I waited an hour at this "Canteen Cafe" in Medan, and...
qponx
2026-03-07
This massive food court-style cafe in Medan is a spot of wild contrasts. While it offers a huge space perfect for groups and a fantastic signature Indomie Bangladesh, the experience can be a gamble. This review gives you a heads-up on the inconsistent food quality and disastrously slow service during peak hours. Find out what to order, when to go, and where to sit to avoid the "secondhand smoke hell" and make the most of your visit.
When I first drove to this Kilat Kuphi in Medan, I was completely stunned, Anjay! This isn't a coffee shop, it's practically a giant plaza, said to be able to fit several hundred people. The parking lot is so big you can park anywhere, and it's free. So friendly for those of us who drive! 👍
Once inside, I saw that it's indeed a food court setup, with a dozen or so food stalls lined up in a row, and the menu is as thick as a dictionary. My indecisiveness kicked in on the spot... This kind of place is perfect for a big group of friends to come Nongkrong, everyone can find something they want to eat, no more fighting over "what to eat." 😂
Flavor: Half Heaven, Half...?
I came because of the online reviews, so I got straight to the point and ordered the signature Indomie Bangladesh. Honestly, this bowl of noodles did not disappoint. The sauce was unique and rich, and paired with a half-boiled egg, one bite was truly Mantap! Add an iced Teh Tarik, it's refreshing and cuts through the richness—a perfect match! 💯
BUT! Friends, the highlight ends here. The fried rice my friend ordered, how should I put it... the rice tasted a bit off, like it was going bad, and it was dry. And the siu mai, the flavor wasn't even as good as what you'd get from an uncle's street cart... The quality is just too inconsistent. Ordering is like a lottery, it's all down to luck.
Biggest Complaints: Snail-Paced Service and Secondhand Smoke Hell
I have to be honest, the service at this place is one of the most disastrous I've ever experienced. Seriously, don't come during peak hours. We watched and waited for over an hour, our order got lost, and it only all arrived after we rushed them several times. The guy at the next table was so hungry he almost started a fight with the waiter. The scene was chaotic for a moment.
Also, if you don't like the smell of smoke, you absolutely MUST choose the indoor seating! The outdoor area is basically a giant secondhand smoke "wonderland," filled with lingering smoke. The later it gets, the more people there are, and the stronger the smoke smell becomes. Want to Chill for a bit? You might get choked to the point of questioning your life choices.
✍️ Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Get your notebooks ready)
- 1. What to order: Go for the Indomie Bangladesh and Teh Tarik without a second thought. For everything else... pray for your own luck. Don't have high expectations for non-signature dishes.
- 2. When to go: Weekday afternoons! Weekends and evenings are explosively crowded, and the staff simply can't keep up. Thinking of going for Iftar during Ramadan? It's recommended to book your seats and menu a day in advance.
- 3. Where to sit: If you hate the smell of smoke, sit indoors! If you're with kids or are sensitive to air quality, don't hesitate.
- 4. How to get there: Driving is the best way! The parking lot is huge and free, which is one of its biggest advantages.
- 5. Note for payment: The menu prices are all before tax. A 10% tax will be added to the final bill, so don't feel like you've been "ripped off" later.
- Kilat Kuphi is a massive food court for hundreds, the perfect Nongkrong spot. No more fighting over what to eat!
- Must-try Indomie Bangladesh: rich sauce, runny egg—pure Mantap! Cool down with an icy Teh Tarik, the perfect combo .
- A driver's dream! The huge parking lot is totally free , so there's zero parking stress.
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