Must-Try Foods In Merdeka Walk (Medan) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Merdeka Walk, Medan, Indonesia

Merdeka Walk is not just a popular hangout spot in Medan but also a center of gastronomic delight. It was established as an open-air food court and became operational in the 2000s. Nestled beside the historic Merdeka Square (Lapangan Merdeka), this pedestrian promenade showcases a wide array of culinary offerings, reflecting the multicultural tapestry of Medan itself. Merdeka Walk serves as a microcosm of Indonesia's diverse food culture, featuring local Batak specialties, Malay delicacies, Indian fare, and a host of Chinese-Indonesian dishes. With the vibrant mix of flavors and influences, the locale has become a culinary destination for both locals and tourists looking to savor the assortment of street food and restaurant offerings that embody the spirit of Medan's rich food heritage.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Merdeka Walk, Medan, Indonesia

1. Mie Aceh (Non-Veg) - A spicy noodle dish with a distinctive Acehnese flavor, served with seafood or chicken.
2. Gado-Gado (Veg) - An Indonesian salad comprising boiled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tofu, and tempeh, smothered in a peanut sauce dressing.
3. Martabak (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A folded stuffed pancake with fillings that range from savory with egg and green onions to sweet with chocolate and peanuts.
4. Nasi Goreng (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Indonesia's famous fried rice, which can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings like seafood, chicken, or mixed vegetables.
5. Soto Medan (Non-Veg) - A fragrant, coconut milk-based soup with chicken, often enjoyed with a bowl of rice.
6. Pempek (Non-Veg) - Palembang's famous fish cakes, often served with a tangy and sweet tamarind sauce.
7. Lontong Sayur (Veg) - Compressed rice cakes served with a rich and spicy coconut milk curry with vegetables.
8. Bihun Bebek (Non-Veg) - A flavorful duck vermicelli soup that's both comforting and aromatic.
9. Es Campur (Veg) - A refreshing iced dessert containing a mixture of fruits, jelly, and syrup, perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat.
10. Durian Pancake (Veg) - Soft, crepe-like pancakes filled with cream and Medan's famous durian, an experience for the adventurous palate.

Top Famous Restaurants in Merdeka Walk, Medan, Indonesia

1. Tip Top Restaurant
   Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani No.92, Kesawan, Medan Barat
   Famous Food: Onde-Onde (Veg) - A sweet glutinous rice cake filled with bean paste, covered in sesame seeds.
2. Tjong A Fie's Mansion Restaurant
   Address: Jl. Ahmad Yani No.105, Kesawan, Medan Baru
   Famous Food: Laksa Medan (Non-Veg) - A spicy noodle soup with a base of fish or seafood served with noodles.
3. The Traders Food Shop
   Address: Jl. Perniagaan No.77, Medan Kota
   Famous Food: Nasi Lemak (Non-Veg) - A traditional Malay dish consisting of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with a variety of side dishes.
4. Rumah Makan Sederhana
   Address: Jl. Merdeka Walk No. 1, Medan Barat
   Famous Food: Nasi Padang (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A sumptuous spread of pre-cooked dishes from Padang served with steamed rice.
5. Garuda Restaurant
   Address: Jl. Merdeka Tim., Medan Barat
   Famous Food: Rendang (Non-Veg) - A slow-cooked dry curry deeply spiced with ginger and turmeric, usually made with chicken or mutton.