The best thing at this Medan ice cream shop isn't the ice cream?
qponx
2026-03-07
Don't let the name fool you! City Ice Cream in Medan is more than just a dessert spot. While its signature Durian ice cream is a must-try, the real showstoppers are the savory dishes. Dive into incredible Nasi Goreng with amazing "wok hei" and crispy, addictive Martabak. With a spacious, quiet ambiance perfect for chilling with friends or family, this spot is a hidden gem where the main course unexpectedly steals the spotlight from the dessert.
As soon as I landed in Medan, my friend dragged me to this place called City Ice Cream. I was thinking, it's just an ice cream shop, how amazing can it be? But when I opened the menu, wow, they had everything from fried rice, Martabak, to Indonesian home-style dishes. I almost thought I was in the wrong place. 😂
So Spacious You Can Nongkrong All Day
Honestly, the ambiance of this place was a huge surprise. It's super spacious with high ceilings and amazing natural light, any corner is perfect for photos. The best part is, I came on a weekend night and it wasn't even crowded! Not noisy at all, it was quiet and peaceful—a true blessing for introverts. Whether you're bringing the whole family for a meal or looking for a place to chill with friends for an afternoon chat, it's just perfect.
The Ice Cream is Their Signature, But the Main Dishes Are the Real Showstopper!
Since I was already here, I had to try the ice cream. I went straight for their signature Durian flavor, and one bite blew my mind! It's definitely made with real durian flesh, so incredibly rich, not that cheap artificial flavoring kind of taste, Mantap! 🥑 The avocado flavor is also very authentic and worth a try.
But what really impressed me were their main dishes!
- Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng): Full of 'wok hei', the flavor is spot-on, ranking among the best I've had in Indonesia. Although the rice can be a bit soft at times, it's a minor flaw that doesn't spoil the dish.
- Martabak: You have to order this Indonesian pancake! The skin is crispy and fragrant, and when paired with the special sweet and sour spicy soy sauce, it's so good you can't stop eating.
Okay, Let's Be Real (A Few Minor Gripes)
After all that praise, I have to say a few honest words. Girls, promise me, do NOT order their coffee! I took one sip and my face was like that grandpa on the subway looking at his phone... words fail me. The burger was also pretty average, you can skip it.
Also, I feel like the ice cream scoops might have gotten a bit smaller 🤏, but considering the affordable price, it's still acceptable.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & A Quick Guide
Finally, here are a few useful tips for you, save them now! 👇
- Want some music? There's live music every Saturday and Sunday night!
- Driving? Don't worry, there's a parking lot right in front of the shop, very convenient.
- Bringing Muslim friends? The place has a prayer room, but you'll need to bring your own prayer garments.
- How's the service? The staff is quite efficient. When you order time-consuming dishes like pancakes, they'll let you know in advance that there's a wait, which is a big plus.
- Spacious spot to nongkrong all day with high ceilings & great light. Quiet on weekends—perfect for introverts.
- Killer mains at an ice cream shop! Smoky Indonesian fried rice and crispy Martabak with a spicy-sour soy sauce. Addictive!
- The durian ice cream is loaded with rich, real durian pulp, not fake flavoring. An instant obsession.
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