Who still dares to hype Medan's Mie Gacoan? I already took the hit for you
qponx
2026-03-06
Tempted by the hype around Medan's Mie Gacoan? This review dives into the reality behind the long lines and cheap prices. While the signature spicy noodles are decent, the article exposes the chaotic service, filthy dining area, and hour-long waits. More alarmingly, it highlights a serious food safety issue with a fried snack that reportedly led to food poisoning. Find out if the low cost is truly worth the high risk before you decide to visit this popular spot.
Honestly, when I saw the 4.7-star rating and 9000+ reviews on Google Maps, I thought I'd struck gold in Medan. The line at the entrance was so long it spilled out onto the street, and I thought, "This must be amazing, right?" Plus, it's ridiculously cheap—you can eat until you're stuffed for less than 20 RMB per person, which is a godsend for us working folks with empty wallets at the end of the month.
But from the moment I stepped inside, something felt off...
A Chaotic Scene, Anjay!
I was dumbfounded the moment I walked in. There was no one to seat you; it was a free-for-all where you had to be quick to snag a table. After finally finding an empty spot, the table was still piled with dirty dishes from the last customers, and no one came to clear it no matter how long we called. The whole restaurant was chaotic, with people walking around everywhere. It felt like a wet market.
The worst part was the environment. The floor was wet, slippery, and sticky, so you had to be careful with every step. And the smell from the toilet was next-level awful—I urge you not to even attempt to go in there[1]. The wait for food was also incredibly long; we waited for almost a full hour, so hungry our stomachs were practically touching our backs.
One Bite of Heaven, One Bite of Hell
The noodles finally arrived. I ordered the signature Mie Hompimpah[2], which has a sweet and spicy flavor. The first bite was actually pretty good—the spice was satisfying and a bit addictive. The texture of the noodles was decent too, worth the price.
BUT! Here comes the major warning! The fried snack my friend ordered, Udang Keju (shrimp and cheese)[3], was an epic disaster. It was fried on the outside but cold on the inside, and the cheese had a strange, sour, rotten taste[4]. My friend, being the brave one, ate one, and his face immediately turned green. He said something felt wrong. And the result...
Let's Be Real, Don't Gamble With Your Life
I won't keep you in suspense. My friend went home and had a terrible bout of vomiting and diarrhea—a classic case of food poisoning[5]. Shaken, I went back to read the reviews later and discovered we weren't an isolated case! That Udang Keju[6] is the main culprit, with countless people reporting that it was expired, undercooked, or spoiled. That 4.7-star rating on Google seems super inflated now!
So don't be fooled by the cheap price; the cost is just too high. Taste is subjective, and some people might think it's Mantap, but for me, aside from just being salty and spicy, I couldn't taste any complexity. It's not worth risking my life to wait in line for.
A Guide to Avoiding This Disaster, You're Welcome!
Finally, here's some heartfelt advice for you all:
In short, for any friends who have even the slightest standards for environment, service, and food safety, take my advice: Run! There are so many other delicious places in Medan. Don't waste your time and health here.
- Your life is the priority: Do NOT touch any of the fried snacks, especially the Udang Keju[7]! Order it and you'll regret it!
- Be mentally prepared: If you go, be prepared for a battle. Finding your own seat, wiping your own table, and waiting an hour is standard procedure[8].
- Who is this for?: If you're a student with an iron stomach on a super tight budget who just wants a place to Nongkrong and eat some extremely spicy noodles, then... well, if you're brave, go for it[9].
- Even delivery is a scam: Oh, right, even the delivery drivers complain. The app shows the restaurant is open, but when they arrive, they're told it's already closed. Such a scam[10].
- 4.7 stars on Google from 9000+ reviews—feels like you've struck gold in Medan. So what's the magic? [1]
- Get stuffed for under 20 RMB. A total lifesaver for your wallet when you're broke at month's end [2]!
- The signature Mie Hompimpah is addictively sweet and spicy, hooking you from the first bite. How intense is it? [3]
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