Is Medan's 'Old Place' worth a 1-hour drive just for dumplings?
qponx
2026-03-06
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.
Girls, take my advice: if you're going to this 'Old Place' in Medan, either go early or be mentally prepared to queue![1] I went last weekend, and my goodness, I almost waited forever. The key thing is, the location is a bit out of the way[2], so driving there really takes the courage of someone making a journey for love. So... what exactly makes it so popular?
I understood the moment I walked in. The retro Chinese decor, like something out of an old movie, instantly transports you back to the 80s and 90s[3]. The lighting is bright and comfortable, making it especially great for bringing your parents; they'll definitely love it. The waiters and waitresses are all super polite and really know their stuff, Mantap!
Let's be real, the food is what truly matters!
Coming here and not ordering their signature Potstickers (Kuotiek)[4] is like not coming at all! The skin is pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection, and when you take a bite, the juice from the meat filling just bursts out. Paired with their secret recipe chili oil, Anjay! I could finish a whole plate in one go.
We also tried the Small Hot Pot (Steamboat)[5]. The bone broth base is genuinely rich, and you can get free refills! The portion size is also surprisingly huge; it feels like a single-person pot is enough for two people to share[6]. Meat lovers should go for the Pork Belly Noodles (Samcan Noodle)[7]—the meat is very flavorful, and our little one absolutely loved it. What surprised me the most was that they use almost no MSG in their cooking[8], so your mouth doesn't feel dry afterwards. That's a huge plus point. 👍
But let me give you the heads-up…
To be honest, the prices aren't cheap; it's a tad more expensive than your average Chinese restaurant outside[9]. Also, when we went, there happened to be a violin performance. The atmosphere was nice, but it was a bit loud, so chatting was basically done by shouting... I'd suggest that friends who want to have a proper conversation avoid the performance times.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Save Money, you're welcome!
So, if you ask me if it's worth it? If you're looking for a place in Medan with a great atmosphere, authentic taste, and is perfect for a family meal, then this place is absolutely worth making that 'journey for love' for
- Time: Go on a weekday! If you're going on a weekend, make sure to get there before meal times, otherwise, the queue starts at 1 hour.
- Parking: Parking spots are tight during peak hours[10], so be prepared to look for a spot.
- Saving Money: You can combine your orders; spending 300,000 IDR gets you a 50,000 IDR voucher, which you can use next time. It's a pretty good deal.
- Retro Chinese decor has a comfy, 80s/90s movie vibe[1], with bright lighting perfect for bringing your parents.
- The signature potstickers (Kuotiek) are golden-crispy and burst with juice. Dip them in the secret chili oil—it’s heavenly[2].
- The Steamboat's rich bone broth has free refills[3]. Huge portions easily feed two[4]—an incredible value.
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