Eat till you're stuffed for 50? At this Medan sushi train, trust me: don't just focus on the sushi
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Sushi Mentai, a budget-friendly sushi train in Medan where you can eat your fill without breaking the bank! With plates starting at just 10k, it's a great spot to hang with friends. While the sushi is a decent value, the real star is the à la carte menu. The super crispy and juicy Chicken Karaage is an absolute must-try, hailed as a standout dish. This spot offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and satisfying food for a casual outing.
Over the weekend, my friends and I were looking for a place to Nongkrong in Medan but didn't want to break the bank, and we ended up getting recommended Sushi Mentai. Honestly, as soon as I walked in, I was stunned by the ridiculously long conveyor belt. The colorful plates just kept spinning and spinning, with the cheapest plate at only 10k[1] and the most expensive at just 15k. A price like that these days is just Anjay! Felt like I could eat to my heart's content!
Grab All the Sushi You Want, But the Main Event Comes Later!
The environment is quite bright and spacious, but the background music was surprisingly Western pop hits, which felt a bit out of place for a Japanese restaurant's vibe, haha. As for the sushi on the conveyor belt, at this price point, don't expect any top-tier sashimi. The rice portion is definitely generous, with a tiny slice of fish[2], so it's mainly about filling you up. We grabbed a few plates randomly; the taste was pretty standard and worth the price.
But! The absolute MVP of the whole meal was the à la carte Chicken Karaage[3]! Trust me, this might be the best Japanese fried chicken I've ever had in Indonesia! The skin was fried to a golden, crispy perfection, and when you bite into it, the inside is so tender and juicy, I couldn't stop eating even though it was burning my mouth. Also, if you see the Baby Crabs[4] on the conveyor belt, give them a try. They're quite tasty as a little snack.
Real Talk: Some Pitfalls to Be Aware Of
Although the value for money is Mantap, we have to be honest. The quality can be a bit inconsistent; a friend said they had a rice dish before that was a total miss[5]. Also, do the flavors in Medan tend to be on the heavier side? A lot of the sushi rolls are slathered with a thick layer of mayonnaise, so for those of you who don't like too much sauce, make sure to look carefully before you grab a plate[6]. During peak hours when it gets crowded, the selection on the conveyor belt becomes very limited, and you might have to order what you want by scanning the QR code for the à la carte menu.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money📝
Overall, if you want to Chill with friends, are on a budget but want to eat your fill of Japanese food, this place is definitely the top choice in Medan. After all, at this price, what more could you ask for! Just go for it
- Go early! There's always a line during weekend meal times. We personally tested it and waited for half an hour, so if you want to go, go early[7]!
- Order via QR code: There's a QR code on the table. You can order directly from your phone without waiting for a server, which is very convenient[8].
- The Ocha trick is great: If everyone at the table is drinking iced tea (Ocha), they'll bring a large pitcher, and the feeling of unlimited refills is awesome. No need to keep bothering the staff[9].
- Incredibly cheap! Sushi plates start at just 10k IDR[1]. Eat your fill—the value is insane. A total steal for Medan!
- The Chicken Karaage is the absolute MVP[2]! Golden crispy skin, tender juicy meat inside. So addictive you'll eat it piping hot.
- Beyond sushi, try the Baby Crabs snack[3]. Super crispy, bite-sized, and a must-have for Nongkrong
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