Google 4.6? This A&W at Medan Airport... Just run
qponx
2026-03-06
Don't be fooled by the high Google rating for the A&W at Medan's Kualanamu Airport! This article reveals it as a tourist trap to avoid at all costs. The review details a disastrous experience, highlighting terrible service, shockingly bad food like dry chicken and warm root beer, and a dirty environment. More alarmingly, it warns of hidden charges on bills and reports of collective food poisoning. This is a must-read survival guide for anyone traveling through Medan.
I was starving right after getting off the plane, my stomach practically touching my back. Wandering around Medan's Kualanamu Airport, I spotted the familiar A&W at a glance. I thought, you can't go wrong with an international chain, right? Then I checked Google Maps, and holy cow, a 4.6-star rating! I had to Nongkrong here! But the result… Anjay! This is hands down the biggest tourist trap I've fallen into in Indonesia this year! 💣
A Disastrous "Immersive" Experience
The disaster began the moment I sat down to order. The cashier had a "take it or leave it" expression the entire time, I was speechless. I had to rush them several times just to get my full order, and the classic Root Beer [1] was served warm?! Bro, it's over 30 degrees out and you're giving me a warm drink?
The food was an even bigger blow:
The environment was a whole other story. Although there was a small kids' play area[2], the entire restaurant was as hot as a steamer. A follower even DMed me saying they saw a rat[3] running on the floor with their own eyes... I really don't want to imagine the hygiene situation.
- Signature Fried Chicken[4]: I swear, this chicken was as dry as a mummy, and the skin was so hard it could break a tooth. It had none of the juicy texture A&W is supposed to have.
- Burger[5]: It was pathetically small, and to make matters worse, the bun was cold, the patty was as thin as paper, and the lettuce from the promotional picture just vanished. The staff said, "We're out." This isn't just 'product not matching the picture,' this is fraud!
- Ice Cream: The sundae I ordered was only half-filled[6]. When I asked why it looked so different from the picture, they said with a straight face: "The picture is for reference only." Fine, you're Mantap! 👍
Don't Just Take My Word for It, Check Out These "Surprises"
If bad food and poor service are common problems for fast-food joints, then this place has hit a new low.
The most outrageous thing is the random charges! It's one thing for the prices to be higher than in the city, but many friends have reported being overcharged[7]. A combo price is listed on the menu, but a mysterious extra charge appears on the bill. You wouldn't even notice if you don't check the receipt carefully!
What's even more terrifying is that more than one group of passengers got collective food poisoning[8] after eating there, with vomiting and diarrhea, which directly messed up their travel plans. This is no longer about bad taste, it's a safety issue!
So, Here's a Survival Guide
A heads-up for all the girls transiting or departing from Medan airport: this place, run away!
- 🚨Check your receipt before paying: Before you pay, open your phone's calculator and add up every single item on the receipt! [9] If you find a discrepancy, confront them on the spot. Don't be a sucker!
- 🍔Don't have any expectations for the food: If you absolutely have to eat there, be prepared for "frozen mummy fried chicken" and "mini air burgers." Anyway, they're always out of stock, so they probably won't have what you order.
- 🤢Those with sensitive stomachs, run!: Given its track record of food poisoning[10], don't gamble with your vacation and your health.
- 🚶♀️Take my advice: There are other places to eat nearby. Even the Kalasan next door is a hundred times better than this place[11]. If all else fails, buying a cup of instant noodles from a convenience store would be more satisfying than this meal
- Airport A&W's Root Beer[1] redefines 'ice-cold' and lowers the bar for global chains.
- The "Mummy Fried Chicken"[2] & "Mini Air Burger"[3] challenge your palate with 'generous' ingredients you won't forget.
- The resulting mass food poisoning[4] is a true test of endurance—an unforgettable pre-flight 'cleansing'.
Similar Articles
4.8 Stars on Google, but Almost Put Off by an 'Anarchist Cat'?
Discover a hidden oasis in Medan with a stunning "mini-forest" interior, creating a cool, natural vibe perfect for hanging out. While the food is standard, the highlights are the quality V60 coffee and a unique durian coconut drink. The real charm is the relaxed ambiance and the many resident cats—just be sure to guard your snacks from a particularly mischievous, food-stealing feline! It's an ideal spot for a chill hangout or a cozy date night.
Is Medan's 'Old Place' worth a 1-hour drive just for dumplings?
Is a long drive just for dumplings worth it? This Medan spot, 'Old Place', makes a strong case. It boasts a nostalgic 80s/90s retro Chinese decor perfect for family outings. The main draw is the authentic, no-MSG cooking, featuring must-try juicy potstickers (kuotiek), a rich hot pot with free broth refills, and flavorful pork belly noodles. While it requires a journey and can be pricey, the unique atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular destination.
The staff will chase you to the parking lot? I'm blown away by this 4.8-star legendary spot in Deli Serdang.
Discover Flora Garden in Deli Serdang, a 4.8-star café with a stunning botanical garden setting that’s perfect for photos. While the ambiance is a major draw, this spot is legendary for its "mystery box" experience. You might get amazing service and delicious food like the Spaghetti Creamy Beef, or you might encounter wildly inconsistent quality and staff who reportedly chase you to the parking lot. It’s a beautiful gamble—are you feeling lucky enough to visit this controversial hidden gem?
Bringing Muslim friends for Chinese food? Lock this No Pork hotpot in Medan on your list
Searching for a Muslim-friendly Chinese hotpot in Medan? Discover CEMARA HOTPOT, a popular gem in the Cemara Asri area perfect for group gatherings. This spot is celebrated for its authentic, MSG-free soup bases and incredibly crispy fried shrimp rolls (Lenghongkien). While the service can be hit-or-miss, its "No Pork, No Lard" menu and great value set meals make it a go-to destination for a delicious and inclusive dining experience that won't break the bank.