Binjai is a city located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of approximately 250,000 people. It is known for its diverse culture and delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the surrounding regions.
One of the most popular dishes in Binjai is soto Medan, a flavorful soup made with chicken or beef, served with rice cakes, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. The soup is made with a variety of ingredients, including turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It is usually served with a side of sambal, a spicy chili sauce made with garlic, shallots, and red chili peppers.
Another must-try dish in Binjai is rendang, a spicy beef or chicken dish cooked in coconut milk and a variety of spices. The dish is slow-cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. The main ingredients in rendang include coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers.
Another popular dish is gado-gado, a vegetable salad made with a variety of blanched vegetables such as cabbage, bean sprouts, and cucumber, and served with a peanut sauce dressing. The peanut sauce is made with ground peanuts, chili peppers, palm sugar, tamarind, and soy sauce.
For dessert, try the es campur, a mixed fruit and shaved ice dessert topped with syrup and condensed milk. The dish typically includes jackfruit, coconut, and red beans, along with other seasonal fruits.
As for drinks, Binjai is known for its coffee, with many locals enjoying a cup of kopi tubruk, a strong coffee made by pouring boiling water over coarsely ground coffee beans. Another popular drink is teh tarik, a sweetened tea that is poured back and forth between two containers to create a frothy texture.
In terms of eating habits, the people of Binjai typically have three main meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is usually a light meal consisting of rice cakes or fried noodles. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is typically eaten with rice and a variety of dishes. Dinner is a lighter meal and is often eaten with soup or a small dish.
Due to the warm climate, many locals prefer to eat outdoors, especially in the evening when it is cooler. Street vendors and small food stalls are popular, offering a variety of dishes at affordable prices. Nightlife in Binjai is relatively quiet, with many locals preferring to socialize at home or in local cafes.
Binjai is a city known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, heavily influenced by the surrounding regions. Its people have a relaxed lifestyle and enjoy a variety of dishes, from savory soups to spicy curries and sweet desserts. Coffee and tea are popular drinks, often enjoyed in local cafes or outdoors. With its warm climate and lively food scene, Binjai is a must-visit destination for any food lover.