Eat

Tip Top Restaurant

Used to be the restaurant in Medan, this unique restaurant can trace its history back to the Dutch colonisation. The food has a nostalgic taste clinging on every bite, such as the ox-tongue sandwich and the bitter-ballen, but the best experience you could have here is watching the buzz of Kesawan Square from your rattan chair on the verandah. Also famous for its cake.

history

Address: Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani no 92 A-B
Getting there: across from Tjong A Fie Mansion
Website: tiptop-medan.com (opens in a new tab)

Directions Suggest a nearby place

Listing from Wikivoyage: Medan, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

See
Tjong A Fie Mansion
Rumah Tjong A Fie
This mansion was built by an important businessman in Medan, a leader of the local Chinese community who formed several successful business ventures in his lifetime, working with both Dutch colonial authorities, Indonesian Muslims, plantation owners, exporters and worldwide traders of all stripes. Because of his substantial wealth and philanthropic activities involving mosques, hospitals, temples and orphanages, Tjong A Fie became a defining figure in the history of Medan. He worked to improve conditions for those on tobacco, rubber and other plantations, objecting to indentured servitude and other degrading work conditions for ethnic Chinese laborers. This colorful and ornately decorated building tells his story, and that of his descendants, as well as filling in some details about the city's past.
Rp35,000
Drink
Stroom KTV
Selecta
Eat
Kedai Kopi Apek
Historic coffee house with excellent Lintong Coffee served up by Apek. This place was set up by Apek's father in 1922. Serves kopi susu and roti bakar srikaya (kaya toast). Contains stalls with Indian roti cane bread with goat curry, martabak and soto soup. Outside are nasi gurih, bakmi and kwetiau noodles. Piece of Medan history.
Drink
The Tavern Pub
Was once one of the most popular going out pubs for expats in the city, but now is a little run down and attracts a sleazier crowd. It features live music from local bands. It's fairly small, fairly popular and is crowded on the weekends with groups of friends, couples, and some rather friendly girls hanging out. A bit expensive for the standard.