Don't just buy any Medan souvenirs! Listen up, this is the true Lokal favorite
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover a true local gem in Medan for authentic souvenirs! This guide steers you toward a shop famed for its heavenly Bolu Stim (steam cakes), praised for being incredibly soft, moist, and affordable. Learn about must-try flavors like the savory-sweet peanut and classic pandan srikaya. The article also shares an honest local's take, including tips on snagging deals and avoiding pitfalls like inconsistent service, ensuring you get the best experience without falling for tourist traps.
Just got back from Medan, and I have to tell you guys about this souvenir shop! Honestly, I almost slipped right when I got to the entrance. The floor design is a bit too "surprising"... My heart sank for a moment, thinking it was another overhyped influencer trap, but then... Anjay! I almost missed out!
Steam Cake as Fluffy as a Cloud ☁️
Their specialty is Bolu Stim, which is a type of steam cake. The texture is truly Mantap! It's incredibly soft and moist, and the sweetness is perfectly balanced, not cloying at all. It's the kind of flavor the whole family, young and old, would praise[1]. The prices are also really on point, much cheaper than some of the big brands next door.
I randomly picked two kinds, and surprisingly, neither was a dud:
Bringing them back as souvenirs, whether for friends or for your own afternoon tea while you Nongkrong, looks really good.
- Lapis stim kacang teng-teng[2]: It has a layer of crushed peanuts, giving it a super rich texture! The sweet and savory combo is the GOAT! It's only 38k Indonesian Rupiah[3].
- Pandan srikaya[4]: The combination of pandan and srikaya never goes wrong! A refreshing tropical flavor, this one is 36k Indonesian Rupiah[5].
Rant Time: It's Not All Blind Praise
Of course, as usual, where there's praise, there's criticism.
Although the guy at this Wahid Hasyim branch was super friendly, I heard from lokal friends that the service quality between different branches is worlds apart. Some of my friends have encountered employees with faces so sour you could hang an oil bottle on them[6], which is a real turn-off.
Another small detail, the cake box doesn't even come with a plastic knife[7]! For impatient people like us who want to dig in right away in the car or at the airport, this is a real pain...
✍️ Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Get your notebooks ready)
- Watch your step: That sloped area at the entrance is 100% slippery on rainy days, so walk carefully[8]! Don't be like me and almost perform a fall on flat ground.
- Follow their IG to snag deals: Before you go, make sure to check their official Instagram! They often have promotions like "Beli 3 Gratis 1" (Buy 3 Get 1 Free)[9]. Missing out is like losing money!
- Bring your own utensils: If you plan to eat it right after buying, remember to bring a small knife.
- Don't count on phone support: Thinking of calling to ask about stock at different branches? Save your breath. I've tested it myself, and they don't even know[10]. Going directly to the store is the most reliable way.
- Steamed Cake is Mantap! Super soft, moist, and perfectly sweet. The whole family will love it [1].
- Lapis stim kacang teng-teng is salty-sweet with a rich, crushed peanut filling for extra texture. Only 38k IDR [2].
- Pandan srikaya has a fresh tropical flavor. The classic pandan and kaya combo never fails. Just 36k IDR [3].
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