I Almost Got Scammed by This Massive Padang Feast in Medan
qponx
2026-03-06
Experience a massive Padang feast at Medan's Rumah Makan Garuda, where dozens of dishes instantly fill your table. But how do you avoid a shocking bill? This guide breaks down the unique "pay-for-what-you-touch" system and other potential pitfalls, like hygiene concerns. Discover why the crispy Ayam Penyet is a standout must-try and get essential tips for navigating this impressive, banquet-style dining experience, which is best enjoyed with a large group of friends.
The moment I sat down, before I even had a chance to order, the waiters were like magicians, thump, thump, thump, and in an instant, the table was full of dishes! There were ten or twenty small plates, from beef to chicken to all sorts of vegetables I couldn't name. The spread was so grand I almost thought I'd stumbled into someone's wedding banquet. I was stunned: Anjay! Is this the welcome ceremony in Medan? I didn't even order anything, is this meal going to bankrupt me?
An Immersive "State Banquet" Experience
After calming down, I realized this is actually Medan's famous Padang restaurant chain—Rumah Makan Garuda. The place is seriously huge, with an air-conditioned area and a Lesehan area where you sit on the floor. It's totally stress-free for a family meal or for a big group of friends to come and Nongkrong[1]. The decor isn't stunning, but its strength lies in being clean and comfortable. There are also tons of parking spots, a blessing for those who drive.
Getting back to the food, the soul of Padang cuisine is, of course, all the different spices. Their classic Beef Rendang[2] was stewed quite well and was flavorful, but it wasn't mind-blowingly good. On the other hand, the Ayam Penyet[3] was a pleasant surprise. The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and paired with the special Sambal, it was amazing! The friend I was with also ordered the Sambal Eggplant[4] and said it was very Mantap. Overall, I'd say the flavor profile is a safe bet that won't go wrong, perfect for tourists and families. But if you're looking for that ultimate, authentic "hole-in-the-wall" flavor, you might find it just so so[5].
Hold Your Praise, Here Come the Downsides
Okay, now let's talk about the important stuff. Although the spread is very Chill, the prices aren't cheap, especially for the warm dishes. The service is also a matter of luck. It was pretty fast when we went, but I've heard it can be very slow during holidays when they're short-staffed[6]. The most important complaint, and an "unspoken rule" at many Padang restaurants in Indonesia: dishes that haven't been touched are supposedly recycled for the next table[7]! For my friends who are germaphobes or have very high standards for food hygiene, you really need to think this through before coming.
✍️ Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
- The Mystical Art of Ordering: The dishes on the table aren't free! They charge you based on the plates you've "touched." So, only take what you want to eat. Don't touch things out of curiosity, or you'll be crying when the bill comes[8].
- Hygiene Considerations: If you're really concerned about the dish recycling issue, you can go directly to the front counter and order like you would for Nasi Campur (mixed rice). Just point at the dishes in the glass display case. That way, the food served is scooped just for you, which will give you more peace of mind.
- Best Way to Enjoy: It's most cost-effective to come with a large group! You can try all sorts of dishes, and the cost per person is quite reasonable when split. Don't come alone, or you'll be staring at a table full of food, not knowing whether to eat it or not—it's painfully awkward.
- Must-Order Recommendation: If it's your first time and you're afraid of picking a bad dish, go straight for the Ayam Penyet[9]. You basically can't go wrong. A Lokal friend recommended it, and it was truly Mantap
- Sit down and a feast appears! A spread of 10-20 plates hits your table, feeling like a local wedding banquet.
- The Ayam Penyet (smashed fried chicken)[1] is crispy yet tender. Its special Sambal will make you scream "Mantap"!
- Huge space with AC and Lesehan zones. Perfect for family meals or Nongkrong, it easily accommodates everyone [2].
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