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So you have a weekend in Medan , 48 Hours | Here's what to Eat and Do.

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If you only have 48 hours in Medan, North Sumatra's largest city ; You need to experience Medan’s rich blend of Malay, Chinese, and Batak cultures and world-famous gastronomy. Medan is an absolute foodie paradise and a melting pot of cultures. You ca...
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Coffee | Local Favorites

Medan is a hidden paradise for coffee lovers. As the gateway to some of Indonesia's finest coffee-growing regions including Mandheling, Lintong, and Gayo. As someone who grew up in North Sumatra, these are the cafés I'd genuinely recommend to my own ...

 
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As a local, this is one of my favorite coffee stops in Medan. If you appreciate SCA-certified specialty coffee, expertly roasted beans, and the art of slow-bar brewing, this café deserves a spot on your itinerary. A must-visit Destination for a coffe...
Alligator Roastery | SCA-Certified Specialty Coffee
 
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Their specialty coffee is expertly roasted to highlight the bold, earthy character that has made Sumatran coffee famous worldwide. This place holds a special place in my heart. I will NOT MISS bringing my friend who visit to try MACEHAT,and those who...
Macehat Coffee | MUST VISIT Legendary coffee
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Perfect classic iced black coffee, or if you are open to exploring, try their specialty Orange Coffee; it’s honestly next level. Love the ambiance,and surprisingly, they have good comfort food and salt bread.
Orange Coffee Roasters | Medan
 
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I love their specialty coffee espresso-based coffee, manual brew, Indonesian coffee. Their pastries are surprisingly delicious, yummmmy cakes. Probably best eggs benedict in town, just nice, huge portion and lots of sauce, lovely sourdough bread topp...
The Coffeenatics - Cik Ditiro| Specialty Coffee Roastery
 
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One of my go-to cafés in Medan whenever I'm home. The menu has plenty of variety, the food is consistently good, and the café is clean, comfortable, and perfect for catching up with friends. Prices are a little on the higher side by local standards, ...
Opal Coffee T. Amir Hamzah | International Green Coffee Trader
 
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I'd lean Lim Kok Tong into its heritage. It's not a modern specialty cafe but a traditional Chinese-style coffee shop (kopitiam) that has been serving generations of locals. That distinction is exactly what makes it interesting to international trave...
Massa Lim Kok Tong | Since 1925. Authentic Coffee Original Pematang Siantar.
 
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Very old authentic coffee shop in Medan. It is usually crowded in the morning, particularly on weekends or holiday. Most of tue visitors ordered the Chinese-style coffee and boiled egg are delicious, as well as the toast with kaya jam. Price-wise, it...
Kedai Kopi Apek | Since 1919 Traditional Coffeeshop
 
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The coffee and pastries were amazing. The service was so friendly, they'll greet you cheerfully the moment you enter. I visited this place and was spending time enjoying my me-time there. What a good place for WFA, journaling or just sitting there en...
Miel Coffee | Hidden Gem Specialty Coffee and Brew Bar
 
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The coffee was excellent, brewed with quality Arabica beans. What I loved even more was the thoughtful presentation of every cup was served with great attention to detail, making the whole experience feel extra special. From the serving style to the ...
Fred Brew Coffee House | SPECIALTY COFFEE

Eat | Local Cuisine

Medan’s local cuisine is a vibrant melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Batak flavors.
 
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Selat Panjang in Medan is a renowned culinary street that comes alive every evening, offering a wide array of food stalls. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts, with popular dishes like Mie Tiong Shim, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Martabak Piring Murni,...
Jl Selat Panjang & Semarang Street Food | Night Cullinary
 
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My all time favourite authentic chicken curry paired with their soft vermicelli. The sambal really packs a punch. One thing you don't want to miss here
Rumah Makan Tabona | Chicken & Beef Currry
 
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Fish Head Curry, Fried Chicken, Beef Rendang, Nasi Bungkus are my top lists favourites! This restaurant is always busy.
RM Pondok Gurih | Melayu Cuisine
 
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Best duck noodle soup I've tried so far, can't find this anywhere else, even abroad! The flavor of the soup is absolutely delicious. Must try!!!!
Bihun Bebek Asie Kumango| Duck Noodle Soup
 
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The kind of soto I always come back for. It's completely different from the versions you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia or Malaysia, very rich and aromatic broth and a unique local flavor that's truly authentic to Medan
Soto Udang Kesawan | Melayu Green Curry
 
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I think one of the best places to eat fried rice and sate kerang in Medan city.
Nasi Goreng Pemuda · Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia
 
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Non-halal restaurant. All my friends I go with are never disappointed and always want to come back to this place; some dishes are spicy, and their special menu item, Roasted Pork, is the best seller!
Ondo Grill | Batak Cuisine Grilled Pork
 
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As soon as I smelt the aroma of auntie cooking at the front, I could never resist. It only opens at night and my absolute favourite char kwetiaw.
Kwetiau Gedeh | Chinese Char Koay Teow.
 
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One of my favorite old-school kopitiams in Medan. The bakmi is delicious and reminds me of a lighter version of Penang's dry Hokkien mee, loaded with fresh seafood, braised pork, egg, and crispy pork lard. I also love the nostalgic atmosphere. The fr...
Bakmie Hock Seng | Since 1932
 
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A must-visit restaurant in Medan! Tip Top has a unique old-school atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The food was delicious, but the highlight for me was definitely the classic ice cream and cakes. The restaurant is ful...
Tip Top Medan | Since 1929
 
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I must say, this unassuming street stall is the B-E-S-T sate Padang in town. Affordable and is a very fine street stall. Their rich, flavorful sauce is unforgettable, and I love that they offer everything from beef tongue and tendon to quail eggs, cl...
SATE PADANG RIZQI GUNAWAN

Eat, Sip & Chill| Local Café Favorites

Looking for more than just local cuisine? These are the cafés and restaurants I'd genuinely recommend to friends visiting Medan. Places with delicious food, excellent coffee, beautiful ambience, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're after brunch...

 
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Whenever I'm back in Medan, this is always on my list. I keep coming back for the Aglio e Olio, wood-fired pizzas, and chicken quesadilla. They're consistently delicious and still some of my favorites in the city. The open kitchen, cozy ambience, and...
The Thirty Six Cafe
 
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If you're craving authentic Italian pizza in Medan, this is the place I'd recommend without hesitation. Their sourdough crust is beautifully light, crispy, and full of flavor, and every pizza I've tried has been thoughtfully balanced with fresh, qual...
El’s Pizzeria
 
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One of my favorite spots in Medan when I'm in the mood for a more elegant dining experience. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, all beautifully presented, in a stylish and sophisticated setting. Although it's a little more expensive than...
MIX & MAX Cafe