I spent several years in Indonesia and am fascinated by the Batak cuisine of Medan. The taste is like experiencing the Batak culture. The cuisine is full of regional diversity and captures my heart.
Key Points
- Medan is a place where at least five major ethnic groups coexist: Batak, Malay, Javanese, Chinese and Minangkabau.
- This diversity has resulted in delicious local cuisine that is unique to Medan.
- Batak cuisine is aromatic and uses a variety of cooking methods.
- They offer a wide range of dishes, including saksang (pork stewed in blood), karo-style roasted pork, alsikh (spicy fish dish), and ubi leaf dishes.
- This guide will introduce you to Medan's delicious Batak cuisine
Medan's fascinating diversity
Medan, Indonesia's third largest city, is home to at least five major ethnic groups, including Batak, Malay, Javanese, Chinese and Minangkabau. This multi-ethnic culture has resulted in the creation of Medan's unique and delicious local cuisine.
The cultural diversity of North Sumatra is a fusion of traditional cooking methods and ingredients from various ethnic groups, including Batak cuisine. This has resulted in the formation of a unique culinary culture. Medan's food culture is the richest in Indonesia for the Medan ethnic group .
Medan is home to major ethnic groups including Batak, Malay, Javanese, Chinese and Minangkabau. They live together respecting each other's cultures and traditions. This diversity gives the city of Medan its unique charm.Batak cuisine
Batak cuisine, the traditional cuisine of Medan, is characterised by its strong aroma and is prepared in a variety of ways, including saksang, karo style roast pork, alsiq spicy fish and ubi leaf dishes.
Saksan - Braised pork blood
Saksang is a dish made by stewing pork in red blood. It has a deep flavor and tender meat. In Indonesia, pork is a minority food.
Karo - Roasted pork dish
Karo is a Batak roasted pork dish. It is grilled to perfection and has a rich garlic and ginger flavor. It goes well with Indonesian rice.
Alsikh - spicy fish dish
Alsikh is a spicy fish dish made with tomatoes, chillies, spices and sambal.
Ubi leaf dish
Batak cuisine medan
In Medan, you can enjoy traditional Batak cuisine, which is characterized by its strong aroma and flavor, unique cooking methods and ingredients, and is a symbol of the local culinary culture.
Typical Batak dishes include:
- Saksan - Pork stewed in blood
- Caro - roasted pork
- Alsikh - spicy fish dish
- Ubi Leaf Dish - Aromatic leafy vegetable dish
Kuay Tiaw Goreng (fried noodles)
One of the popular dishes in Medan is Kuay Tiaw Goreng, a Chinese-style fried noodle dish made with sausage, seafood balls, eggs and fresh vegetables.
It is enjoyed by the people of Medan from morning to night and is a representative dish of Medan's food culture.
This dish is characterized by its garlicky aroma and spicy sauce, a unique Medan flavour.
It's different from other regions' fried noodles. It's delicious and worth eating. It's loved by locals.
Nasi goreng (fried rice)
Medan's traditional "Nasi Goreng" features Padang-style flavours, sliced beef, omelette and spicy sauce, and is a favourite among locals.
This stir-fried rice has a unique taste of Medan and is popular during breakfast and dinner. It is made with seafood, eggs and vegetables and has Chinese flavors.
| Nasi goreng (fried rice) | Medan fried rice | Padang style fried rice |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrant fried rice | Medan's unique local cuisine | Padang style spicy flavour |
| Beef, omelette, spicy sauce | Popular from breakfast to dinner | A fusion of diverse cultures |
Martabak Manis (Sweet Pancakes)
Medan has a special sweet pancake called martabak manis, which is light and filled with chocolate, peanuts and sugar.
Martabak Manis is also popular at food stalls. It has a good balance of sweetness and lightness. It is popular among tourists and locals alike, even in the morning.
The chocolate-topped "chocolate pancakes" are a favorite, as are peanut, coconut and banana varieties. The martabak manis served in Medan is a work of art.
