Medan Cuisine

Taste Medan and Lake Toba's local food: A real eating experience from mr.hotsia

Many people may know Bali for its sea tourism and unique Hindu culture, but for me, mr.hotsia, traveling in Indonesia has many more aspects to explore, especially the food of the Medan people and the villagers by Lake Toba that I experienced myself and want to share in detail here.

Lake Toba: The Mila Fish I Will Never Forget

When I arrived at Lake Toba, my planned destination was to taste the local food of the villagers living by this lake. From talking with locals and exploring the markets,Lake TobaI learned that “Mila” or the local tilapia fish here is very popular. Locals call it Mila fish, which looks and tastes surprisingly similar to the tilapia we have back home. What I just found out from the villagers is that this Mila fish is related to the tilapia that Japan once sent 50 fish to Thailand, which then became the widely spread breed today.

The fish price here is very cheap, about 10 Thai Baht per piece. I remember when I went to the market in Parapat, the large market of the villagers by Lake Toba on a Saturday, there were many Mila fish for sale, fresh and available in various styles, both fried and grilled. The locals seriously enjoy eating fish from this lake as a way of life deeply connected with nature.

Medan Food: Satay with a Different Flavor from Bali

After leaving Lake Toba, I traveled into Medan city, the largest city on North Sumatra island, to experience the city's diverse and novel cuisine. In this city, I found a famous satay restaurant called “SATE PADANG,” which is completely different from the black satay sauce I had in Bali because the satay here is topped with a yellow sauce similar to a thick coconut curry with added flour for texture.

The taste of SATE PADANG I tried was deeply delicious with a moderate spicy heat. The sauce was slightly salty and rich, but eating it felt refreshing and satisfying. The hot sauce made me sweat all over my face. It was a unique eating experience that made me understand that Medan food has a distinctive character that food lovers should not miss.

Roadside Fried Chicken Stall: Simple Perfection

Besides satay, I also relied on a small roadside fried chicken stall near my accommodation in Medan city. The fried chicken here was crispy outside and tender inside with a very balanced flavor. The stir-fried water spinach side dish was fragrant and had a unique taste. Eating simple street food like this made me feel that mr.hotsia's journey was not just about eating for taste but truly experiencing the lifestyle and culture of the local people.

Connecting Bali and Medan Stories: From Lake to Beach

When talking about Bali, many think of white sandy beaches and strong waves perfect for surfing, which I have also written about in an articleTraveling from Denpasar Bali Airport to the CityandBali CuisineIn Bali, the food is similar to Thai cuisine, such as kambing satay or goat meat satay, which is fragrant with spices and a slightly sweet thick dipping sauce. But when arriving in Medan, the food flavors change according to local culture and ingredients.

For those who love traveling to Bali like me, stepping out from the beach zone to visit Medan markets and Lake Toba is a thrilling new world of food and culture. Both places have charm and different flavors but clearly reflect Indonesia's diverse culture and cuisine.

Travel Recommendations and Nearby Attractions

For travelers interested in tasting the food and lifestyle of the Medan people and Lake Toba, I recommend planning a direct flight to Medan airport, then taking a train or taxi to Lake Toba. The journey is convenient and not complicated. I have written recommendations in the articleTravel Information Medan Sumatra Indonesiawhich will make your trip much easier.

If you enjoy Bali's city atmosphere and culture, don't forget to visitUbud City, Baliwhich offers a peaceful atmosphere, delicious food, and other interesting attractions around Bali island.

Summary of mr.hotsia's Impressions

This travel and food tasting experience of the Medan people and the Lake Toba villagers was another memorable journey for me, mr.hotsia. The food here not only satisfies hunger but also teaches about the culture and lifestyle of people living harmoniously with nature. The freshness of ingredients and distinct flavors made every meal more meaningful than ever.

If you are a food lover and want to open new experiences beyond the usual tourist spots, try coming to Medan and Lake Toba in Sumatra. You will find the true joy of eating that mr.hotsia guarantees you will definitely like.