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30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

Versi Bahasa Indonesia dapat dibaca di: Ini Dia 30 Kuliner Halal Di Medan Yang Wajib Kamu Coba!

Sidenote: If you’re looking for complete Food Guide in Medan, check out 100 Kuliner Medan Wajib Coba 2019, Semuanya ENAK!

Known for its’ diverse culture and tribes, you can see the diversity of Indonesia from the different kinds of cuisines and fusion dishes available all across the country. From authentic, original food from certain tribes to some identified fusion dishes graced the table of every family and the tables in restaurants.

We had written Medan Food Guide before, but this time, we want to focus solely on the HALAL dishes in Medan. We try to give as diverse options as possible, so if you’re interested, continue to scroll down!

1. Mie Rebus Dewar

“Mie Rebus is a noodle dish with thick, gooey gravy that is ladled over the thick noodles boiled over with beansprouts”

mie rebus dewar
If you find this lady, means you’re in the right place.

In Medan, Mie Rebus is commonly thought as a dish brought by the Indian people (not the Native American, but real India people).

The gravy is rich in flavours and it usually bodes well in the stomach, especially when you’re craving something filling and warming.

mie rebus dewar
How it looks and believe me, the smell will definitely make your stomach grumble in hunger.

However, there are two known version in Medan: the Chinese version and the Indian version. The one called Mie Rebus Dewar is made by the Indian descendants living in Medan, we do think you should give it a shot when you’re visiting the city.

Mie Rebus Dewar

Address: Sekip Street, on the same row as Fajar Apothecary and Prima University (UNPRI)
Operational hours : 16.00 – 21.30
Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GWYXda1Hfsk2EXR28

2. Nasi Gurih Nusa Indah

nasi gurih nusa indah

Nasi Gurih has been a long-time player in Indonesia’ cuisines and its neighbouring countries. The one here has a touch of Minangkabau influence that comes in the form of beef jerky instead of the common Nasi Gurih serves with egg.

nasi gurih nusa indah
The mix of rice cooked in coconut milk, sambal, beef jerky, stir-fried long beans and fried shallots on top makes this dish a delicious (heavier) breakfast.

Nasi Gurih Nusa Indah

Address: Palang Merah Street (across NAV Karaoke)
Operating Hour: 06.30 am – 13.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rQEzX5aGEJD2

3. Soto Kesawan

soto-medan-kesawan-gerai-1
Right at the street of Kesawan, where you can see the old, left-over building left behind by the Dutch.

With its strategic location across the cultural heritage Tjong A Fie and consistency in taste over the years, it’s no wonder that Soto Kesawan is an unbeatable Soto stall in Medan. The Soto here is fragrant and has an orange tint on the colours.

soto kesawan
Made by with coconut milk and a plethora of ingredients (beef, shrimp, chicken) with a dash of green onions, made Soto a fragrant, tasty broth. You’ll definitely crave for rice with this!

Soto Kesawan

Address: Ahmad Yani Street
Operating Hours: 08.00 AM – 14.00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pLhzrubbvmGrbjDK8

4. Bakso Sapi Amat

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

Located in a busy street, this humble but spacious place are always filled with people. The chewy yet dense meat served in a savoury broth made it an addictive soup for the loyal customers.

bakso amat
A little bit on the salty side, this meatballs and noddles dish is definitely the locals’ favourite.

Bakso Amat

Address: No. 112, Ir. H. Juanda Baru Street
Operating Hour: 12.00 PM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qV2izXBLp4FhTsWL9

5. Warung Belut Mbak Sherly

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Behind its humbling appearance, this eel restaurant sells an amazing variety of eels dishes, from Belut Sambal Ijo, Belut Sambal Merah, Belut goreng and many more. The spice would definitely hit your tastebud before you could even say “Yum!”

warung belut mbak shely
When it’s a specialty restaurant, you know they will be delicious! A numerous number of eel dishes on this table were all cooked on point — delicioso!

Warung Belut Mbak Sherly

Address: No. 56, Pringgan Street, Kp. Lalang
Operating Hours: 11.00 PM – 16.00 PM (Closed on Friday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BievXdF4EjttESUPA

6. Mie Sop Methodist

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The specialty in this particular stall is the generous serving of meatballs in a bowl. Filled to the brim with its thick in consistency gravy, you don’t have to be worried that you’ll be left unsatisfied.

mie sop methodist
Generous meatballs in a bowl never go wrong — just maybe not your healthy opt for a meatballs!

