8 Traditional Foods You Have To Try in Medan This 2026

The 2026 food scene of Medan is a feast of the bold flavours of Sumatra, which boasts of street stalls and warungs that offer spicy and aromatic foods of Malay, Indian, and Chinese heritage. Food that should be tried is soto medan soup made with coconut milk and quail eggs, nasi goreng kampung, smoky fried rice, and bika ambon honeycomb cake freshly made in Pasar Ikan. Bihun Kari mee hoon curry is a treat to those who love noodles, and gulai tunjang beef tendon stew soothes souls. The street carts in the Jalan Selat Panjang serve mie aceh spicy prawns, and cendol dessert cools the tropical heat. Affordable between Rp20,000-Rp50,000 per plate- ($1-3 USD) pair with kopi hitam to complete authentic Medan street food tours in 33°C humidity.

Soto Medan Features

Crystal beef soup with coconut, turmeric, and lime, topped with quail eggs and emping crackers. Breakfasts at warungs; pick at sambal. Foods enjoyed in the past in Medan with a Muslim background.

Nasi Goreng Kampung Breakdown

Wok-fried rice with anchovies, chicken, cabbage, and chili paste; smoky charcoal flavor defines it. Night market favorite; add telur mata sapi fried egg atop. Quintessential Indonesian twist locals crave.

Bika Ambon Must-Knows

Spongy cake with bubbly “honeycomb” texture from tapioca, coconut milk, and pandan; sticky-sweet. Best hot from Merdeka Walk stalls; 2026 viral for Instagrammable drips.

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