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| Image Source : detik.com |
Medan, the largest city on Sumatra and an entry point for travel to both Malaysia or just adventure in North side of Indonesia is often walk over by traveler who preferred well known Bali island Jakarta. However Medan can be food paradise for a intrepid eater. The city's cuisine is as rich and diverse as its history of immigration. Eating in Medan is like finding hidden diamonds — where each menu has its own taste and story that will allure your ck!
The Cultural Melting Pot
Medan's background as a commercial hub means it has imported an array of cultures -- all ripe for the sampling in its dazzling culinary scene. You can see clear Chinese, Indian, Malay, Batak and Dutch influences in the materials used for preparation and/or ingredients served. It has also created a delicious tapestry of regional cuisine.
A Summary of Traditional Batak Cuisines
Indigenous to North Sumatra, Batak is one of the most well-known cuisines in Indonesia. Batak cuisine is known for its strong flavors; andaliman, a spice that tastes like Sichuan pepper but carries hints of lemongrass along with the telltale numbing effect, plays heavily amongst dishes.
Arsik: A Tempting Fish Recipe
Arsik which is a type of fish preparation made from mix spices belongs to one specific dish in Batakemann who has unique flavor and characteristics. It typically uses carp or tilapia, marinated in a mixture of turmeric and garlic with Andaliman spice to remove the fishy odor before being cooked, then added water for sauce and extra taste from the fish itself. One of the most common ways to garnish this spicy dish is with torch ginger and kecombrang flowers, which will be an aromatic touch in its already very-strong profile.
The Impact of Malay Cooking
Medan has a clearly Malay taste when it comes to food, using aromatic herbs and spices in most of the dishes as well as mixing sweet sour tang up with spicy flavors.
3. Rendang — The best of Indonesian food
Although rendang is often associated with Minangkabau people, Malay also do enjoyed a good plate of their curry. Slow-cooked in a mixture of coconut milk, ginger and turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, fresh lemongrass,fresh garlic snow peas,salt,and chillies for heat level added level this braised beef dish is best served with steamed rice cooked side by side along the drip,bake. And it obvious too how rendang is one of the world most delicious dishes from tasting its layer flavour.
Aromatic Rice Delight, Nasi Lemak
One of Medan's favorite meals is also Nasi Lemak, which perhaps is famously known as Malaysia National Dish. The aroma of this rice dish comes from the pandan leaves and coconut milk that is used in it. In Indonesia typically acar can be served with cucumbers, boiled eggs, fried anchovies and peanuts or sambal (a hot chili sauce). A plate of nasi lemak, a dish which will fill you up for all day that can be upgraded in Medan with extra sides like rendang or fried chicken/ veggie curry
Cultural Influence on Cuisine-turned-Influence from Beijing, also known as Chinese-Originated cuisine.
One group of Indonesians to have left its mark on the Medanian culinary landscape is Sino-Indonesians. Medan+ Chinese cuisine here is always adjusted according to local flavor, creating a unique fusion dish that is both common and strange者
Hokkien Mee: The Delight of Wannabe Noodle Keeners
One of them is Hokkien Mee, a Medan version adapted by local foodies from Chinese Hokkian cuisine. Yellow Noodles stir-fried in a tangy and tasty soy-bean based sauce with prawns, squid, pork and vegatables. A little spicy on the side, sambal belacan: chopped salad with dried shrimp paste.
That is certainly a searing, yet warm and fuzzy combination from the Indian insight.
It has also further enriched the gastronomic diversity of Medan by the significant presence of Tamil Indian who is descendents from British India and frontier traders in their lineage. One of the most enticing aspects about Medan — not just for tourists, but many Indonesians as well — is that Indian food in this town seems like they must utilize endless types of herbs and spices due to their fantastic flavors and aromas.
Martabak — A beloved Indonesian Street Food
Murtabak, which is well-known in Medan and much sought after by local people as well as foreign tourists. This range in types not only covers yeast-raised pancakes, but this variety of dosa as well: it's a pancake with spiced filling made using thin dough filled with minced meat that has been prepared into a savory filing including eggs and onion (and sometimes vegetables). Then the dough is rolled into a square and cooked golden brown on a griddle. Murtabak is often accompanied by pickled vegetables and a sauce for dipping, which provides an acidic counterpoint to its fatty contents.
Curry: A Flavorful Medley
Indian curries in Medan are as complex a taste and texture experience you can imagine, ranging from creamy mild to hell-bent on burning your tongue spicy. One popular dish is Chicken Curry, a meal prepared by adding pieces of tender chicken to gravy made from tomatoes, onions and flavored with cumin seeds as well coriander powder turmeric combined with sugar together coconut milk. The final dish is aromatic and savoring which goes very well with roti or hot steamy rice.