"Martabak Manis" is a traditional sweet unique to Medan. It is made of sponge cake and flavored with chocolate, sugar and nuts. It is loved by many people.
Putu Bamboo (Steamed Bamboo Rice Cake)
"Putu Bambu" is a popular dessert in Medan. It is a rice cake steamed in bamboo and made with rice flour and palm sugar. It has a distinctive bamboo aroma and is perfect for tea time.
Putubambu is the epitome of Batak cuisine. Its rustic charm attracts visitors to Medan, and the opportunity to enjoy Medan's traditional dessert is sure to please many.
Nasi Padang (Padang style rice)
Nasi Padang, a representative Minangkabau dish, is a popular Medan delicacy. It features a variety of dishes served at once, allowing you to choose your favorite dishes according to your tastes.
The curry sauce is a perfect match with the rice, and the nasi padang is a stimulating and timeless dish.
You can enjoy the taste of Minangkabau in Medan, the center of Minangkabau culture. Through Nasi Padang, you can feel the depth of Minangkabau cuisine.
Nasi Padang, which represents the traditional food culture of Medan, is very popular among visitors. The rich flavor of the curry sauce and the fun of freely combining various dishes makes it similar to a team dinner.
Nasi Padang is a great opportunity to experience Medan's diverse food culture.
Sate Padang (Padang style satay)
If you go to Medan, you must try "Sate Padang". Sate Padang is a spicy satay popular in the Padang region of Indonesia . It consists of tender meat covered in a spicy sauce.
Sate Padang is served with sate and rice cakes called rontang . The taste of sate and the texture of rontang go well together. If you go to Medan, be sure to try this sate padang .
| menu | Opening times | evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Satepadan Triadi | 15:00 - 22:00 | 4.5/5 (548 Reviews) |
| Nasi goreng semaramsuntuk | 19:00 - 24:00 | 4.7/5 (294 reviews) |
| Rumah Makan Tabona | 06:30 - 17:00 | 4.4/5 (182 reviews) |
Tip Top Restaurant
Located in the heart of Medan, Tip Top Restaurant has been around since 1929 and is a favorite among locals, specializing in traditional Dutch cuisine.
The shop serves not only Dutch cuisine but also homemade ice cream and cakes. It has a history of over 90 years and is a symbol of Medan's food culture.
| menu | Features |
|---|---|
| Dutch Steak | Tender and juicy steak, traditionally prepared |
| Homemade ice cream | Rich and creamy ice cream made with fresh milk |
| Pancakes | Light and soft sponge cake topped with chocolate and sugar |
Karibihun Medan (rice noodle curry)
A popular traditional dish from Medan, Karibihun Medan is made with freshly cooked panday (rice noodles) in a coconut milk curry sauce.
This dish is a local specialty of Medan. It is a curry noodle dish with chicken and vegetables. It has a spicy and creamy taste.
It is an indispensable breakfast or lunch item in Medan, and in recent years it has become popular with tourists.
| Features | Contents |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Coconut milk, chicken, potatoes, panday (rice noodles) |
| Cooking Instructions | Simmered in curry sauce |
| Characteristic taste | Spicy and creamy |
| Available hours | Breakfast, lunch |
| Form of delivery | Curry and rice noodles served together |
Soto Medan (Medan style soup)
Soto Medan is a famous local dish from Medan . It is a soup made with coconut milk and is topped with potato croquettes, meat and vegetables.
Soto Medan is characterized by its unique Medan aroma. Andaliman , lemongrass, galangal and turmeric are used. These create a single flavor.
Durian's Cuisine
Durian is called the "king of fruits". Medan is the birthplace of durian. It has a rich flavor and a creamy texture.
It is especially popular in Indonesia, and we recommend you try cooking with durian during your trip to Medan.
Durian Pancakes
The fluffy pancakes are filled with durian cream, giving them a rich flavour and smooth texture.