Mie Sop Methodist

Address: No. 17, Hang Tuah Street
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YUYahRck65UwsHF16

7. RM Islam Marikena

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A place you definitely can’t miss if you’re looking for Halal Bataknese Cuisines is RM Marikena. Its’ specialty lies in their Ayam Cipera and Ayam Petai. Other than that, you should also try Ikan Mas Arsik which is also a special Bataknese Dish.

Author's Note: Bataknese Cuisines are known for their barbecued pork and blood sausage which is non-halal.
rm islam marikena, ayam cipera, ayam petai, ikan arsik
This hearty meal starts with a rice, then some Ayam Cipera (marinated in corn) and some other side dishes, you’ll never be able to forget about this meal.

Rumah Makan Islam Marikena

Address: No.94, Jamin Ginting Street
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM – 21.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mJhRJPk9FqZtrN7V7

8. RM Sipirok

Makanmana-Sop-Sumsum-Tulang-Sipirok-6-1-1

Have you ever tried a beef dish which requires you to use a straw? Well, look no further if you’re into a challenging bone dish which require you to get a straw. This bone soup dish is called Sup Tulang Sum-Sum, and usually cooked for so long that the bone soaks up all the flavours and the broth.

rm sipirok, tulang sum sum
Yes, get ’em straw!

Rumah Makan Sipirok

Address: No.14, Sunggal Street
Operating Hours: 10.30 AM – 15.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yCuonStjkKE2Croq9

9. RM Uda Sayang

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

Interestingly enough, if you come to this particular Padang Cuisines restaurant, the one you should get is the ‘Sambal’. Sambal is the red, chili or green chili paste that most Indonesian Cuisines use. Try their Acar Cabe Kering or Cabe Dendeng which tastes fresh, with a hint of zest and crunchy in texture.

rm uda sayang, nasi padang

Uda Sayang

Address: No. 151, Pusat Pasar Street
Operating Hours: 09.00 AM – 17.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Zu6vvLFmWLFTMRkn6

10. Sop Lembu Jl. Kenari

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Despite its so-not-obvious location (it looks like a house from outside), this place is never empty. Famed for its savoury, orange coloured broth with tender meat made this place one of the must try place!

sop kenari, sop lembu

Sop Kenari

Address: Kenari Street
Operating Hours: 11.00 PM – 16.00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/j3EkvtzrfhdjBsaH7

11. Warung Nasi Cabe Ijo Kejaksaan

rumah-makan-warung-kakap-1

Even though located next to a well-established restaurant, this small stall doesn’t lose in competition. The menu on the list is, surprisingly, fried fish that is crisp on the outside and tender inside. Paired with their homemade Sambal Ijo (Green Chili Sambal), their simple dish is elevated to a whole new level.

warung nasi cabe ijo kejaksaan, ikan goreng.

Rumah Makan Cabe Ijo (Menu special Ikan Goreng)

Address: No.11, Kejaksaan Street
Operating Hours: 11.00 PM – 18.00 PM (Monday to Thursday) (Closed on Friday to Sunday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/za4qSofvJUt91mAU7

12. Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok

mie aceh titi bobrok
cr: Isti (travelingyuk.com) / @yunisriabdi

Famed for its spiciness, Mie Aceh is a type of noodles dish that is usually made by the Aceh Natives. Its’ spices are specially concocted so to get that “oomph” taste, which you may not necessarily get it somewhere else.

Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok

Address: No. 17D, Setia Budi Street
Operating Hours: 11.00 PM- 22.00 PM | 14.00 PM – 22.00 PM (Friday ONLY)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1g1hDpSReiEdcUoq8

13. Nasi Goreng Semalam Suntuk

nasi goreng semalam suntuk

When you’re awake in the middle of the night and feeling hungry or just plain hungry and can’t sleep, you can visit this Fried Rice Stall here. The quick service is comparable to getting any kind of fast food and is a place many people come to for a late night supper.

nasi goreng semalam suntuk
Fried rice topped with eggs and beef is the way to go for a midnight hour snack. A bit heavy, some may say, but who to say no when the stomach wails?

Nasi Goreng Semalam Suntuk

Address: No. 45 L, Bridjen Katamso Street
Operating Hours: 17.30 PM – 02.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ww65VrhwoUcZnYMY6

14. Pecel Lele Mbak Bolek

pecel lele mbak bolek
photo: http://www.makanmana.net, 2008

What sets this Pecel Lele eatery with the others are the varieties they put on the menu; from Sup Daging, Sup Buntut, Ikan Gembung Asam Manis, Tahu Senayan, Dendeng Balado, and Udang Sere. They’re all good though!

