Is this 4.9-star viral Japanese spot in Medan really worth the queue?
qponx
2026-03-06
Curious about the viral, 4.9-star Sushi Hiro in Medan? This popular spot boasts a stunning, photogenic ambiance perfect for a special night out. While the sashimi is fresh, the real highlights are the must-try Ultimate Truffle Gyudon and Creamy Udon. Be prepared for high prices and small portions, though. This review gives an honest look at whether it's worth the queue, what to order, what to skip, and even some tips to save money on your visit.
Every time I visit Sun Plaza in Medan, I always see a line forming at the entrance of Sushi Hiro, and when you add that glaring 4.9-star rating on Google[1], to be honest, it had piqued my curiosity for a long time. But after being around Indonesia for so many years, I've had my fair share of disappointing experiences with hyped-up restaurants, right? So today, I'm going to spend my own hard-earned cash to check it out for you guys and see if this place is truly Mantap or just Anjay.
Great Vibe, But One Small Bug
As soon as you walk in, the ambiance is undeniably great. It's definitely one of the most photogenic sushi places in the mall. The lighting is soft, the decor is exquisite, and the whole atmosphere is very Chill, perfect for Nongkrong with friends or a date night. The only thing I want to complain about is that the background music was on a single-song loop[2]! It was fine the first time, but by the tenth time, I was seriously about to start humming along...
The Flavor is the Highlight: Must-Orders and Ones to Avoid
Getting back to the food itself, the quality is definitely on point. The sashimi is very fresh; you can't fake that melt-in-your-mouth feeling[3].
👍 Go for These Without Hesitation:
🤔 Choose with Caution:
- Ultimate Truffle Gyudon[4]: A must-order! The aroma of truffle mixed with tender beef, served over rice, every bite is pure bliss. No exaggeration, I could finish this whole bowl by myself.
- Creamy Udon Series[5]: Their new signature creamy udon. It's rich and fragrant with a smooth texture. Girls who love creamy flavors should give it a try.
- Hiro Deluxe Sashimi Bowl: The presentation is beautiful, but the amount of sashimi... how should I put it? It doesn't feel worth the price. A bit stingy, really[6].
- Fried Squid Tentacles: A bit too salty[7]. Those who love strong flavors might like it, but for me, it was a bit overwhelming.
Some Real Talk (Wallet Warning)
Alright, time for some straight talk. The biggest problems with this place are: it's expensive and the portions are small. A single takeout sushi platter starts at 295k IDR[8]. The average spending per person easily goes up a notch, and your wallet will definitely feel the pain. Also, the service quality is a bit like opening a blind box—sometimes good, sometimes bad[9]. You might get a super enthusiastic and attentive server, or you might get someone who ignores you and is impossible to call over. It's all down to luck.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls and Saving Money (Don't Forget to Save This)
Want to check it out without breaking the bank? Keep this guide handy:
Overall, it's the kind of place that's "good to eat at, but not necessary to eat at every day." It's suitable for anniversaries or when you want to treat yourself to a nice meal. After all, the ambiance and the flavor of their core dishes are still solid.
- 1. Don't be a fool and pay full price: Keep an eye on their member promotions. They often have special menus from Monday to Wednesday[10] that can save you a lot!
- 2. Sashimi lovers, take note: Before ordering, it's best to ask if they have tuna (Maguro) that day. It's sometimes out of stock, so you don't end up like me, staring blankly at a sashimi bowl with only salmon[11].
- 3. Language issues: The staff's English proficiency is generally limited[12]. Try to use simple words or just point to the menu when communicating to reduce misunderstandings.
- The Ultimate Truffle Gyudon is a must! Fragrant truffle and tender beef over rice is pure bliss in every bite. You'll devour the whole bowl[1].
- A super Chill and photogenic spot in Sun Plaza. The soft lighting & elegant decor create a perfect vibe, great for Nongkrong or date night.
- Check out the new Creamy Udon Series! It's rich, milky, and incredibly smooth—a definite must-try for anyone who loves creamy textures[2]
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