Noodles 10k, Parking 3k? The math at Mie Gacoan isn't making sense
qponx
2026-03-06
Curious about the Mie Gacoan craze? This article explores the wildly popular noodle spot known for its unbelievably cheap prices, with dishes under 15k rupiah. Discover its signature spicy noodles and massive fruit ice drinks that draw huge crowds. But there's a catch: be prepared for long queues and a surprisingly high parking fee compared to your meal. Get the full scoop and pro-tips on how to tackle this bustling, budget-friendly eatery before you decide to join the line.
Just got back from Medan, and first things first, let's talk about this place that blew my mind: Mie Gacoan. I was stunned before I even got in the door—the line was so long... I thought some celebrity was holding a concert! My friend next to me insisted, "We're already here, let's queue!" I was thinking, what kind of god-tier noodle shop has this much hype? 🤷♀️
Squeezing into the crowd, it all made sense
The moment I got the menu, I understood. Every single item was under 15,000 rupiah[1]! Anjay! You probably can't even get a glass of iced tea for this price in Jakarta, right? It's basically a student's cafeteria, a lifesaver at the end of the month!
We pretty much ordered all their signature dishes:
- Mie Hompimpa[2]: I chose mild spicy, and the noodle texture was really good, springy and chewy. The savory seasoning was super addictive. It's the kind of strong flavor that Indonesians typically love, Mantap!
- Dimsum[3]: We ordered the cheese and shrimp one. The skin was fried to a crisp, and the filling was okay. It was a safe choice, nothing amazing but not bad either, perfect for eating with the spicy noodles.
- Es Gobak Sodor[4]: How can you eat spicy noodles without something to cool you down? When this huge cup of fruit ice arrived, I instantly felt revived. They were generous with the ingredients, and it was very Chill to drink.
Let's be real (it's not all praise)
Okay, enough with the praise, time to complain a bit. The biggest problem with this place is—it's just too popular! 🔥 It was so crowded that the pickup counter was overflowing with orders. By the time we got our noodles, they were already a bit cold[5], which compromised the texture. It was a shame, because the noodle quality was originally pretty good.
Another point of complaint: a meal costs only 10k-20k per person, but the motorcycle parking fee is 3,000 rupiah[6]. Even though it's not a lot of money, the ratio just feels a bit weird, hahaha!
My [pro-tips/time-saving] guide
Finally, for the girls who want to check this place out, here's some honest advice:
- 1. Be prepared to queue: Don't expect a miracle if you go during meal times; this place is almost always packed[7]. If you don't want to wait too long, try your luck during off-peak hours like 3 or 4 PM.
- 2. Teamwork: It's best to come with a few people. One person can queue up to order while the others find a table. Otherwise, by the time your noodles arrive, you might not have a place to sit.
- 3. Manage your expectations: Think of it as a popular local Nongkrong spot to experience the vibe, not a place for gourmet dining. After all, at this price, what more could you ask for?
- Mie Gacoan has unbeatable prices! Everything's under 15k IDR[1]—cheaper than Jakarta iced tea. A student's dream!
- Mie Hompimpa has bold, savory flavor & perfectly chewy noodles. A true lokal favorite, addictive from the first bite. Just Mantap!
- Es Gobak Sodor is a huge fruit ice loaded with toppings to kill the spice. It revives you after fiery noodles. So Chill [2]
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