Calling all pork heads! This Medan spot has no AC, but I was sweating buckets and still wanted to order more.
qponx
2026-03-06
Get ready to sweat for some seriously good pork! This popular Medan Batak spot may lack air conditioning, but its food is worth the heat. Dive into the star dish, Babi Panggang (roast pork), featuring incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat you can customize to your liking. Don't miss the rich Saksang stew, perfectly paired with rice. For the ultimate flavor experience, brave the crowds and dine in—it’s an authentic, unforgettable adventure for any pork lover.
To be honest, when I first squeezed into Hotdaina, I was a bit stunned. The wooden benches were packed solid, fans were blowing hot air around, and there were people behind me waiting to share a table... I was muttering to myself: This is it? The "one of the best Batak restaurants in Medan"[1] that my Medan friend raved about has *this* kind of atmosphere? Anjay, I almost turned around and left.
Luckily, I was hungry, and luckily, I held back. The moment that plate of roast pork arrived, all my previous complaints vanished into thin air!
Carb Bomb, Endless Joy!
Babi Panggang (BPK)[2] is the real star here! The pork skin is roasted until it's super crispy; you can hear the crunch with every bite, but the meat underneath is incredibly juicy. The best part is, you can tell the owner if you want it fattier or leaner, customizing your own happiness! Paired with their special green andaliman chili sauce, that numbing kick will send you straight to heaven, Mantap!
For those who love intense flavors, you have to try the Saksang[3]. It's pork stewed with pig's blood and spices, the flavor is incredibly rich and so savory it'll blow your mind, and it's perfect with rice. When your mouth is slick with delicious grease, quickly grab a glass of the complimentary cucumber juice (es timun)[4] from the shop. It instantly cuts through the richness and cools you down, making you feel like you can take on another three bowls of rice!
Real Talk (a quiet rant)
Although the dine-in experience is top-notch, I have to say, their takeout is a bit of a mystery. I've heard friends complain that the takeout portions can be inconsistent, sometimes more, sometimes less[5], and the taste isn't as good as dining in. So, if you want the best experience, you should just come to the restaurant in person, and have an immersive, sweaty, and joyful experience.
Of course, this kind of heavily spiced, bold-flavored Batak cuisine[6] might not be for everyone, but if you're a meat lover, it's definitely worth a shot!
Quick Guide & How to Avoid Pitfalls
- Don't go during peak hours: During the lunch rush, especially on Friday afternoons, it gets insanely crowded, and waiting in line is the norm[7]. If you want to chill, it's best to go during off-peak hours.
- Dress for the heat: Let me say it again, there's no air conditioning in the shop[8]! Don't bother with any fancy dresses, get your T-shirt and shorts ready, and be prepared to sweat.
- Dine in! Dine in! Dine in!: Important things must be said three times. The takeout portions and flavors can be a gamble, the dine-in experience is the best.
- Ordering hack: When ordering the roast pork, be bold and tell the owner if you want "lemak" (fat) or "daging" (lean meat), it'll level up your experience
- Babi Panggang: Crackling skin, juicy meat (custom fat/lean). The green andaliman chili sauce has a numbing, spicy after-kick[1].
- For bold flavors, try Saksang: pork stewed in pig's blood & spices. So rich and savory, it’s incredible with rice[2].
- Free-flow es timun (cucumber juice)[3] cuts the richness and cools you down, prepping you for more rice
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