Short trip to Medan - the culinary edition

This is a super late post, but I thought this info would be useful for you guys..

Had a chance to visit Medan some time ago for only one and a half day. While work was the focus, I had been meaning to have a little leisure while I was there. Medan, for me, is a place to indulge my taste bud, so many good food there. So I checked around 

from a travel apps for hotel to stay one night.

Then I found Grand Aston City Hall Medan, it had this Aston Spa room available, it looked interesting. I was hooked by a picture of some kind of sauna or an onsen in that room, is that even possible? That room must be very expensive.

I checked the price, it was around IDR 900k (I booked on weekdays – I checked nowadays it’s around IDR 1,150K). For that kind of facility, I thought it was still worthy, so I went with it.

My trip to Medan was only for two days, I flew in the morning, then attended an event. Medan is such a beautiful city, and I have been a big fan of the hawker food. Since the said event held in the mall, I decided to taste some of Medan’s hawker food at night, before checking in to the hotel.

With a heartfelt apology I would like to state that I didn’t remember some of the venues (will do a post faster next time before I forgot again). One of my friends from Medan knew how much I love fish dishes. So he took me to eat this wonderful “ikan patin kuah gulai” it was some kind of catfish cooked in curry sauce. 

ikan patin kuah

We chatted a little bit before moving to the next culinary experience. The night was still young, and the traffic was not as jammed as Jakarta, so we had a good ride. Initially he asked if I wanted to eat some Durians, but I always did that during previous visit, so I decided to end the night with another savory meals.  

We arrived at Pagaruyung, a culinary complex full of traditional food. We sat at one that located nearest to the roadway, the place is crowded but still cozy.

you can see the food on display before being cooked

“Mie rebus” (boiled noodles with soup) was the first one we ordered, or they call it Mie Rebus Pak Ramli (the seller). Tt came, yellow noodle with a thick soup. It was delicious, served with boiled eggs and crackers.  We added extra shells satay, for extra flavor and munch. It was the right decision!

Mie Rebus Pak Ramli, Pagaruyung Medan

sate kerang

Last but not least, I ordered “martabak telor” just in case I got hungry at the hotel, but since my friend would go home after the meal, we decided to have it served there and had a piece each. Since I didn’t pay for any of my meals (thank you) I didn’t get the chance to see the cost of our dinner.

delicious way to end the night

It didn’t take long from Pagaruyung to the hotel, less than 15 minutes (well it was already late at night as well). I was greeted on the front lobby and got my luggage to the room. The usual good standard. My room was as promised, Japanese ambiance, everything in the room was in good condition.

clean, good condition, and on theme.

 Then, the moment of truth, I opened the bathroom, I see a little onsen-like pool, the bamboo-blind was still closed.

There was fluffy towels, some shower kit (shampoo, conditioner, soap) and aromatherapy oil burner. Lovely! 

covered with a bamboo blind

What’s best was when I pulled the bamboo blind, I could see the whole room and watch TV while enjoying a warm bath. I’d say this is ideal for a couple who needed a short getaway (or even honeymoon) or just want to relax after a busy day in privacy.

just, beautiful.

That's it, I mean most of my activities in Medan that time was working, so the rest was more to laptop and visits :) but I hope you enjoy this piece, and see you again soon