Flavours of Medan... in Singapore!

Fact #1 Medan is a sleepy city in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province Fact #2 Medan is well-known for its diverse range of street food, which reflects the food origins of different races that make up the city’s population Fact #3 You don’t have to hop on a plane to enjoy authentic Medanese food – get a taste right here in Singapore at Tanjong Katong! If you’re curious to find out what Medanese food is all about, you can tuck into 100% authentic dishes at Medan Town. Located along the streets of Tanjong Katong, one of Singapore’s bustling dining districts, Medan Town serves affordable home cooked Medanese fare prepared by natives Harianto Teh and his wife, Madam Choo – both of who come from a family of restaurateurs.

Begin your Medanese gastronomic journey with an ice cold glass of Kietna ($2.20). This thirst-quenching beverage consists of a sweet-sour syrup made from a mixture of calamansi rind, dried sour plums and lime juice. It’s sold virtually everywhere on the streets of Medan and the taste of it is much akin to sour plum juice – only 10 times more refreshing! Other drink options here include Liang Teh ($1.50), homebrewed Medanese herbal tea, as well as Indonesia’s famous Teh Botol Sosro ($1.50).

Bihun Bebek is ‘da bomb’ – especially with the addition of fiery chilli

If there’s one dish you HAVE to try, it’s definitely the Bihun Bebek ($5.80). Tossed with pork lard oil and topped with ingredients like shredded duck and fried garlic, this Medanese favourite is best enjoyed with a couple of dollops of chilli sauce – if you like it super spicy that is. Foodnote: Served with a side of soup, it’s best to enjoy this noodle dish dry so you get the best of both worlds.

Medanese Chicken Curry (left) or Soto Udang (right) for you?

There’s something for everyone at Medan Town. If you’re a curry lover, opt for the Medanese Chicken Curry ($5.50), and if you find comfort in seafood, pick the Soto Udang ($6.50). Each coconut gravy-flavoured bowl of curry is filled with tender bits of chicken breast and potatoes and you can choose either rice or noodles to be served with this dish. On the other hand the wholesome Soto Udang, which comes with three whole tiger prawns, features a unique soup base made of spicy galangal paste, turmeric and chilli.

Help yourself to some side dishes, such as the Perkedel (platter on left) and the Potato Sambal Balado (right)

If you’re in the mood for a simple “rice-and-dishes” meal, consider ordering these sides with a hearty plate of rice: Perkedel (2pcs for $1.50), fried potato patties; Hepiah (5pcs for $3.80), made with chopped fresh prawns mixed with egg; Potato Sambal Balado ($3), a fiery diced potato dish; and Medan Town’s irresistible Chicken Wings (2pcs for $3.80).

Icy goodness in a cup – Es Campur Medan (above) and Es Sekoteng (below) make awesome treats for a hot day

Finally, have yourself a sweet, icy treat and get either the Es Campur Medan ($3.50) or the Es Sekoteng ($3.50). Both offer very different textures and tastes – the Es Campur Medan contains ingredients like chendol, giant atap seeds, and fermented tapioca (which gives this dessert its mellow alcohol flavour), while the tangy Es Sekoteng is literally a bowl full of jelly with little jewels such as lychee, seaweed jelly, barley and nata de coco. Enjoy! ------- Medan Town Address: 253 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437041 Tel. No.: 6348 9227 Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11am - 10pm (Closed on Mondays) Medan Town accepts cash only; no service charge and no GST More fantastic eats in Tanjong Pagar Try out these newest restaurants in the local food scene