4.6 Stars on Google for This Hotpot?! Delicious, But So Hot My Makeup Melted Off
qponx
2026-03-06
X.O Suki in Medan might have a high rating, but get ready to sweat! This popular hotpot spot is known for its intense, sauna-like heat that can melt your makeup. Despite the steamy atmosphere, the flavorful Tom Yum soup and especially the must-try crispy fried shrimp wontons make it a memorable meal. This review breaks down the pricey self-service system, essential tips on what to wear, and why those wontons alone might be worth the visit.
Girls, seriously, while strolling through Sun Plaza in Medan, I saw this place, X.O Suki, packed with people at the entrance, and I thought I'd stumbled upon some amazing hidden gem. But the moment I walked in, that wave of heat… Anjay! Felt like the AC technician clocked out early, maybe? 😂 The whole place was steamy, and eating a meal felt like being in a sauna; my makeup was about to melt off.
Since I was already there, I had to give it a try. They have that traditional self-service style, where the ingredients are in refrigerators, you grab whatever you want to eat, and in the end, they calculate the bill based on the color of the plates, which is pretty straightforward. For the soup base, I chose a half-and-half pot with Tom Yum and clear soup[1]. The Tom Yum flavor was spot on—sour, spicy, and appetizing. Perfect for dipping meat and veggies, Mantap! What surprised me the most was their fried shrimp wontons[2]. I wasn't expecting much, but they turned out to be unexpectedly delicious. The skin was crispy, and the shrimp filling inside was springy and tender. It was the best thing I had all night!
OK, time for some real talk. Although the soup base was tasty, I was pretty thirsty after finishing it, which makes me think they didn't skimp on the MSG[3]. As for the price, it's a bit on the pricey side for Medan. My friend and I just grabbed a few things, and the bill came out to almost 300k per person[4], so don't get too carried away when you're picking your dishes, haha.
Editor's Pro-Tips 📝
- Dress light! Seriously, a T-shirt and shorts will do. Don't wear anything thick, or you'll seriously be so hot you'll question your life choices[5].
- Pay attention to the plates when grabbing food! The bill is calculated by the plate color[6], and different colors have different prices. Have a rough idea of the cost before you grab them to avoid getting a shock at the checkout.
- The fried wontons are a must-order! I won't say more, just trust me. They're so good you can overlook the ambiance.
- Weird but useful: A lokal friend told me that eating here when you have a cold or fever is super effective[7]; you sweat it all out and feel better. Next time someone's feeling under the weather, you can try this "food therapy" home remedy, hahaha
- The fried shrimp wontons are a hidden gem! Perfectly crispy skin, springy shrimp inside. So good you'll overlook the Lokal atmosphere [1].
- The Tom Yum soup base is authentic and flavorful! Its sour and spicy kick is super appetizing. Anything you cook in it is Mantap [2].
- Got a cold in Medan? Locals recommend a meal here to sweat out the sickness [3]
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