influences.

This comforting bowl features soft rice noodles in a light, savory broth made from fish stock, ginger, and tomatoes. The highlight, of course, is the tender fish, which adds richness and natural sweetness to the soup.

Many locals believe that the head portion has the best flavor, and you’ll understand why once you try it. It’s a dish that perfectly balances delicacy and depth, making it a favorite among seafood lovers visiting Medan.

No More Confusion About What to Eat in Medan!

Medan’s food culture is more than just taste, it’s a reflection of the city’s identity and diversity. Each dish tells a story about the communities that shaped it, from traditional Chinese kitchens to Malay and Batak influences that have evolved over generations.

So, the next time you’re in Medan and wondering what to eat, don’t settle for the familiar. Explore, taste, and enjoy the richness of North Sumatra through its authentic local dishes. Whether it’s a humble bowl of noodles or a luxurious soup filled with bone marrow, every meal in Medan promises something unforgettable.

Your culinary adventure starts here. And trust us, it’ll be one of the best memories you’ll take home from Indonesia’s city of flavor.