4.9 Stars on Google, Yet I Got Undercooked Rice & a Lipstick-Stained Cup at This Viral Medan Spot?
qponx
2026-03-06
Is Medan's viral Nasi Gerilya worth its 4.9-star hype? This review dives into a rollercoaster dining experience. While the Padang flavors, especially the Fish Head Curry, are praised as incredibly addictive, the visit was a disaster in other ways. Get the full scoop on the undercooked rice, shocking hygiene issues like a lipstick-stained cup, and chaotic service. The article also shares crucial tips for anyone brave enough to visit, including the strong recommendation to get takeaway instead.
Anjay, the hype for this Nasi Gerilya in Medan is insane! A quick scroll on Google shows a 4.9-star rating with 900+ reviews, and even their Instagram is blue-check verified[1]. I felt like I'd be letting my foodie friends down if I didn't go check it out.
And the result? This experience was a real rollercoaster, half heaven, half hell. My feelings were so mixed that I needed to find a place to Nongkrong and chill for a bit…
The flavor is seriously addictive, but are they serious with the rice?
To be fair, the flavor of their Padang food is genuinely impressive. They're super generous with the spices, making it rich enough and addictive enough—the kind of heavy flavor that makes you want to lick your fingers after eating[2].
Their signature Fish Head Curry (Gulai Kepala Ikan)[3] was definitely the MVP of the meal. The sauce was incredibly thick and rich, the fish was tender and smooth, and it was absolutely Mantap with rice! The Beef Rendang (Rendang)[4] and Specialty Fried Chicken (Ayam Pop)[5] were also on point; no complaints about the flavor.
BUT! Here comes the interesting part. Just as I was basking in the joy of the curry, a spoonful of rice completely silenced me… The rice was half-cooked and even had a weird smell. My friend's bowl was even more ridiculous; it tasted like it was leftover and had gone bad[6]. Bro, this is the soul of Padang food, how could you mess this up?!
Service and hygiene don't live up to its reputation
If the rice was an accident, the rest of the experience was a full-blown disaster. It's a new place, so I can understand it being crowded and chaotic, but the tables were so sticky I didn't even dare to rest my arms on them. The craziest part was, the cup the waiter handed me had a bright lipstick stain on it[7]! I was petrified on the spot… The hygiene situation is seriously worrying.
The service was also slow enough to make you question your life choices. It took forever for someone to take our order, and they kept messing up the dishes they brought out[8]. Oh, and by the way, even plain water isn't free here—it's 3k IDR per glass[9]. That's just petty, come on!
As usual, here's my [Guide to Avoiding Disasters / Visiting the Shop] for you guys
Let me speak from the heart: I have a real love-hate relationship with this place. If you're the kind of warrior who can tolerate anything for the ultimate flavor, then go for it. Otherwise, please read the following tips carefully:
- Opt for takeaway: A lot of locals say the same thing. Get it to-go so you can just enjoy the delicious food at home without putting up with the terrible environment and service[10].
- Check your food: Before eating, make sure to check the freshness of the rice and dishes. If something seems off, don't be shy—ask for a replacement immediately!
- Bring your own wet wipes: If you absolutely must dine in, bring wet wipes for the table and utensils. Seriously, trust me.
- Double-check your bill and takeaway order: Whether you're dining in or taking away, always check everything carefully on the spot when you pay and pick up your food! More than one person has reported paying but not getting all their dishes.
- Lower your expectations for service: Be prepared to wait a long time, have your order missed, or even get the wrong dishes. It will help you stay much calmer. 😂
- Gulai Kepala Ikan: a super rich curry with tender fish. So Mantap with rice! [1] The thought alone is mouth-watering.
- 4.9 Google stars (900+ reviews), IG-verified [2]. This Medan spot is so hot, you owe your foodie friends a visit. What's the hype?
- Despite flaws, locals still get Takeaway [3] for their fix of addictive, bold-flavored Padang food [4].
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