Must-Try Foods In Maimun Palace (Medan) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

The Food History of Maimun Palace, Medan, Indonesia

Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun) in Medan holds a significant historical and cultural value in Indonesia. Built during the Sultanate of Deli era in the late 19th century, it symbolizes the grandeur and melting pot of cultures, including Malay, Islam, Spanish, Indian, and Italian influences in its architecture. The food in Medan, including the delicacies that might have been served in the palace, has been heavily influenced by a diverse mix of ethnicities such as the Javanese, Batak, Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures. The culinary history is as rich as its diverse community, with each ethnicity bringing its distinct flavors and ingredients, creating a unique food scene that characterizes Medan to this day.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Maimun Palace, Medan, Indonesia

1. Bika Ambon – Veg: A spongy cake made with tapioca flour, coconut milk, and fermented cassava, it's sweet and slightly chewy.
2. Lontong Sayur – Veg: Compressed rice cake served with a rich and spicy vegetable curry.
3. Gado-Gado – Veg: An Indonesian salad consisting of boiled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, fried tofu, tempeh, and a peanut sauce dressing.
4. Pisang Goreng Srikaya – Veg: Fried bananas served with a sweet and fragrant srikaya jam made from coconut and eggs.
5. Lemang – Veg: Sticky rice cooked in hollowed bamboo tubes lined with banana leaves and served with a side of palm sugar and grated coconut.
6. Soto Medan – Non Veg: A traditional Indonesian soup made with a rich and flavorful broth, chicken, and various local spices.
7. Ayam Penyet – Non Veg: Fried smashed chicken served with sambal, a spicy Indonesian condiment.
8. Ikan Bakar – Non Veg: Grilled fish marinated in a mixture of spices and grilled over charcoal, often served with sambal and lime.
9. Pempek – Non Veg: A savory fishcake delicacy from Palembang, typically served with a dark, rich sweet and sour sauce called cuka.
10. Nasi Padang – Non Veg: A Minangkabau steamed rice served with various choices of pre-cooked dishes including chicken, beef, fish, and others.

Top Famous Restaurants in Maimun Palace, Medan, Indonesia

1. Tipsy Restaurant
   Address: Jl. Raden Saleh No.1, Medan
   Famous Food: Grilled Fish – Non Veg
2. Selat Panjang Street Food Stalls
   Address: Jl. Selat Panjang, Medan
   Famous Food: Lontong Sayur – Veg
3. Durian Ucok
   Address: Jl. Iskandar Muda, Medan
   Famous Food: Durian-based Desserts – Veg 4.
4. Bika Ambon Zulayka
   Address: Jl. Majapahit, Medan
   Famous Food: Bika Ambon – Veg
5. Restoran Garuda
   Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 4, Medan
   Famous Food: Nasi Padang – Non Veg
6. Soto Kesawan
   Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani, Medan
   Famous Food: Soto Medan – Non Veg