Pecel Lele Mbak Bolek

Address: No.2 K, Wajir Street
Operating Hours: 17.00 PM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bPZrquTePCVtRGaH9

15. Sup Kambing Kumango

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

As one of the legendaries stalls in Medan, this soupy dish made from lamb stock is truly a taste of its own. Orange, dense yet watery broth is its trademark. Since 1976, the flavours have been consistent all along. A pretty good choice for the night too!

sup kambing kumango
A legendary lamb soup, this dish is still a favourite of many people, as could be seen from the never-ending flow of customers since its opening hour.

Sup Kambing Kumango

Operating Hours: 19.00 PM – 23.00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ktmHEUN9EfgMnHBh7

16. Bandrek Sorbat

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Made usually from ginger and gula aren with a touch of other spices, this traditional drink from the Sunda tribe from West Java is made to warm the body of the drinker. Perfect when you’re out from a spa or just a tiring day, this warming drink can definitely settle your stomach for a huge feast.

bandrek sorbat

Bandrek Sorbat

Address: Somewhere at Gatot Subroto Street
Operating Hours: 17.00 PM – 00.00 AM (Closed on Sunday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/v9fDrcmEoT2tdWhy7

17. Es Krim Ria

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Being one of the oldest ice-cream place in Medan, this 80-year-old name has been a favourite of the old folks as well as young children.

Today, this stall sells more than one menu and all of them are as well-known as the ice cream.

es krim ria

Ice Cream Ria

Address: No. 22C/28, Surabaya Street
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM – 20.30 PM (Sunday – Friday) | 10.00 AM – 21.00 PM (Saturday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qKkHD6cZ2kaNdMj18

18. Macehat Coffee

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Famous for its Avocado Coffee Float, this place had only started a few years ago but already made its own name and status in the city. A mix of blended avocado, chocolate sauce, chocolate ice-cream and chocolate sprinkle, the drink is also drizzled with espresso for those in favour of coffee. You can always dispose of it if you’re only into the sweet yum!

macehat coffee
Sweet and cold, with an optional dash of espresso, this Avoacado Coffee Float is the cafe’s signature so make sure you get try it!

Macehat Coffee

Address: No.20, Karo Street
Operating Hours: 10.30 AM – 18.45 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VWzQJMipwFcakaMK8

19. Pokat Kocok Buk Iyah

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

Similar but not the same, Pokat Kocok is also a blended avocado drink. As you may have realised by now, the Indonesian loves their avocado! Holding the truest sense of an original Avocado Blend, this drink has been here since 1968.

pokat kocok bu iyah
A sweet concoction that would give you a high way to diabetes, but still, who cares when it tastes super good!

Pokat Kocok Simpang Glugur Bu Iyah

Address: No. 21 K, KL Yos Sudarso Street
Operating Hours: 11.00 PM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KzFPVY6teVkSL3EH8

20. Mie Sop Bu Tuti

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Commonly you would find ‘Mie Sop’ being served with meatballs, but Bu Tuti was able to hold onto a good, recipe of savoury broth that made us overlook the nonexistence meatballs. Other than the savoury broth, the generous amount of ingredients filling the bowl to the brim is also another plus point for us!

mie sop bu tuti
The broth is surprisingly the hero of the bowl.

Mie Sop Bu Tuti

Address: Karya Bersama Street
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FRMY9wca1S3hanZc7

21. Tip Top Restaurant

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Been here since 1929, this restaurant was the witness of a revolution that changed and shaped Indonesia as it was. Used to be a socialising place for the Dutch, the cuisines on the menu are more on the western side like steak with a touch of Indonesian Bakery on the menu. The cakes are the town’s favourite!

tip top restaurant, kue jadul

Tip Top Restaurant

Address: No.92 A-B, Jenderal Ahmad Yani Street
Operating Hours: 08.00 AM – 22.30 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9ybKgn6wacLzyr6X8

22. Rasa Bunda Resto

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

With a touch of modernity, this restaurant appeals to the folks as a place to hang out, yet at the same time, still grasping the root of their own culture.

rasa bunda, modern minang cuisines

Rasa Bunda – Modern Minang Cuisine

Address: No.274, Iskandar Muda Street
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VGrQwdpQ6VhumaVE9

23. Warung Nasi Memeng

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

A mix of rice, thin noodles, thinly sliced potatoes, as well as fried eggs truly made up a simple rice dish. The beauty of this humble plate lies solely on its flavours, which mix well with the rice.

nasi memang cabang siantar

Rumah Makan Memeng

Address: No. 271, Wahidin Street, Pandau Hulu II, Medan
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM – 16.00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7hkPZbFCzkdM8HNy5

24. Durian Pelawi

durian pelawi
source: google

When you’re visiting any country in Southeast Asia, Durian, the King of Fruits, is the kind you should not miss at all. Each Durian in every country taste differently; some bitter, some sweet, some bittersweet. The point is: don’t miss it!

