Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya AlMashun) Food Guide
Food History of Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al Mashun)
The Great Mosque of Medan, known locally as Masjid Raya Al Mashun, has a rich cultural heritage that extends to its culinary landscape. While the mosque itself is primarily a place of worship and not directly tied to food traditions, its presence in Medan has made it a central landmark surrounded by diverse culinary influences from the multi-ethnic community in the area. Medan's food culture has been shaped by various ethnic groups such as the Malays, Javanese, Indians, Chinese, and Batak, offering an eclectic mix of flavors and ingredients.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes Near Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al Mashun)
As one of the largest cities in Indonesia, Medan boasts a vibrant food scene. Here are the top 10 must-try dishes while visiting the area around the Great Mosque of Medan:
- Mie Aceh - A spicy noodle dish with succulent pieces of chicken or seafood. Non-veg
- Soto Medan - A flavorful coconut milk-based soup usually made with chicken. Non-veg
- Nasi Padang - A sumptuous meal consisting of rice served with various choices of pre-cooked dishes. Mixed veg and non-veg
- Bika Ambon - A sweet, spongy cake made from tapioca flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk. Veg
- Martabak - A folded stuffed pancake with sweet (chocolate, cheese) or savory fillings. Mixed veg and non-veg options
- Ayam Penyet - Smashed fried chicken served with sambal and traditional accompaniments. Non-veg
- Gado-Gado - An Indonesian salad of boiled vegetables dressed in a peanut sauce. Veg
- Pempek - Fishcakes made from ground fish and tapioca, usually served with a sweet and sour sauce. Non-veg
- Durian - Medan is famous for its durian fruit, which can be eaten fresh or as part of various desserts. Veg
- Es Campur - A cold dessert made of mixed fruits, jelly, and syrup with shaved ice. Veg
Top Famous Restaurants Near Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya AlMashun)
After exploring the Great Mosque, visitors can enjoy numerous nearby eateries, each boasting its own unique take on local cuisine.
- Rumah Makan Tabona
- Address: Jl. Sisingamangaraja No.17, Medan
- Famous Food: Nasi Padang (a variety of dishes to choose with rice). Mixed veg and non-veg
- Soto Kesawan
- Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani, Kesawan, Medan Barat
- Famous Food: Soto Medan (a coconut milk-based soup). Non-veg
- Bika Ambon Zulaikha
- Address: Jl. Mojopahit No.62, Medan
- Famous Food: Bika Ambon Zulaikha (sweet spongy cake). Veg
- Toko Oen
- Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani No.92/94, Medan Kota
- Famous Food: Various traditional Dutch and Indonesian pastries. Mixed veg and non-veg
- Merdeka Walk
- Address: Jl. Balai Kota, Medan
- Famous Food: A wide range of street food options. Mixed veg and non-veg
- Durian Ucok
- Address: Jl. Iskandar Muda No.5/32, Medan
- Famous Food: Fresh Durian (known as the king of fruits). Veg
Whether you're craving authentic spicy noodles or sweet tropical fruits, Medan's diverse food culture surrounding the Great Mosque offers something for every palate.