4.8 on Google, but the flies are more active than me? Gotta be honest about this Medan seafood joint.
qponx
2026-03-07
Medan's Rasa Seafood boasts a 4.8 Google rating, but is it worth the hype? This honest review dives into the bustling spot, praising its fantastic flavors, from fresh seafood to a surprisingly show-stealing fried chicken (Ayam Citarasa). However, it also gets real about the downsides. Diners should be prepared for a lively atmosphere that comes with some pesky flies and frustratingly slow service, creating a classic clash between delicious food and a flawed dining experience.
If friends in Medan treat you to a meal, they'll almost always mention this place, Rasa Seafood in Cemara Asri. With a high score of 4.8 on Google and always packed to the brim during mealtimes, it seems like the kind of choice you can't go wrong with. But, after sitting down, I realized things weren't that simple...
The Flavor is Truly Mantap, and the Chicken Steals the Show from the Seafood
The whole place has that lively, bustling Chinese seafood restaurant feel, with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a big group of people to come and Nongkrong. We sat indoors that day, and man, when it's full, the air conditioning is really not strong enough, it felt a bit stuffy.
But once the food arrived, all was half-forgiven! I originally came for the seafood, but ended up being won over by a chicken dish! That signature fried chicken called Ayam Citarasa, is covered with fried garlic, the chicken is incredibly juicy, and the taste is truly Mantap! No exaggeration, I almost forgot this was a seafood restaurant. 😂
Of course, the seafood is the main star. The signature sauce crab and grilled fish are both on point flavor-wise, and the seafood is definitely fresh, you can taste it. The overall flavor is a bit like Chinese food from the Bandung area—sweet and savory, and goes really well with rice. As for the portions, they're pretty standard; if you have a large group, I'd suggest ordering a few more dishes.
Done with the praise, now it's time to complain...
Alright, time for some real talk. The biggest problem is the hygiene... there are quite a few flies. Having to wave your hands to shoo away flies while you eat really brings down the experience, Anjay!
The service is also hit-or-miss. We had a situation where they brought us the wrong dish, and it took forever to communicate and get it sorted out, super slow. We couldn't even find anyone to hurry our order along. It feels like the staff training needs improvement. In terms of price, many people say it's affordable, while others find it a bit pricey. I think it's in the mid-to-high range, but they often have set menu promotions, so you can check their official account before you go. Every little bit saved helps.
【Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls】
Finally, for all my friends out there, here are the key takeaways. If you're planning to go, take notes ✏️：
- 1. Choosing Your Seat: For those of you who can't stand the heat, if you see the indoor area is full, definitely choose the outdoor seating. Otherwise, the weak AC will have you sweating buckets while you eat.
- 2. Dining Time: It gets super crowded during meal times. If you don't want to wait for a table, go early or just go during off-peak hours. Otherwise, you'll wait until you're past hungry.
- 3. Have Realistic Expectations for Hygiene: Regarding the fly issue… emmm… just be mentally prepared. Or maybe choosing a spot further from the entrance might be better?
- 4. Be Cautious with Business Events: Just a side note, if you're thinking of holding an event here and using the second-floor meeting room, make sure to test the equipment in advance! I've heard the projector and sound system often have problems, and there's no one to fix them. Don't ask me how I know, it's a lesson learned the hard way.
- The Ayam Citarasa fried chicken is criminally good: super garlicky and juicy, you'll forget this is a seafood spot!
- 4.8 on Google & always packed. The #1 choice for Medan locals treating friends. The crowds prove the food is legit.
- Classic Chinese seafood hall vibe, perfect for a big group to Nongkrong for a truly local Medan-style get-together.
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