Who says ice cream shops are only for dessert? The Martabak at this Medan spot is the real star
qponx
2026-03-06
Don't let the name fool you! City Ice Cream in Medan is more than just a dessert spot. While the ice cream is a draw, the real star is the savory Martabak—perfectly crispy and flavorful. It's the ultimate comfort food after a day of shopping. Pair it with a jumbo City Ice Coffee for a perfect pick-me-up. This comfy, spacious cafe is a great hangout spot, and even features a rare indoor, air-conditioned smoking area.
Girls, I just shopped until my legs were about to break at Plaza Medan Fair in Medan and was just looking for a random place to crash. But my friend insisted on dragging me into this place, City Ice Cream. I was thinking, isn't it just another chain ice cream shop? What surprises could it possibly have? Turns out… Anjay! I was wrong!
The moment I walked in, the atmosphere was really comfy, bright and spacious, with the AC blasting. It's the perfect spot to recharge after shopping. Once you sit on the sofa, you won't want to get up, making it great for Nongkrong with friends for an afternoon[1]. It can get a bit noisy when it's crowded, with the staff clattering around, but it actually adds to the lively vibe. It just means business is good!
Following my friend's recommendation, I skipped the ice cream and ordered a main course first. I was blown away when the signature Martabak[2] arrived. The skin was fried to a perfect crisp, and the filling was packed with flavor. Dipped in the accompanying sweet and sour chili sauce, one bite was just so Mantap! To quench my thirst, I ordered the jumbo City Ice Coffee[3]—espresso + sweet cream + a full cup of crushed ice. It's an absolute lifesaver in Medan's weather! My friend's Waffle with Ice Cream[4] was also a hit. The waffle was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and there were so many ice cream flavors it was hard to choose.
⚠️Real Talk Time
But let's be real. This place is really Chill, but during peak meal times, the serving speed can be a bit of a gamble[5]... If you're starving, you should be mentally prepared. Also, my vegetarian friends might be disappointed; the vegetarian options are very, very limited[6]. You can basically only have coffee and ice cream.
✍️Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Overall, it's a casual diner that's been overshadowed by its ice cream, and it's definitely worth a visit
- What to order?
- Must-try: Martabak, City Ice Coffee.
- For the dessert lovers: If you're in a small group, get the waffle with ice cream. If you're in a big group, go straight for the fun City Fondue[7]—who doesn't love a chocolate fondue!
- Money-saving tips
- They often have promotions, like getting a free dish when you spend over 300k or 600k Indonesian Rupiah[8]. Remember to ask before ordering, you might just score a free dish!
- Special Perks
- Extremely friendly to our smoker friends! They actually have an air-conditioned indoor smoking area[9], which is a rare find in a mall. It's a godsend for veteran smokers.
- Other
- It's also a good spot for families with kids. After all, not many kids can resist the temptation of ice cream. Payment methods are convenient too; cash and credit cards are both OK[10].
- Crispy Martabak with savory filling, dipped in sweet & sour sauce—so Mantap [1]! The hidden star of this ice cream spot.
- Shopped 'til you drop at Plaza Medan Fair? Nongkrong here all afternoon. Blast the AC, sink into a sofa, and instantly recharge [2].
- A rare air-conditioned indoor smoking area in the mall [3]. A smoker's paradise! Sending this to my friends now.
Similar Articles
OMG! Found a real-life Wizard of Oz in rural Medan, but the food took 2 hours to arrive?
Escape to a stunning, forest-like cafe hidden in rural Medan! This spot is a visual treat, perfect for chilling with friends and snapping photos. They shine with creative specialty coffees from their own plantation, like an Instagram-worthy bear-shaped cappuccino. However, patience is a must—service is incredibly slow, and the main courses are forgettable. Come for the amazing atmosphere and unique drinks, but definitely not when you're starving.
Forget Medan Souvenirs! The Top-Tier Cake Certified by Lokals, So Soft It's a Crime
Tired of the usual Medan souvenirs? Discover Bolu Menara, a local-certified gem that's changing the game. Their signature steam cake is praised for its unbelievable, cloud-like softness and perfectly balanced sweetness that isn't cloying. Loved by all ages and surprisingly affordable, this delicious treat is the ultimate gift to bring home. Hailed by locals as an addictive must-try, it's a stop you won't want to miss on your next trip to Medan.
Attention, Medan carnivores! 150k All-You-Can-Eat, but I suggest you watch this before rushing over
Medan carnivores, is the 150k all-you-can-eat deal at Shaburi & Kintan worth the hype? This spot offers a feast for meat lovers, with the tender King Karubi being a standout highlight. Discover a game-changing hack for the dipping sauce that you won't want to miss! While the service can be inconsistent, this review tells you how to make the most of your visit, what to order, and what to skip for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
Calling all Medan WFC crew! This cafe has god-tier internet, but the service is also 'god-tier'. Dare to enter?
Attention, Medan WFC crew! Fantastic Cafe offers god-tier internet, a comfy modern vibe, and a rare air-conditioned smoking room. While the Chicken Katsu Curry is a must-try, be warned: the service is notoriously slow, with waits up to an hour for cold food. Inconsistent portions and other issues also mar the experience. It's a spot with extreme pros and cons—great for getting work done if you’re patient, but maybe skip it if you're actually hungry.