Bakso, translated as Meatball in English, is a dish that originated from China. It was brought over by Chinese immigrants long ago. The words ‘Bak’ and ‘So’ means ‘meat’ and ’round’ (google: 肉酥, Pe̍h-ōe-jī: bah-so). In Hokkien, Bakso can also mean ”fluffy meat’ or ‘minced meat’.
And that, my friends, is the oversimplified version of how Bakso came to Indonesia.
You can use any kind of meats to make Bakso. From chicken, beef, pork, and even different kinds of seafood (mostly fish and shrimp). But since the majority of the population embraces Islam, most Bakso stalls in Indonesia use Beef as the main source of proteins.
Here are the 4 Best Bakso you can find in Medan—keep scrolling!
Bakso Simas
When we talk about a favorite Bakso spot, it’s really difficult to just point a place, because, in the end, it’s all about preferences. Like this Bakso Simas, it used to be a favorite go-to Bakso stall that one of our teammates used to go.
The bowl of Bakso has the typical Bakso look—noodles, shredded chicken, chicken meatballs, tofu, and Kerupuk. The star of the dish though is the one thing that holds everything together—the soup.
It’s so rich in flavor; savory with a hint of sweetness that lingers in your mouth. We do suggest you add a dash of the green chili sauce, ’cause that what makes the broth even better.
Bakso Simas
Address: Jl. Jalan Orion no.59
Operating Hour: 9AM-9PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Xpap2MXitKSHCyLH8
Bakso Amat
When you ask someone on the street about a famous local Bakso stall, two of five people would probably tell you it’s Bakso Amat. The Bakso is packed with meat and flavor and the soup is rich and not-so-oily.
Other than the Bakso, there’s also a small number of Beef slices that are added together and a dash of spring onion to make the soup even better.
Bakso Amat
Address: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda Baru No.112, Medan
Operating Hour: 12.00-22.00 (Jumat tutup)
Contact Number: (061) 4572275
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/213wt5746uqShmKy7
Bakso Sapi Afuk
If most Bakso stalls start selling around lunchtime, then Bakso Sapi Afuk is an outlier in the scene. They only start selling at 5 o’clock in the afternoon which makes Bakso Sapi Afuk part of the night culinary scene.
When you order their meatballs, you can choose to have them on their own or to have it with vermicelli noodle, Kwetiau, or rice. Because here, the star is the meatball itself. When you have it on its own or with the add-on, you’ll find two types of meatballs: rough and soft ones, beef slices, and a generous sprinkle of fried garlic. The fried garlic defs give the taste of Chinese influence and make the broth flavorful in a different way than the other local Bakso stalls give.
You’ll find more options to choose from here, from their famous Kwetiau Siram to Nasi Goreng. Each one uses their celebrated meatball.
Bakso Sapi Afuk
Address: Jln. Semarang, pas di depan Bank Mestika
Operating Hour: 18.00-22.00
Price: ±40K-50K
Available in GOFOOD: https://gofood.link/u/QxzgR
Instagram: @baksosapiafuk
Bakso Ramli
Here, you’ll find chicken meatballs as the main source of proteins, so expect a burst of chicken flavor in your mouth. In one bowl, there are meatballs, tofu, shredded chicken, yellow noodles, and Kerupuk.
The broth flavor is on the sweeter side, contrary to the common version which has both savory and salty taste. According to the owner, she did add sugar to the soup to create a better taste profile. If you like your Bakso soup savory, salty and with a hint of sweetness, do come here to try it!
Bakso Ramli
Address: Jl. Sidodame simp. Sidomulyo No. 87 Medan
Cabang: Jl. Bilal Ujung No. 190 Medan
Operating Hour: 10AM-10PM
Contact Number: 0616642304 / Hp. 0813 6161 4565
Difficult to choose, it all goes down to preference!
So here are four of our Bakso spots recommendations! At the end of the day, even though it’s all about our own preferences, we’ll still continue exploring for the ‘best’ Bakso spots in Medan.
If your favourite Bakso spot isn’t here, do drop a comment below so we’ll know!