In Medan, Soto is one of the local dishes often eaten for breakfast or lunch, which is why most of the Soto specialty eateries in Medan close for business around 2-4 o’clock in the afternoon.
There are numerous types of Soto all around in Indonesia, but the one commonly found in Medan, called Soto Medan, comes in the form of green gravy similar to Thailand’s Green Curry.
Generally, Soto Medan is served with chicken, beef, or shrimp. It has a rich and fatty flavor that came from the coconut milk used as the ingredient. Soto is best eaten with white rice, especially with perkedel kentang (potato cake). Yum!
So, here are the 2 legendary Soto spots you REALLY shouldn’t miss out in Medan!
Soto Kesawan
Address: Ahmad Yani Street, Kesawan
Operating Hour: 08.00 AM – 14.00 PM
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dRap2F7kkL52
Soto Kesawan is one of the oldest Soto spots, and with its perfect location right across a famous tourist spot, Tjong A Fie mansion, Soto Kesawan is a local favorite.
What makes this Soto hits the spot for us is the eye-catching color of the yellowish and greenish color of the Soto.
Rich in flavor, each spoonful of the Soto asks to be savored in our mouth. Here they serve the Soto with shredded chicken and its offal, as well as shrimp. You can choose to have either chicken or shrimp—or both if you feel like it.
Paired with it is a mix of mashed green chili, local sweet soy sauce, and fried shallots. When eaten together with the Soto, it gives a nice kick—depending on the spicy level of the sambal, it can either be mildly spicy or numbing your mouth like no other.
RM Sinar Pagi
Address: No. 2D/1, Sei Deli Street, Medan
Operating Hour: 07.00 AM – 15.00 PM (approximately)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Qs6RmyPrD7t
Soto Sinar Pagi is another legendary spot for Soto in Medan that you can’t miss out on. Commencing in a small street in 1953/1954, Soto Sinar Pagi has indeed grown into a household name that everyone knows.
Even the previous Indonesia’s President SBY had graced the place with his presence!
The Soto here is probably the most familiar Soto Medan we’ve seen, with its deeper green color boiling in the pot. Thick with coconut milk, the Soto here is oily yet addicting at the same.
Serving beef (meat and offal) as well as chicken, this place is packed with people who come more meatier choice of a Soto. As add-ons, potato cake and shrimp Peyek (a thin, crisp chip) are served together with the Soto and rice.
Come and Try These Legendary Soto Medan!
There are actually lots of Soto places in Medan, but these two are the ones with richer background in history, and are well-known all around the city! Don’t forget to try ’em when you visit Medan!