8 Foods in Medan: Best Authentic Restaurants

 

Friday, 18 September 2026

 

Medan is one of the best places in Indonesia to explore different flavors. As the capital of North Sumatra, the city has a food scene influenced by Batak, Malay, Acehnese, Chinese, and other culinary traditions.

 

If you are visiting Medan, trying local food should definitely be part of your travel plan. TasteAtlas currently lists eight traditional foods that visitors can try in and around the city. Here is a simple guide to them.

 

Soto

 

Soto is one of Indonesia’s most familiar comfort foods, but every region has its own version. In Medan, you can find different styles of soto served at local restaurants and food stalls.

 

TasteAtlas lists restaurants such as Soto Kesawan, Sinar Pagi, and Soto Pak Haji among places associated with the dish.

 

Soto Medan

 

Of course, you should not leave Medan without trying Soto Medan itself. This version has a rich, creamy broth made with coconut milk and spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, coriander, and lime leaves.

 

It is commonly served with chicken or beef, rice or lontong, potatoes, vermicelli, boiled eggs, and crispy shallots. A little lime and sambal can make the bowl even more exciting. (TasteAtlas)

 

Saksang

 

For something with a stronger local identity, Saksang is worth knowing about. This traditional Batak dish is usually prepared with pork, blood, and a mixture of hot spices.

 

Saksang is traditionally associated with special occasions and ceremonies among the Batak people. It can also be found at traditional Batak restaurants in North Sumatra. (TasteAtlas)

 

Mie Aceh

 

Although it comes from neighboring Aceh, Mie Aceh is also a popular food choice in Medan. The thick yellow noodles are cooked with a powerful combination of spices, including chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, and shallots.

 

You can usually choose between fried, stir-fried, or soupy versions, with beef, goat, shrimp, or crab as possible additions.

 

Perkedel

 

Perkedel is a simple but tasty Indonesian side dish. It is usually made from mashed potatoes, although versions using corn, meat, or fish also exist.

 

The mixture is shaped into small patties, coated with egg, and fried until golden. It is especially nice alongside a bowl of soto.

 

Babi Panggang

 

Babi Panggang refers to various grilled or roasted pork dishes found in North Sumatra. The meat is commonly seasoned with spices before being grilled and served with rice, vegetables, and sambal andaliman.

 

Because it contains pork, this dish is mainly found in restaurants serving communities where pork is traditionally consumed.

 

Risoles

 

Looking for a lighter snack? Risoles is a good option. It consists of a thin wrapper filled with ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and glass noodles, often with a creamy filling.

 

The roll is coated with breadcrumbs and fried until crispy outside while remaining soft inside.

 

Arsik

 

Arsik is a traditional Batak fish dish, especially associated with the Toba Batak people around Lake Toba. It usually features freshwater fish cooked in a yellow, aromatic sauce containing spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and andaliman.

 

For travelers exploring North Sumatra, Arsik offers another way to experience the region’s culinary traditions.

 

Explore Medan Through Food

 

Medan’s food scene is full of different flavors and cultural influences. From creamy Soto Medan and spicy Mie Aceh to Batak dishes such as Saksang and Arsik, there are plenty of options to explore.

 

The best part? You do not need a fancy dining experience to discover these flavors. Many can be found at traditional restaurants, local eateries, and food stalls around the city.