Explore the deliciousness of Medan’s signature dishes, from Mie Gomak to Nasi Kentut, which present unique flavors with mouth-watering traditional spices.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is known as one of the cities with extraordinary culinary riches.
The city offers a variety of specialties that combine traditional flavors with unique local ingredients. From foods steeped in history to dishes with interesting names, here are 10 Typical Medan Foods that you must try when visiting there.
1. Mie Gomak: Batak Spaghetti
Mie Gomak is a typical Batak dish that is often referred to as “Indonesian spaghetti.” This dish is available in two variations: fried and soup. Mie Gomak has a thick and chewy texture, served with a delicious Batak spice seasoning.
The thick sauce, usually made from coconut milk, is complemented by a distinctive spicy and savory taste. You can find Mie Gomak in various regions such as Samosir, Sibolga, and Tapanuli, making it one of the culinary icons of North Sumatra.
2. Lontong Medan: Favorite Breakfast with Tauco Flavor
Lontong Medan is a popular breakfast choice in Medan. At first glance it is similar to lontong sayur typical of other regions, but the uniqueness of Lontong Medan lies in the use of tauco seasoning which gives a savory taste and distinctive aroma.
This lontong is usually served with pumpkin vegetables, crackers, boiled eggs, and chili sauce. The combination of the salty and savory taste of tauco with other spices makes this dish hard to forget.
3. Mie Balap: Fast Food with Delicious Taste
Named Mie Balap because of its super fast cooking process, this dish is one of the favorite menus for breakfast in Medan. You can choose the type of noodles such as vermicelli, kwetiau, or yellow noodles cooked with simple but delicious spices.
This dish is often served with additional eggs, bean sprouts, and sliced meat or seafood. The speed of serving does not reduce the quality of the taste, making it a popular food among the people of Medan.
4. Mussel Satay: A Unique, Unforgettable Taste
Sate Kerang is a typical Medan snack that offers a combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Made from mussel meat cooked with special spices, this satay is usually sold by street vendors or left in stalls.
The chewy texture of the clam meat blends perfectly with the seasoning that soaks in, making you want to keep enjoying it. Sate Kerang is often served as an accompaniment to other dishes such as lontong or rice.
5. Soto Medan: Rich Coconut Milk Soup
Soto Medan is one of the must-have menus for lunch. Unlike soto from other regions, Soto Medan uses a rich coconut milk sauce.
Soto Medan filling includes rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, potato croquettes, and sometimes chicken feet. The thick, savory sauce is even more delicious with the addition of lime juice. This dish is best eaten warm.
6. Medan Laksa: Savory and Full of Filling
Medan Laksa is a dish that combines round noodles with thick coconut milk sauce. This dish is often topped with fillings such as shrimp, beef slices, boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and rich spices.
Medan Laksa has a savory taste with a touch of spiciness that makes it even more appetizing. This dish is perfect for those who love soupy food with complex flavors.
7. Nasi Kentut: Unique Name, Fantastic Taste
Don’t be fooled by the name, because Nasi Kentut is one of Medan’s delicious specialties. This rice is wrapped in sembukan leaves (fart leaves) which give a distinctive aroma to the dish.
The rice filling usually consists of side dishes such as fried chicken, anchovies, chili sauce and fresh vegetables. The process of wrapping it in sembukan leaves not only provides a unique aroma, but also adds a distinctive taste.
8. Savory Tauco Vegetables: A Special Dish for Eid
Tauco Savory Vegetables is a typical Medan food that is often present on the dining table during holidays. This dish uses tauco as the main seasoning, giving it a distinctive aroma and deep savory taste.
This vegetable is usually served with various fillings such as beef, shrimp, tofu, and fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect to eat with lontong or warm rice.
9. Spicy Porridge: A Spiced Dish Rich in Nutrients
Spicy porridge is a typical Malay food which is also popular in Medan, especially during the month of Ramadan. This porridge is made from various ingredients such as rice, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, and special spices.
As a complement, this porridge is often added with minced meat or seafood such as shrimp. Its rich taste and soft texture make it a favorite dish for many.
10. Bika Ambon: A Sweet Snack Typical of Medan
Bika Ambon is one of Medan’s signature souvenirs that you must try. This cake has a soft texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
Made from basic ingredients of flour, eggs, coconut milk, and sugar, Bika Ambon is often given additional flavors such as pandan, chocolate, or durian.
Its distinctive perforated texture makes this cake unique and different from other cakes. Bika Ambon is perfect when enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Medan’s culinary specialties not only pamper the tongue but also tell of the rich local culture and traditions. From the simple Mie Gomak to the unique Nasi Kentut, each dish has a mouth-watering taste.
Culinary tourism in Medan is an experience that should not be missed. So, make sure you try the deliciousness of these 10 Medan specialties, a true representation of Typical North Sumatra Food, when visiting this city full of flavors!
