This 4.6-star Halal ramen in Medan: Portions are Mantap, but the hygiene and service... I'm so done
qponx
2026-03-06
Thinking about trying the viral Orizuru Ramen in Medan? This review offers a heads-up. While the Halal ramen spot is famous for its massive, "mantap" portions that satisfy big eaters, the experience is a mixed bag. The article highlights disappointing flavor and questionable hygiene, like staff mopping with strong chemicals beside diners. With hit-or-miss service and a stuffy ambiance, it’s a spot where the portion size is the main, and perhaps only, major draw.
Girls, take a word of advice from me: just how overrated can these viral spots be? This time in Medan, I stepped on a huge landmine for all of you... well, it wasn't a complete disaster, but how should I put it... I have mixed feelings! 🤷♀️
I'm talking about this super popular Halal ramen spot in Medan, Orizuru Ramen. Before my trip, I was looking at travel guides, and everyone said it's a godsend for our Muslim friends in Medan who are craving ramen[1]. Plus, it has a high Google rating of 4.6, so I thought, "This can't go wrong, right?"
The portion size is truly Mantap, but the taste is...
As soon as I sat down, I ordered their signature Shoyu Ramen[2], and I was shocked when it arrived! This bowl is huge, isn't it?! The noodles were piled up like a small mountain, and the toppings were super generous—a total "porsi kuli" (laborer's portion). I felt like one bowl could keep me full until the next morning[3]. For that alone, the price of 60,000 Rupiah per bowl[4] seemed worth it.
But! The taste was really hard to put into words. It's no wonder the online reviews are so polarized[5]. The broth was a bit too salty for my taste, and I couldn't really taste the legendary rich chicken flavor. The chicken chashu was also a bit dry, feeling like plain boiled chicken slices that were just lacking some soul.
Anjay! Are the ambiance and service a joke?
What really got to me was the ambiance and service here.
Halfway through our meal, a staff member suddenly started scrubbing the floor right next to our table with a mop and a bottle of chemical cleaner with a super pungent smell[6]! That sensation hit me instantly, and I lost my appetite completely. My friend and I looked at each other, just wanting to escape the scene immediately. Plus, the air conditioning wasn't strong, so we were sweating buckets while eating.
The service is also hit-or-miss. Some of the guys are indeed quick and have a good attitude, but we happened to get one with a terribly sour face who couldn't be bothered to answer our questions[7]. Our experience dropped straight to freezing point. Come on, we came here to eat, not to be treated badly!
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Alright, rant over. Here's some solid advice for your reference:
✔️ Who should go?
❌ Who should run for the hills?
🚗 Transportation Tips
In short, for friends who want to Nongkrong (hang out) and Chill, you might want to find another spot. This place, aside from its large portions, really needs to improve in other areas
- Big Eaters: If you're looking for the ultimate feeling of being full, this place will definitely satisfy you.
- Friends looking for Halal ramen: There aren't many options in Medan, so this can be a backup choice.
- Japanese Ramen Purists: If you're seeking authentic flavor, you can give this a pass.
- People who care about ambiance and service: Germaphobes and the sensitive-hearted, enter with caution!
- Those who want free tea: They don't offer free Ocha here[8].
- Very limited parking! It's right on a street corner, making it a huge hassle to drive. I recommend just taking a Gojek/Grab[9].
- It gets crowded on weekends, and you might have to queue during meal times, so be prepared.
- Giant ramen bowl, mountain of noodles, overflowing toppings. The "Coolie Portion" [1] is legit—a steal for 60k Rupiah [2].
- Halal ramen is rare in Medan, so this is a local Muslim favorite [3]. The go-to for Indonesian-style Halal ramen.
- "Surprising" service: staff may mop next to you with pungent cleaner mid-meal [4]. A head-spinning experience.
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