This 4.6-star seafood in Medan: So good I'm willing to forgive the service?
qponx
2026-03-07
This 4.6-star seafood spot in Medan serves incredible, authentic Indonesian dishes like Salted Egg Squid and Steamed Fish with Nyonya Sauce. The food is so good it might make you overlook the downsides. But be warned: the service is lacking, the space is crowded, and prices are high for the portion sizes. Is the phenomenal flavor worth the hassle? This review breaks down whether you should go and offers essential tips for surviving the experience.
Girls, let's just say, a place with a 4.6 Google rating and listed by countless people as their "favorite seafood restaurant"—sounds like it can't go wrong, right? That's what I thought at first, but reality slapped me right in the face… 🫠
The moment I walked in, the "rustic fishing village" decor was quite photogenic, it really had that vibe. But the next second, I started to regret it. The main hall was hot and crowded, and the tables were packed so closely together, I felt like I could hear all the gossip from the guy at the next table. It definitely had the Nongkrong atmosphere, but it was a bit *too* immersive, you know. 😂
Just as I was about to melt from the heat, the food finally arrived. OK, the plot twist begins!
The signature Salted Egg Squid (Cumi Telur Asin), I have to give it major props! The squid was incredibly tender, not chewy at all, and coated in the salted egg yolk sauce, the aroma was intoxicating. And then there was the Steamed Fish with Nyonya Sauce (Ikan Saus Nyonya), the fish was fresh without any fishy smell, and the tangy and spicy Nyonya sauce was so appetizing and went perfectly with rice, Mantap! We also ordered the Crab (Kepiting), and the flavor was also impeccable, so fresh and delicious! Overall, the food here is seriously good. It's that completely authentic Indonesian flavor, delicious!
But! After all the praise, let's get real. The service here, Anjay… I just can't. The waiters had sour faces the whole time, standing around with their arms crossed like guards on duty, and wouldn't respond even after we called them for ages. We asked for some chili sauce, and they said "iya iya" three times, but in the end, we had to go get it ourselves. Plus, the prices are on the high side. A casual meal for two cost almost 500,000 rupiah, and the key thing is, the portions aren't even big. The value for money is really a bit low.
My "Life-Saving" Guide
So, should you go? If you're going purely for the food, then yes! But please accept this guide, written in blood and tears:
- If you can't stand the heat, book a VIP room! If you want to eat comfortably, make sure to book a VIP private room with air conditioning in advance. Some even have karaoke, which instantly maxes out the experience.
- Whatever you do, don't go on weekends! It's insanely crowded on weekends and public holidays, and the queuing + waiting for food will make you question your life choices.
- Keep calm and eat with a zen mindset. Don't have any expectations for the service. Just silently repeat to yourself three times, "I'm here for the food," and don't let the sour faces ruin your appetite.
- Don't be shy when ordering. Because the portions are on the smaller side, if you have a larger group, remember to order an extra dish or two, otherwise, it really won't be enough food.
- **Salted Egg Squid (Cumi Telur Asin)**: So tender! Coated in rich salted egg yolk sauce, flavor explodes with every bite .
- **Nyonya Sauce Steamed Fish (Ikan Saus Nyonya)**: Fish is super fresh, no fishiness! Sour & spicy sauce with rice? Pure bliss for rice lovers! .
- Google 4.6+ & many's "favorite seafood spot," taste is legit! This **Indonesian flavor** is worth any wait .
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