This God-Tier Medan Dim Sum is a childhood favorite, but trust me, don't go during peak hours
qponx
2026-03-06
Explore Dimsum Babura, a legendary non-halal dim sum spot in Medan. Famous for its crispy Leng Hong Kien (shrimp rolls) and juicy Samcan Goreng (pork belly), this place offers a taste of nostalgia. However, it gets incredibly crowded. This guide provides essential tips on what to order and how to avoid the chaos for a great dining experience. Plan your visit wisely to enjoy this iconic eatery without the stress of peak-hour madness.
Every time I go back to Medan, it's like something in my DNA is calling me to this place, Dimsum Babura. For me, this place is synonymous with the taste of Medan, the kind of place I've been eating at since I was a kid. But honestly, this time back, I was almost put off by the massive crowd at the entrance... The scene on a weekend afternoon can only be described as chaotic and deafeningly loud; it felt like the whole of Medan came here to Nongkrong. 😅
The Taste is Still the Same, But…
After finally squeezing in and getting a seat, the environment has actually been renovated, and it's quite bright and comfortable, with a sort of modern Chinese feel[1]. But you have no time to appreciate it, because all your attention is on the dim sum!
For those who come here and don't know what to order, listen to me, just order the following and you basically can't go wrong:
Overall, the taste is still on point, living up to its reputation as Medan's undisputed "king of dim sum." But some long-time fans have complained to me, saying that the MSG flavor is a bit strong now and the taste isn't as consistent as it used to be[2], which is something I slightly felt as well.
- Leng Hong Kien (Fried Shrimp Rolls): The champion of all signature dishes![3] Almost a must-order for every table. The fried shrimp rolls are golden and crispy, drizzled with a special sweet mayonnaise sauce, and one bite is super Mantap! But to be honest, those who don't like overly sweet things might find the sauce a bit much.
- Kwetiau Polos (Plain Fried Kway Teow): This dish truly shows the chef's skill![4] It looks plain and simple, but it's full of 'wok hei', and the wok aroma is so good it's Anjay! Simple yet addictive, I have to get a plate to fill my stomach every time I visit.
- Samcan Goreng (Crispy Fried Pork Belly): A carnival for pork lovers![5] The pork skin is fried till it's super crunchy, while the meat underneath remains moist and juicy. Sometimes it's even served with a special lokal Andaliman chili sauce, which is amazing.
Don't Rush Over Just Yet, Let Me Rant a Little
Although it's delicious, I have to be clear about the downsides, so you don't fall into any traps.
First, it's not cheap. For a place in Medan, the average spending per person is on the high side. Although I think it's worth the price, first-time visitors should be mentally prepared so you don't get a shock from the bill.
Second, the service is really a matter of luck. During peak hours, the staff are incredibly busy, so it's possible that no one will respond after you call them a few times, and they might even miss your order[6]. If you want to experience good service, you have to pick the right time.
Here's My [Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls]
Want to have a great dining experience? Remember these few tips, girls!
Alright, enough rambling from me, if you're planning to go, save this post now
- 1. Time! Time! Time! Definitely don't go during weekend meal times, or you'll be queuing long enough to question your existence[7]. Go on a weekday, or just go early for brunch, and the experience will be much better.
- 2. Don't drive! The restaurant is located in a residential area, and parking spots are pitifully few. Finding a parking spot is more exhausting than waiting for a table[8]. Just take a taxi or a Gojek; it saves you the hassle and effort.
- 3. Pork Warning! This place is NON-HALAL, with tons of pork dim sum and dishes, so our Muslim friends, please take note![9]
- 4. Check the bill: When it's crowded and chaotic, small mistakes can happen occasionally. Some diners have mentioned that there might be miscalculations on the bill, so it's best to double-check it yourself when you pay[10].
- **Leng Hong Kien (Fried Shrimp Balls)**: Drizzled with special sweet mayo, one bite is super Mantap! [1] Golden, crispy, a signature must-try!
- **Kwetiau Polos (Plain Fried Kway Teow)**: Looks basic, but the wok hei is insane, aroma's so Anjay! [2] Simple, addictive, a chef's flex.
- **Samcan Goreng (Crispy Fried Pork Belly)**: Pork skin is crackling crispy, meat stays moist & juicy [3]. With local Andaliman chili, it's pork heaven!
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