Pelawi Durian

Address: No.10, Kutilang Street, Sei Sikambing B, Medan Sunggal
Opens 24 Hours
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/N3q5u17ZQqtGJknUA

25. Bolang Durian

durian bolang

If you want to eat Durian in a more “hype” place, you can visit Bolang Durian. From bright lights to pretty decor, this place is the perfect place to hang out at night while enjoying the smooth, silky Durian.

Si Bolang Durian

Address: No.75 C-D, Iskandar Muda Street, Babura, Medan Baru, Kota Medan
Opens 24 Hours
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rrNbPCwWTSfi97eb8

26. Martabak Piring Kapuas

martabak-piring-kapuas-1

One of the best-selling snack in Indonesia, especially in Medan is Martabak Piring. It’s a sweet and savoury, thinly grilled pancaked that is crispy inside out. Usually, you’ll find the food cart around in the city at night.

martabak piring kapuas
Thinly grilled on top of the charcoal, this sweet and savoury pancakes are the demand of the night!

Martabak Piring Sejak Dulu

Address: At the intersection of Kapuas Street and Sutomo Street
Operating Hours: 18.00 PM – 00.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SizdT4hdYttQ5B7m8

27. Pecel Mba Supia

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Made of varieties of veggies and peanut sauce, Pecel is a type of dish that is usually eaten during snacking time (Pecel is different from Pecel Lele — as Pecel Lele can usually be eaten as main dish rather than a side). Topped the Pecel with some crackers and you’re good to go!

pecel mba supiah
Drenched in peanut sauce, this lontong topped with crackers can be your choice for a lighter lunch.

Warung Pecal Mbak Supiah

Address: No.21A Sei Putih Baru Street, Babura, Medan
Operating Hours: 08.00 AM – 15.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rxNETdeZacYB4n6k8

28. Sate Triadi

30 Halal Foods You Can’t Miss when visiting Medan!

It is not strange to find Satay carts all over the city, but they usually sell just one or two kinds of meat like Beef or Chicken. But Sate Triadi sells many different types; other than the meat, they also sell offals, seafood and meatballs of the same type.

sate triadi
Marinated with the owner’s special sauce, this grilled meat skewers could be your option for the spicier day.

Sate Padang Triadi

Address: No.53, G.B. Joshua Street, Pandau Hilir, Medan
Operating Hours: 15.00 PM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AC8xiSN4pahQH1YW6

29. Toko Kue Banyumas

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Try the authentic taste of traditional Indonesia’s cakes and snacks. When you walk down the stairs leading to the basement where this stall is located, you’ll straight up know exactly why this place is so popular. The smell wafted all over the place making this place the Willy Wonka Factory for humans of all ages.

toko kue banyumas
Glutinous, chewy bread is Indonesia’s specialty. It would be buttery and smells really good — but your weighing machine will move up a few kilos too, so don’t be surprised.

Banyumas

Address: No.75 r, MH Thamrin Street, Thamrin plaza lt.1, Pandau Hulu I, Medan
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM – 22.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WxBsXEjwAncDjRyMA

30. Putu Bambu Sudi Mampir

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As a lover of crumbly, soft, sweet dessert, Putu Bambu made it into the list of my most wanted dessert. Its existence is rare but not impossible to find. Made from gelatinous dough that has more crumbly disposition and Gula Aren fillings, the textures are both soft and rough at the same time. The steamed coconut flakes and sugars on top made it sweeter than it looks.

putu bambu sudi mampir
Crumbly, soft yet coarse texture melts in your mouth — that’s how Putu Bambu makes its way into my heart.

Putu Bambu Sudi Mampir

Address: Corner of Asia Street, Sei Rengas I, Medan
Operating Hours: 17.30 PM – 00.00 AM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iCYtACuaDQbkkYhs7

And that’s it…?

Now you know where to eat Halal foods when you reach Medan. From main courses to desserts, don’t worry about anything! While you’re at it — visit some historical buildings in Medan and read some Food Guide from this blog.