1 Million for 1kg Crab? Medan's Legendary Restaurant: Worth the Hype or a Rip-off?
qponx
2026-03-06
Step into Medan's legendary Restoran Ria, a grand establishment with an "old money" banquet vibe. It's famous for authentic, high-quality Chinese seafood, featuring showstoppers like flavorful stir-fried crab and incredibly fresh steamed fish. While the taste is exceptional, be prepared for the hefty price tag—a kilogram of crab costs 1 million IDR! This spot is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or business dinners when you need to impress. Is it worth the hype? Find out here.
Before coming to Medan, my Lokal friends kept telling me: if you want a big feast or a family banquet, it has to be Restoran Ria. Honestly, the moment I stepped inside, the grand vibe of a tycoon's banquet from an 80s Hong Kong movie just hits you. It's not the trendy Instagrammable style, but rather a kind of 'old money' grandeur and sophistication[1]. It feels like a big boss with a brick phone could walk in to talk business any second. 😂
Does the taste live up to its 'legendary' status?
First, the verdict: the taste is truly Mantap!
As soon as the dishes arrive, you know your money was well spent. When that pot of Deer Bone and Vermicelli Soup[2] was served, the rich aroma was just overpowering, instantly captivating your sense of smell. The broth was rich and mellow, and the portion was huge. Our whole table drank to our hearts' content.
Stir-fried Crab with Dried Shrimp and Chili was the main event. The crab meat was plump, and it was coated in a sauce that was just so flavorful! Every bite was packed with solid freshness and sweetness, paired with the fragrance of the chili, it was amazing.
Their Steamed Fish[3] is also a showstopper. I heard the owner himself is a real foodie (makan kaki), and is extremely picky about ingredients. The fish is brought directly from Gabion Port[4], and you can tell from its tenderness that it's not frozen. There was also Garlic Razor Clams[5]. The cooking time was just right, the meat was springy (Q-textured), and there was no fishy taste at all. Overall, the flavors of the dishes were totally on point[6]. It's that kind of solid, authentic Chinese seafood flavor. No wonder it's been popular for so many years.
Alright, let's talk about the wallet…
Okay, enough with the praise, time for some real talk. Is your wallet ready? The prices here, how should I put it, are definitely not at the ‘Nongkrong’ level.
A 1kg plate of crab on the menu is listed at 1 million Indonesian Rupiah[7]; a portion of canned abalone with sea cucumber shoots straight up to 3 million. Anjay! These prices are definitely geared towards business banquets and wedding receptions. If you're just looking to Chill for a day... your wallet might cry. 💸
Blogger's TIPS (from the heart)
Who is this place for?
Ordering tips
Reservation reminders
- Family gatherings: Especially if you're bringing elders. They will absolutely love this kind of traditional, grand place with authentic flavors.
- Business dinners: When you need to make an impression, this place can definitely hold its own.
- Wedding receptions: The venue is huge. Several private rooms can be combined to form a large banquet hall, which is very professional.
- Most dishes come in large portions, especially the soups. The deer bone soup, for example, is for 10 people, so don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach when ordering.
- If you need a private space, they have many VIP rooms[8], so remember to book in advance. The main hall is more lively and bustling with energy.
- For payment, they accept both cards and cash[9], which is quite convenient.
- The vibe is 80s Hong Kong tycoon banquet, not trendy. "Old money" grandeur [1] where bosses with brick phones make deals.
- The Deer Bone Vermicelli Soup's intense aroma hits first. Its rich broth and huge portion will satisfy the whole table [2].
- A 1kg crab is 1M IDR [3]; abalone with sea cucumber hits 3M. Prices clearly for business banquets and wedding feasts.
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