This 4.7-star legendary spot in Medan... I'm warning you, don't bring your boss...
qponx
2026-03-06
MR.BOEY'S CAFE in Medan is a spacious 4.7-star spot perfect for group hangouts, boasting free parking and live music. While the signature Nasi Jeruk Ayam Bakar is a must-try, there's a major catch: the service is a gamble, with reviews ranging from excellent to shockingly poor. It's a fantastic choice for a casual night out with friends, but the unpredictable service makes it a risky bet for important business dinners or formal events.
As soon as I arrived in Medan, my friend dragged me to this place, MR.BOEY'S CAFE, saying it's perfect for a big group of people to Nongkrong. When I got there, wow, the parking lot was so huge it felt like you could hold a small music festival[1], and it's free! This point alone is a huge win. The whole place feels incredibly spacious, with indoor, outdoor, and VIP rooms. There's even live music on weekend nights[2], which really sets the mood. It looks like the perfect template for a company outing or a family gathering, right? But, don't jump to conclusions just yet…
The flavors are on point, but there's a small "sweet" trap
I chose the indoor air-conditioned area. The decor is quite photogenic; any random shot looks good. Flipping through the menu, I felt the selection wasn't huge, but the signature dishes really stood out. I took a leap of faith and ordered the much-hyped Nasi Jeruk Ayam Bakar[3] (Orange Fragrant Rice with Grilled Chicken). Honestly, this dish is something else! The rice has a unique, fresh orange aroma, and the grilled chicken is tender and flavorful. One bite and it's truly Mantap! My companion's Salmon Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce[4] wasn't a miss either; the creamy garlic sauce was quite rich and smooth. But I have to mention, both the pasta and the Avocado Coffee[5] we ordered were on the sweeter side overall[6], so for someone like me who doesn't have a sweet tooth, I'll have to tell the waiter "gula sedikit" (less sugar) next time.
Done with the compliments, now for some real talk
Okay, compliments are over, now it's time to complain. The ambiance and the taste of the main courses are definitely solid. The 1100+ reviews and high score of 4.7 on Google[7] aren't fake. BUT! The service here... is truly Schrödinger's cat. When I went, the waiter was all smiles and very efficient. But when I got back, my curious hands scrolled through the reviews, and I was completely shocked. One customer said their takeaway food was thrown out as trash, and the staff picked it out of the garbage, reheated it, and gave it to them[8]?! Anjay! There were also alleged former employees revealing harsh treatment of staff… After reading these, the coffee in my hand suddenly lost its appeal.
Editor's Unsolicited Advice
So, is this place actually worth visiting? Here's my advice:
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
- For a small get-together with friends, purely to Nongkrong: Go for it! The vibe is great, the place is huge, the signature dishes are delicious, and it's totally fine for taking photos and just to chill.
- For family dinners or birthday parties: It's an option. The venue's size is a huge advantage, as it can accommodate a lot of people[9]. But it's best to communicate service details in advance and lower your expectations.
- For business dinners, with your boss/important clients: Think twice! The unpredictable service quality is a ticking time bomb. If you run into a bad experience, the situation could get very awkward.
- 1. Ordering: For the main course, go straight for the Nasi Jeruk Ayam[10]; you basically can't go wrong. But be cautious when ordering things like the seafood fried noodles.
- 2. Flavor: If you don't like sweet food, you must tell them in advance! Ask for 'Gula pisah' (sugar on the side) or 'kurangi gula' (less sugar).
- 3. Price: The average cost per person is mid-to-high range[11], and you can spend as much or as little as you want, but it might not be so friendly for students on a budget.
- 4. Getting There: Come by car! Don't let its huge, free parking lot go to waste[12]
- Huge free parking—so big it could host a festival [1]! A massive win for drivers, making parking stress-free.
- The Nasi Jeruk Ayam Bakar has fragrant orange rice and tender grilled chicken. Just Mantap! [2] A can't-miss signature dish.
- Indoor, outdoor, and VIP rooms plus weekend live music [3] create the perfect vibe for company events or family gatherings.
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