Medan's A&W: Hit-or-miss fried chicken and a battle of wits at checkout?
qponx
2026-03-07
Thinking of stopping by the A&W in Medan's Brastagi supermarket? This review breaks down the experience. While it's a super convenient spot for a post-shopping break with a classic Root Beer float, be warned: the fried chicken quality is a total lottery. The article’s biggest heads-up is to double-check your bill for sneaky extra charges. Read on to see if the convenience is worth the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Every time I go to the Brastagi supermarket in Medan, it feels like going to war. After buying a whole cart of stuff, I just want to find a place to collapse. This A&W inside the supermarket looked like a savior. After all, it's a familiar brand, so I thought I could just mindlessly Chill for a bit, but... Anjay, this meal made my mood feel like a roller coaster ride. 🎢
The environment is great, it's right inside the supermarket, so you can come straight over to rest your feet and eat after shopping. It's a total blessing for moms with kids in tow, and there's also a kids' play area next to it, so the kids can burn off their energy. As usual, I ordered their classic combo. When that Root Beer with ice cream arrived, ahhh~ those bubbles, that icy coolness, that's the stuff! Childhood memories came flooding back. ❤️
But when the main event, the fried chicken, arrived, I was a bit stunned. Sometimes, it can be the best in the city, with crispy skin, juicy meat, and a really authentic flavor. But this time, I felt like I was opening a blind box. The chicken pieces were a bit dark in color, and the skin wasn't crispy enough, which kind of ruined my mood. A friend at the next table said that the last time he ate here, it was especially delicious. It seems the quality is really a matter of luck.
To be honest, the price isn't cheap for fast food, and the chicken pieces in the combo feel a size smaller than at other places, so the value for money is debatable. The most speechless moment for me was when I was paying the bill. Everyone, you have to be careful! The staff might 'enthusiastically' recommend a small snack, telling you it's free, but then it shows up right there on the bill. I almost fell for it this time. Luckily, I have a habit of checking the bill. This move really leaves a bad impression.
A Veteran Foodie's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
For the girls planning to go to this A&W, here are a few 'lifesaving' tips:
In short, it's really convenient, but the pitfalls are also real. Whether you go or not, you guys can weigh the pros and cons! 🤷♀️
- When ordering fried chicken, make sure to get the 'Chili' flavor! Don't order the 'Golden' one, trust me, I've tried it for you, the Chili flavor is king.
- Keep your eyes peeled when you pay! Be extra cautious about anything they 'give you for free', check the bill carefully, and don't let your wallet get mysteriously thinner.
- Don't have overly high expectations. Just think of it as a convenient rest stop after supermarket shopping. It's fine for a quick bite and a glass of root beer. If you're going specifically for a top-tier fried chicken experience, you might be disappointed.
- A&W's in Brastagi Supermarket, so you can crash and eat post-shopping. A godsend for moms, it's right by the kids' play area!
- You have to get the classic Root Beer with ice cream. That icy fizz is pure childhood nostalgia in a mug .
- The Chili flavor fried chicken is the only way to go! Don't get the Golden flavor—take it from a pro.
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