It's perfect for breakfast or a snack and is very popular among the people of Medan.
Durian Smoothie
Durian smoothie is a blend of durian pulp and milk. The sweetness of durian and the richness of milk are comforting on a hot day.
You can also enjoy a durian smoothie during your trip.
Durian Ice Cream
This ice cream makes the most of the rich flavor of durian. It is creamy and mellow.
Enjoy the luxurious durian cuisine that is unique to Medan .
Conclusion
Medan is the meeting point for many Indonesian cuisines, including Batak cuisine. There are many unique dishes such as Saksang, Ketiaw Goreng, Martabak Manis, etc. These will help you get a feel for Indonesia's diversity.
Enjoy the food of Medan with this guide and experience the city's unique culinary culture, including Batak cuisine, Indonesian cuisine and Medan gourmet.
Medan is also attracting attention in the food and beverage industry. There are many restaurants serving traditional Batak cuisine. Customer satisfaction is also high. One of the attractions of tourism in Medan is its unique cuisine. Please experience it.
FAQ
What are the major ethnic groups that coexist in Medan?
Medan is home to at least 5 major ethnic groups. These include the Batak, Malay, Javanese, Chinese, and Minangkabau. Their diversity has created Medan's unique and tasty local cuisine.
What are the characteristics of Batak cuisine?
Batak cuisine is known for its strong aroma and various cooking methods. You can try Saksang (pork cooked in blood), Karo-style roasted pork, Arsik (spicy fish dish), and dishes using Ubi leaves. These dishes showcase the rich food culture of the Batak people.
What are some popular Batak dishes in Medan?
In Medan, you can enjoy Saksang (pork cooked in blood), Karo-style roasted pork, Arsik (spicy fish dish), and dishes using Ubi leaves. These dishes offer traditional flavors unique to Medan.
What is Ketoprak Goreng?
Ketoprak Goreng is a Chinese-style fried noodle dish. It's made with sausage, fish balls, eggs, and vegetables. It's enjoyed from breakfast to dinner, showing Medan's unique food culture.
What is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi Goreng is a fried rice dish with Padang-style seasoning. It's flavored with sliced beef, omelets, and a spicy sauce. It's a favorite in Medan and a key part of the local cuisine.
What is Martabak Manis?
Martabak Manis is a sweet pancake-like pastry in Medan. It's fluffy and filled with chocolate, sugar, and peanuts. This popular street food is a sweet treat in Medan's food culture.
What is Putubambu?
Putubambu is a traditional steamed glutinous rice cake. It's made in bamboo tubes and flavored with palm sugar. The aroma and soft texture of the bamboo make it a beloved dessert in Medan.
What is Nasi Padang?
Nasi Padang is a Minangkabau dish. It offers various dishes at once, letting you choose your favorites. The rich curry sauce is especially delicious with the rice, making it a gourmet favorite in Medan.
What is Sate Padang?
Sate Padang is a Padang-style satay dish. The tender meat is coated in a spicy sauce. Served with ketupat (rice cakes), it's a must-try in Medan.
What is Tip Top Restaurant?
Tip Top Restaurant was founded in 1929 and is a landmark in Medan. It offers traditional Dutch-influenced menu items, homemade ice cream, and cakes. It's a key part of Medan's food culture.
What is Karidho Medan?
Karidho Medan is a Medan-style curry dish. It's a fragrant curry based on coconut milk, with potatoes and chicken. This curry noodle dish is a gourmet favorite in Medan.
What is Soto Medan?
Soto Medan is a coconut milk-based soup dish unique to Medan. It's topped with potato croquettes, meat, and vegetables. It's a beloved local dish that represents Medan's cuisine.
What is the relationship between Medan and durian?
Medan is known for its durian production. The "king of fruits" is a key ingredient in Medan's cuisine. Dishes like durian pancakes showcase the rich, creamy flavors of Medan's durian offerings.