Exploring the Street Food Scene of Medan
Medan street food is the vibrant heart and soul of Medan gastronomy. Busy markets, roadside kiosks to that of food your mouth starts watering with at least tags that pinch only moderately the easiest-to-find variety of cheap street eatslicity has a whole lot to give.
SATAY PADANG: STICKS OF PERFECTION
Satay Padang, comes from the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra and has a history that dates back three centuries to when it used as means for royalty to show appreciation towards its subjects. Awesome grilled Turmeric, Garlic and Ginger marinated skewers of Beef or Offal (oh hell to the YES!!!)ONSizzling charcoal has a taste all its own. Added to that thick and spicy sauce, with many spices like rice flour, turmeric; it gives a unique texture whenever you have some bites on the skewer.
Martabak manis, such a yummy treat
Another popular Medanese food is martabak Manis or sweet Martabak. This pancake is cooked on a griddle, and comes super thick, fluffy with filled like cheese or chocolate; coated in condensed milk and crushed peanuts. Then the pancake is folded in half and wrapped around that decadent, ooey gooey goodness made to fulfil your sweet tooth.
The King of Fruits, Durian
While in Medan, no visit to the city's food scene is complete without trying its "king of fruits," durian. The top-grade durian Medan is famous for features a rich, creamy texture and an intricate mix of sweet elements and mild bitterness. Durian has an extremely pungent smell which is beloved by many residents and a few daring visitors. All over the city, you will see durian stands like these where you can sample a number of varieties and actually eat this exotic fruit.
Online Marketplaces: A Taste of Home
Browsing Medan's traditional markets and finding fresh foods, local snacks, plus sneaky glimpses of the locals' everyday lives soon add to the adventure.
Pasar Rame: A typical market place
Inside Medan, one of the most well known customary business centers is Pasar Rame; truly clutch that name @@simply because it’s generally packed with food stall and vivacious focus. All in those pre-made snacks and ready meals to sugarbombs that have come a long way. Some of the must try include Lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo), lapis legit (layered spice cake) and many kueh'sulsion(Traditional indonesian cakes).
A Seafood Haven at Pasar Beruang
For seafood lovers, they should go to Pasar Beruang. This market caters for all — from fresh fish right down to prawns, crabs and squid. Not only that, many vendors even serve ready-to-eat seafood treats like hot steaming bowls of seafood stew or grilled fish for immediate dinners.
The Culinary Scene in Medan Now
While the culinary face of Medan is certainly dominated by its traditional dishes, there is a vibrant modern eating scene in town too. Modern cafes and restaurants are now serving fusion cuisines with creative culinary strategies to lure in a younger food-loving audience.
The Garuda Restaurant for a Fine Dining Experience
In JW Marriott, the Garuda Restaurant is a whole new level of serving Indonesian Food in an upgraded way for those who has skill to taste their money better. Earlier this year, I reviewed the elegant restaurant located at a strategic spot in Medan that features regional flavours using up-to-date cooking methods. This is evidenced by clever reinterpretations of dishes, like the Andaman Sea Bass with an "Andaliman" sauce or Lobster Rendang a la carte.
The Evolution of Our Coffee Culture
In the last few years, Medan's vibrant coffee culture has been on a significant uprise with cafes sprouting open all over town. These cafes not only make good coffee but have great ambiance which makes a perfect place to spend time with your loved ones and chill. Favourite spots include the modern designed and artisanal brews at Omerta Koffie, as well as an icon of a coffeeshop with its retro charm; Kedai Kopi Apek.
Food Festivals and Occasions
Things To Do: Medan has some chef festivals and other food events throughout the year, enabling tourists to savor lots of foods in one place and celebrate its truly special cuisine culture.
Medan International Coffee Festival
Medan International Coffee Festival is a mandatory one for you true coffee lovers. The event takes place every year and counts on exhibitors from local farmers, roasters as well global coffee brands that it the ultimate treat for Sumatran coffee. Visitors can participate in classes, barista contests and coffee-tasting sessions to learn more about the centuries-old tradition of making cups of Joe in Medan.
Festival Kuliner Taste of North Sumatra
North Sumatra Culinary Festival: A glamorous tribute to the culinary soiree of land which is rich in authentic food flavours. Each year, a food market representing the different flavors and foods of North Sumatra will be set up with cooking competitions and dance performances. This festival provides unique gastronomic experiences from modern fusion to traditional Batak cuisine, perfect for all attendees.
Uncovering the Gastronomic Delights of Medan is Like finding Hidden Gems Each meal, market and food stall tells a different story of the city's vibrant food scene and historic cuisine. Medan is where you entertain your taste buds as the traditional flavors of Batak cuisine meet Malay fragrant spices and Chinese-Indian-influenced fusion compositions on one really remarkable culinary stage.
Be it nibbling on street food goodies, tasting foods in a crowded market or dining at fancy venues -- Medan's delicacies are definitely something you will beg for more. Hence start the scrumptious journey and discover hidden gems that make Medan a gourmands' paradise.