The Variety of Halal and Delicious Culinary in Medan

Medan City is one of the cities rich in culinary diversity. The many influences from various countries since ancient times have made Medan's cuisine rich in spices and have a delicious taste. Unfortunately, the culinary potential of this region is not well known by the local community, so many are still unfamiliar with the typical foods from this city. In fact, as a large city, Medan tends to be advanced and has good information facilities and infrastructure. It is truly unfortunate if its culinary tourism potential is not utilized by the local government.

Halal Culinary Specialties of Medan

So far, Medan is known for various types of food that use non-halal ingredients. However, there are also many typical Medan foods that can be consumed by Muslims. Many halal Medan eateries are known for their delicious flavors. Some culinary places that sell halal food include the following.

1. Aceh Noodles Titi Bobrok

Although at first glance the name and appearance resemble the typical Aceh noodles, the noodles sold in Medan have some differences, such as the bean sprouts used as a complement and the toppings that can be adjusted to the buyer's taste. In terms of flavor, these noodles are guaranteed to make you addicted. The combination of chewy noodles with spices creates an extraordinary taste.

If you visit Medan, don't forget to try it. You don't have to worry about paying a lot. These noodles are usually priced from 12,000 to 40,000 rupiah depending on the toppings you choose. Usually, the available toppings are seafood such as shrimp, crab, and so on.

2. Racing Noodles

Still in the form of noodles, this typical Medan food is a dish you should try. This food is quite unique because it is still cooked using a wood stove, resulting in a unique aroma. Additionally, as the name suggests, these noodles are cooked in a short and quick time, like a car race, and served on banana leaves with a sprinkle of green chili sauce.

The noodles made from kway teow are generally served with various toppings such as chicken, meat, fish balls, and seafood. The price offered for a portion of racing noodles varies depending on the chosen toppings. However, usually, this food is priced at around 15,000 rupiah. That price is quite cheap for a large portion of food with added meat or seafood.

3. Beef Bone Marrow Soup

What distinguishes this soup from other bone marrow soups is the characteristic broth seasoning. The broth used in this dish is pale and thick, making it suitable to be enjoyed with chewy beef marrow that has been seasoned with spices. Some culinary enthusiasts even argue that the broth is very fresh and delicious, even when enjoyed with just plain white rice.

To enjoy this culinary delight, you don't need to spend a lot. A complete portion of beef bone marrow soup is usually priced at around 50,000 rupiah depending on where you buy it. If you buy it at a well-known place, the price will certainly be a bit higher, but that price feels quite worth it for the large beef marrow waiting to be savored.

4. Medan Soto

As many people know, each region has its own special soto with different flavors. Likewise, Medan soto has a different texture, seasoning, and serving method. However, the price for this culinary dish is not much different from the price of soto in general. A portion of Medan soto is usually priced at around 25,000 rupiah, complete with rice.

This typical Medan food has a characteristic thick yellow broth that is usually made from coconut milk, complemented with spices such as cumin for flavoring. Additionally, the toppings for this dish are quite varied, serving potatoes, emping, fried potatoes, tomatoes, boiled eggs, and fried onions to enhance its appearance.

5. Plate Martabak

If you are bored with heavy food with strong flavors, you might want to try this culinary delight. Plate martabak can be said to be the icon of Medan city because it originates from there. Just like its name, instead of being baked in a round pan, this martabak is baked in a heat-resistant metal plate, causing its shape and texture to resemble a leker cake.

In Medan, this martabak is widely sold with the same appearance, folded into two parts resembling a sandwich. You can choose whether you want a softer or crispier texture. For modern society, most prefer plate martabak with a crispier and crunchier texture.

Like regular sweet martabak, this food has a variety of toppings or fillings that can be chosen according to the buyer's preference. The most common flavors found are chocolate, cheese, milk, and fruits. To get a portion of plate martabak, you don't need to spend a lot. Just with 4,000 to 8,000 rupiah, you can get martabak with fillings of your choice.

Those are the list of Medan culinary delights that are safe for consumption for those of you who are Muslim. In fact, finding halal food in Medan is quite easy because the Muslim population there is quite large, but unfortunately, the culinary wealth of this city is still not widely recognized. Therefore, it is not surprising that tourists are more familiar with the cuisine from the surrounding areas of Medan that are more famous than tasting the local food of the city.