Get stuffed for 30k in Medan, but beware this old shop's catch
qponx
2026-03-07
Dive into Medan's Umi Seafood, a bustling spot where you can get stuffed on delicious home-style food for around 30k. While famous for its addictive Honey Fried Chicken and flavorful Stir-fried Water Spinach, this popular eatery has a catch. Brace yourself for long queues, a hot dining space, and hit-or-miss service. This review reveals the secrets to navigating the chaos, including tips on pricing and a crucial heads-up for those concerned about its Halal status.
Every time I pass by the Sun Plaza area in Medan and see Umi Seafood packed to the gills, I always wonder: Is it really that serious? Isn't it just a home-style restaurant with no air conditioning? Today at lunchtime, I finally jumped into the fray myself. Alright, I get it now, and I almost fainted from the heat. 🥵
Grabbing Lunch in the Midst of the Hustle and Bustle
This place is practically a lunchtime battlefield for Medan's office workers! Once lunchtime hits, the queue can stretch from inside the shop all the way out to the street. The moment you step in, a wave of heat mixed with the aroma of food hits you. Although the place is much more spacious and cleaner after the renovation, that upgraded Warung (roadside stall) feel is still the same. You basically choose your dishes by pointing. Dozens of Chinese-Indonesian home-style dishes are lined up, and the visual impact is maxed out!
The taste is truly impeccable, a very typical home-style flavor, full of that wok-fried aroma. I ordered a few signature dishes that regulars always get:
The portions are very generous. A set meal costs 20,000-30,000 Rupiah, the chicken leg is huge, and the value for money is really high. No wonder so many people are willing to queue.
- Honey Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Madu): This one is seriously addictive! The skin is sweet and crispy, while the chicken inside is still super juicy. It goes perfectly with rice.
- Stir-fried Water Spinach with Shrimp Paste (Tumis Kangkung Belacan): The perfect match for the fried chicken! The shrimp paste flavor is strong, and the water spinach is stir-fried to a perfect crisp. This is the soul of Indonesian cuisine.
- Honey Fried Fish Fillet (Fillet Ikan Goreng Saus Madu): If you don't like dealing with bones, you can order this. The fish fillet is tender and smooth, coated in honey sauce. Kids will love it too.
But hold on, don't praise it just yet. Here come the downsides.
Alright, enough with the praise, it's time for some real talk. This place's pitfalls are as prominent as its strengths.
First off, while the food is delicious, you get crazy thirsty after eating. I feel like they might be a bit heavy-handed with the MSG (micin). Secondly, the service is really a matter of luck. It was fine when I went, but I've heard many friends complain about grumpy and impatient staff. Someone even got body-shamed to their face, Anjay! That's just outrageous.
The most important point: Although there's a Halal sign at the entrance, I personally saw a customer post that they spotted a bottle that looked like Angciu (red wine/cooking wine) in the kitchen. For friends who are concerned about this, please be cautious!
A Guide to Avoid the Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Want to give it a try? Take this veteran's Nongkrong guide:
Overall, the taste is Mantap, the price is affordable, but the experience... well, it's very lokal. Do you dare to take on the challenge? 😉
- 1. Go during off-peak hours! Off-peak! Off-peak! Don't join the crowd between 12 PM and 1 PM, or the dishes might all be gone. Either arrive by 11:30 AM or come after 1:30 PM.
- 2. Ask for the price first! Then order! This is a lesson learned the hard way! The self-service dishes aren't clearly priced. Before ordering, be sure to point at the dish and ask how much it costs, otherwise the bill might make you question your existence.
- 3. Keep a relaxed mindset: Treat it like a fast-food canteen for experiencing local life. Don't have high expectations for the environment or service, and you'll be much more chill.
- Honey-glazed fried chicken: sweet crispy skin, juicy meat. One bite and you're obsessed—so addictively good!
- A huge spread of Chinese-Indonesian comfort food lined up. The visual feast will make your mouth water instantly!
- Just 20-30k Rupiah gets you a huge honey-glazed chicken thigh set. Tasty and cheap—no wonder locals are always queuing!
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