They say Bolu Toba is a must-buy in Medan. After trying it, I just have to say…
qponx
2026-03-06
Is Bolu Toba in Medan worth the massive hype? This review dives into the famous souvenir shop, known for its incredibly soft cakes. Discover the must-try flavors like the generously topped cheese chocolate and the classic cake roll. While the taste is a definite win for tourists seeking a presentable gift, the article also gets real about the service and value for money. Find out if this popular spot is a true Medan gem or just a well-marketed tourist stop.
Before coming to Medan, my DMs were blowing up. Eight out of ten people were yelling: “Sis, you HAVE to go buy Bolu Toba!” They said it's the absolute best of Medan souvenirs (Oleh-oleh)[1], with 1400+ Google reviews pushing it to 4.9 stars. Who could resist that kind of hype?
Alright, with all that said, I had to check it out for myself. Is it the real deal, or just another overpriced 'tourist trap' put on a pedestal by visitors?
Live on the Scene: The Aroma is Truly Intoxicating!
The shop's location is super convenient, and the parking lot is huge, which is a major plus for those who drive[2]. The moment I pushed the door open, that rich aroma of butter and baking cake just swept me off my feet. Ah~ the smell of carbs! The shop was playing soothing pop music, and the environment was clean and comfortable—not at all like those messy, chaotic souvenir shops.
To my surprise, they don't just sell cakes. They also sell creative merchandise like T-shirts and keychains[3], making it feel like a one-stop souvenir boutique, which is pretty cool.
I got straight to the point and tried a few of their signature items. Honestly, the cake itself is so soft, it's anjay! I ordered the cheese chocolate one, and the amount of topping was insane, but the sweetness was just right and not cloyingly sweet[4]. The classic cake roll (Bolu Gulung)[5] was also Mantap, with a really solid texture. The friend I was with ordered the tiramisu[6] and said it melted in her mouth and was really good.
Real Talk: Don't Just Listen to the Hype
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. The cake is delicious, for sure, but I wouldn't say it's mind-blowingly amazing or a must-eat-before-you-die kind of thing. Some of my local friends feel the value for money is just average, and that the taste isn't anything special[7].
The biggest complaint is probably about the service. While most of the staff are friendly and smiling, more than one person has complained to me about certain cashiers being sour-faced. Also, the online customer service on WhatsApp is reportedly as slow as dial-up internet[8], so friends who are in a rush to catch a flight should take note.
Oh, right, there's also a point of contention: It's called “Toba,” but it doesn't seem to have any connection to Lake Toba's culture[9], which is a bit weird, huh.
[Editor-in-Chief's Cheat Sheet]
So, should you buy it or not? Here's my take:
Overall, as a souvenir, it's definitely an A-lister. But if you're a dessert lover on a special quest for the ultimate culinary experience, you might want to manage your expectations a bit. Grabbing a box on your way home after a Nongkrong session is still pretty Chill! 😉
- 1. Who should buy it: If you're a tourist and need to bring souvenirs back for friends and family, buy it without a second thought! It's convenient, presentable, and tastes great—definitely a safe bet.
- 2. Tips to avoid issues/save money: Look out for promos like “buy four, get one free”[10]; every little bit helps. If you're in a hurry, I recommend using Gojek/Grab's instant delivery service. It's much faster than waiting for customer service to reply.
- 3. Top Recommendations: For first-timers, go straight for the Cheese/Chocolate flavor[11] and the classic cake roll[12]. These are the two series you can't go wrong with.
- 4.9 stars from 1400+ Google reviews [1], earning its title as the pinnacle of Medan souvenirs.
- The rich aroma of butter cake greets you at the door. It's clean and comfy, unlike typical souvenir shops [2].
- The Cheese Chocolate is loaded with toppings but not too sweet [3]. The classic cake roll is dense [4], and the Tiramisu is melt-in-your-mouth.
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