Would you cook with a cockroach for a taste of Medan's #1 satay?
qponx
2026-03-07
Sate Bang War in Medan is legendary for its satay with "illegally large," tender meat chunks and rich sauces. The Medan boiled noodles, with a thick and savory shrimp broth, are also a must-try. But this culinary adventure is not for the faint of heart! The incredible flavor comes with a major test of courage, as the questionable hygiene means you might be dining with a few uninvited, six-legged guests. This spot is truly for brave foodies.
My friends in Medan all say that if you haven't tried Sate Bang War, it's like you never came. I was wondering, how legendary could it be? Drawn by the legendary satay with its 'illegally large' meat chunks, I came to check it out, and the result... I almost let out a dramatic scream and ran for the exit 😱
The taste is Mantap, the environment is Anjay…
First things first, their food is seriously delicious!
The moment their signature satay (Sate) arrived, I was sold. The meat chunks are genuinely huge and solid, with absolutely no fatty bits used as filler. Both the chicken and beef were incredibly tender. For the sauce, you can choose between Padang sauce (Kuah Padang) or peanut sauce (Kuah Kacang). I chose the peanut sauce, and it was so rich I wanted to mix it with rice!
Another must-order is the Medan boiled noodles (Mie Rebus Medan). That broth is to die for. It's a thick shrimp-based soup with a hint of sweetness, served with fried shrimp crackers, bean sprouts, and an egg. One slurp and my weary soul was healed. This flavor truly has the depth that only a long-standing establishment can offer.
But! Here comes the plot twist…
Alright, praise is over, time to be honest. Regulars know that the quality control here is a bit like opening a blind box. I felt that the peanut sauce this time was a tiny bit sweeter than the last time, and the satay meat chunks seemed to have secretly shrunk a little.
But those aren't the main issues. The main issue is the environment! Girls, the hygiene situation here will really test your courage... While you're eating, you'll occasionally see a cockroach brother swaggering across the table, and a local friend even told me they've seen 'Boss Mickey' scuttling past their feet... This isn't eating, this is courage training!
✍️ Editor's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
Alright, complaints aside, the food is genuinely amazing. If you're a brave food hunter, please accept my tips:
- Mental preparation first: Don't have any illusions about the environment! Silently repeat to yourself three times, "I'm here for the food." As long as your mindset doesn't slip, there are always more solutions than problems.
- Avoid peak hours: In the evening and during dinner time, the takeout orders can pile up like a mountain, and it's common to wait forever for a table. If you want to chill a bit, go during off-peak hours.
- Bring your own gear: There aren't many seats, and they don't always have napkins. My fellow neat freaks, please bring your own wet wipes and tissues.
- Flavor note: The broth for the boiled noodles has a characteristic Medan sweetness. If you're the type who 'can't live without spice,' remember to add extra chili sauce to balance out the sweetness.
- Legendary Satay with illegally huge, tender chicken & beef. The peanut sauce is so rich you'll want it with your rice .
- A soul-soothing bowl of Mie Rebus Medan: thick, sweet shrimp broth with shrimp fritters, sprouts & egg .
- Warning: "Mr. Roach" might stroll on your table and "Boss Mickey" may scurry by your feet . A gourmet survival test.
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