Discover a variety of authentic and delicious souvenirs from Medan that are a must-buy to complete your holiday experience in this city.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is not only known for its natural and cultural wealth but also for a variety of mouthwatering souvenirs.
The city is home to various ethnic groups such as Batak, Malay, and other sub-ethnicities, making Medan rich in culinary delights and traditional handicrafts. If you are on vacation in Medan, don’t miss the opportunity to take home some famous local souvenirs.
From sweet to savory treats, as well as traditional crafts, Medan offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Here are 10 must-buy souvenirs from Medan:
1. Medan Napoleon: A Unique Cake with Tempting Flavors
Medan Napoleon is a cake that combines the Medan-style rolled sponge cake with the French puff pastry Napoleon cake.
This cake offers a crispy exterior and a soft interior, with various flavors like durian, green tea, cheese, and red velvet. Medan Napoleon makes an excellent souvenir due to its delicious taste and unique texture.
2. Bika Ambon: A Legendary Snack That Stimulates the Appetite
Bika Ambon is one of Medan’s famous souvenirs, even though its name is often mistaken as originating from Ambon.
Made from tapioca flour, sugar, coconut milk, eggs, and palm sap, Bika Ambon from Medan Specialties has a fibrous texture and a rich taste.
One of the best places to buy Bika Ambon is at Bika Ambon Zulaikha on Mojopahit Street. Flavors of Bika Ambon include original, pandan, and cheese, making it a popular choice among tourists.
3. Bolu Meranti Medan: Soft Sponge Cake with Tempting Flavors
Bolu Meranti is a popular rolled cake in Medan. It has a soft texture and a sweet taste, available in various flavors like cheese, mocha, pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry.
Originally sold by Nyonya Ai Ling, Bolu Meranti now has its own shops on Meranti Street and Sisingamangaraja Street. Bolu Meranti is perfect as a souvenir due to its delicious taste and ideal texture.
4. Medan Durian Pancake: A Unique Way to Enjoy Durian
Medan Durian Pancake is a great choice for durian lovers. Unlike regular pancakes, this version is made from a flour batter filled with real durian flesh.
Its rich and tasty flavor is truly irresistible, with various options such as mocha, chocolate, pandan, and original. Durian House on Sekip Street is one of the most famous places in Medan to buy durian pancakes.
5. Sidikalang Coffee: The Unique Coffee of Sumatra
Sidikalang Coffee, especially the robusta variety, is a popular souvenir for coffee lovers. Known for its distinctive flavor and enticing aroma, you can find Sidikalang Coffee in various souvenir shops in Medan.
This coffee offers a unique taste experience, making it an excellent souvenir from Medan.
6. Passion Fruit Syrup: Refreshing and Nutritious
Passion fruit syrup is a refreshing and long-lasting souvenir from Medan. Made from passion fruit, which is rich in fiber and beneficial for digestive health, this syrup has a sweet and refreshing taste.
Not only is it delicious, but it is also nutritious, making it the perfect souvenir to bring home.
7. Teri Medan: A Popular Savory Snack
Teri Medan is a savory souvenir from Medan that is highly sought after by tourists. This dried fish is famous in traditional markets like Pasar Induk.
One of the popular varieties is Teri Medan Bajak, which is filled with red chili sambal and bird’s eye chilies. Teri Medan is great as a snack or cooking ingredient, with its distinctive savory flavor.
8. Pia Tamiang: A Delicious Medan Pastry
Pia Tamiang is a flat pastry with a crispy exterior and a rich, dense filling. This treat has a long shelf life, making it ideal for souvenirs.
Available in various flavors like green bean, chocolate, and coconut, Pia Tamiang offers a unique and delicious taste experience. One of the most famous places to buy Pia Tamiang is on Tamiang Street.
9. Medan Durian: The King of Fruits with Global Fame
Medan Durian is known as one of the best durians in Indonesia. Its softness, unique sweet taste, and irresistible aroma make it a favorite souvenir for many.
In addition to fresh durians, you can also find various durian-based products like durian dodol, durian chips, or durian syrup to take home. Medan Durian truly offers a taste that cannot be found anywhere else.
10. Ikan Sale: A Long-Lasting Salty Snack
Ikan Sale is a type of salted fish from Medan made from fresh marine fish that is preserved with salt and dried under the sun.
With a strong savory flavor, Ikan Sale is perfect as a snack or a dish accompaniment. This souvenir also lasts a long time, making it a convenient choice to bring home after your holiday in Medan.
Conclusion
Medan is a culinary paradise with a variety of tempting souvenirs. From sweet cakes to savory snacks, each souvenir from Medan offers unique flavors and characteristics. Not only food, but you can also find traditional handicrafts in this city.
So, make sure to take home one of these 10 iconic souvenirs from Medan and Padang Specialties, and enjoy the sweet memories of your holiday in the city!
