Enjoy popular Medan souvenirs that are easy to find in shopping malls and local markets, the perfect choice for your vacation keepsakes.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra Province, is known not only for its rich natural resources and diverse culture but also for its mouth-watering local souvenirs.
The city, home to various ethnic groups like Batak, Malay, and other sub-ethnic groups, offers a wide array of culinary delights and traditional crafts that are highly sought after by tourists.
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From sweet to savory treats, and unique crafts, Medan has everything to complete your holiday experience. Here are 10 must-try Medan souvenirs that you should take home!
1. Medan Napoleon: A Rolled Cake with a Classic French Touch
Medan Napoleon is a local innovation that combines Medan’s rolled sponge cake with the French Napoleon cake made of puff pastry. This snack from Medan Specialties offers a crispy exterior with a soft interior, making it uniquely appealing.
Available in various flavors like durian, green tea, cheese, and red velvet, this cake is an ideal souvenir because of its delicious and unique taste.
2. Bika Ambon: A Legendary Snack with Tempting Sweetness
Bika Ambon is famous, even though many believe it comes from Ambon. This Medan delicacy is made from a mixture of tapioca flour, sugar, coconut milk, eggs, and sap water, creating a unique and distinctive taste.
With a fibrous texture and rich flavor, Bika Ambon comes in various variants, such as pandan and cheese. One well-known place to buy Bika Ambon is Zulaikha, located on Mojopahit Street.
3. Bolu Meranti Medan: A Soft Rolled Cake with Various Flavors
Bolu Meranti is one of Medan’s most famous souvenirs. This soft, rich rolled cake comes in various flavors, such as cheese, mocha, pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry.
The Bolu Meranti stores, located on Meranti Street and Sisingamangaraja Street, offer these cakes with exceptional taste, making it a favorite among tourists visiting Medan.
4. Pancake Durian Medan: Durian in a Unique Form
For durian lovers, Pancake Durian Medan is a must-try souvenir. Unlike regular pancakes, these durian pancakes are made from flour dough filled with fresh durian flesh, creating a rich and delightful taste.
Available in flavors like mocha, chocolate, pandan, and original, you can find these durian pancakes at Durian House on Sekip Street.
5. Kopi Sidikalang: The Distinctive Taste of Sumatra Coffee
Kopi Sidikalang, especially the robusta variety, is a sought-after souvenir by tourists. Known for its strong flavor and distinctive aroma, this coffee is the perfect choice for coffee lovers.
You can find Sidikalang coffee in various souvenir shops in Medan and enjoy the unique and captivating taste of this Sumatran brew.
6. Passion Fruit Syrup: A Refreshing Taste That Lasts
Passion fruit syrup is a refreshing drink loved by many and often taken home as a Medan specialty. Made from fiber-rich passion fruit, this syrup is not only refreshing but also has digestive health benefits.
With its naturally sweet and long-lasting flavor, passion fruit syrup is an excellent choice for a nutritious souvenir.
7. Teri Medan: A Savory Snack with a Unique Flavor
Teri Medan, available at local markets like Pasar Induk, is a savory souvenir that many tourists seek.
This dried anchovy is known for its distinctive savory taste, especially the Teri Medan Bajak variety, which is seasoned with red chili sambal. This snack is perfect for those who enjoy spicy and savory foods.
8. Pia Tamiang: A Crispy and Long-Lasting Medan Cake
Pia Tamiang is a flat, crispy Medan cake filled with a dense filling. This pastry is famous for its long shelf life, making it ideal as a souvenir.
Available in various flavors, such as green bean, coconut, and chocolate, Pia Tamiang can be found in stores along Tamiang Street.
9. Medan Durian: The Unmatched King of Fruit
Medan durian is known for its soft flesh, sweet taste, and irresistible aroma.
It is the most sought-after souvenir, and not only can you take home the fruit itself, but you can also buy durian-derived products such as durian dodol (a sweet toffee-like treat), durian chips, or durian syrup.
Medan durian is a unique souvenir that you won’t find anywhere else with the same flavor.
10. Ikan Sale: A Savory and Long-Lasting Snack
Ikan sale is a type of salted fish from Medan, famous for its savory taste. Made from fresh sea fish that is preserved with salt and sun-dried, ikan sale is perfect as a snack or dish accompaniment.
Long-lasting and easy to carry, ikan sale is a practical souvenir to bring home after your trip to Medan.
Conclusion
Medan is a culinary paradise that offers a wide range of tempting souvenirs. From sweet to savory foods, each Medan specialty has a unique and delicious taste.
With traditional crafts also available, you can bring home sweet memories from this city. So, make sure to try and take home one of these 10 must-have Medan and Padang Specialties souvenirs to complete your vacation!
