I admit I was blown away by Koki Sunda's greenery, but the food was on a whole other level
qponx
2026-03-06
Step into Koki Sunda, a Medan restaurant famous for its lush, botanical garden-like setting. But the real highlight is the food! Feast on generous portions of authentic Sundanese cuisine, with the crispy Grilled Fish with Pomelo Salad being an absolute must-try. This popular spot also offers a free self-service salad and sambal bar. Get the full scoop on what to order, how to beat the crowds, and other essential tips for your visit.
I've passed by this place in Medan countless times, and every time, I was amazed by the green waterfall cascading from its balcony[1], so I silently added it to my must-visit list. Almost all my friends have recommended it, saying it's the holy grail for family gatherings. Today, finally! I couldn't resist anymore and dragged a friend along to check it out, to see what this veteran Sundanese restaurant is really all about.
The moment I walked in, it felt like stepping into a tropical botanical garden, with lush green plants everywhere. The decor has a great vibe, and it's super photogenic. We chose a window seat on the second floor, enjoying the gentle breeze and watching the bustling traffic below, ready to dig in!
A Taste of Sundanese Charm
We got straight to the point and went for their signature Sundanese Turmeric Rice (Nasi Liwet)[2]. It was full of aromatic spices, the rice was fragrant and rich, and eaten with the small dried fish, it was absolutely divine! But to be honest, for someone like me who prefers lighter flavors, it was just a tiny bit salty.
But the best dish of the night, I have to give it to the Grilled Fish with Pomelo Salad (Gurami Fish)[3]! The fish skin was grilled to a crispy, fragrant perfection, while the meat inside was incredibly tender. The highlight was the sweet, sour, and refreshing pomelo salad it came with, Anjay! One bite cuts through the richness, the second gets you hooked. It was so delicious I wanted to lick the plate clean!
Their Satay Skewers (Sate)[4] are also an absolute must-order. The meat is super soft and tender, and they're very generous with the sauce, Mantap! Plus, their portions are seriously generous[5]. The two of us came in starving after a whole day, and we almost had to be rolled out after ordering just three dishes. Girls, don't go too wild when you order!
My Honest Take (The Good and The Bad)
While the overall experience was great, there are a few pitfalls I need to warn you about. Their avocado juice is sickeningly sweet[6]; it felt like drinking sugar water. Those with a major sweet tooth can give it a try. Also, if you're unlucky enough to be seated next to a birthday party, the sound system for the birthday song is loud enough to blow your head off[7]... And then there's the service. It can be a bit slow when it's crowded, and I got the feeling the staff were more attentive to guests who were dressed more fancy? (just whispering)[8]
Tips to Save Money & Avoid Pitfalls (Get your notebooks ready!)
- Want to eat without the wait? It gets super crowded on weekends! Either book in advance or get there before 12 PM[9], otherwise, you'll be queuing long enough to question your life choices.
- Don't miss the free buffet! Don't rush to order when you walk in; the restaurant has a free self-service salad bar with all-you-can-eat Rujak (fruit salad) and Lalapan (vegetable salad)[10]. Don't miss out on the Sambal chili sauce either, it's super authentic!
- Parking Guide: If you're driving, parking spots out front are limited. During peak hours, you might have to park at the school next door, which requires a parking fee (around 3k-5k IDR)[11].
- Seating for those who can't stand the heat: Try to sit under the air conditioning! Some corner spots can get quite warm[12], and the experience of sweating while you eat is not a pleasant one.
- A tropical garden vibe! Surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for photos and group hangs [1].
- The Grilled Fish with Pomelo Salad has char-grilled, melt-in-your-mouth fish. Its sweet & sour salad is plate-licking good [2]!
- The Sundanese Turmeric Rice is bursting with spices. The fragrant rice with dried anchovies offers a true taste of Sunda [3].
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