TIMES SINGAPORE, MEDAN – Medan, the bustling capital of North Sumatra, is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, and one of its standout delicacies is martabak piring. Among the many eateries in the city, Martabak Piring Murni stands out as a legendary establishment that has been serving the residents and visitors of Medan since 1974.

Located on Jalan Tjong Yong Hian in the heart of Pasar Baru, this culinary hotspot has become a favorite, particularly during the recent PON XXI 2024 event in Aceh-Sumut, attracting athletes and food lovers alike.

To understand martabak piring, it's essential to break down the name. "Martabak" refers to a type of stuffed or filled pancake that is popular in Indonesia and many other parts of Southeast Asia. It can be either savory or sweet, depending on the ingredients and toppings.

The word "piring" means "plate" in Indonesian, which is an integral part of this particular dish’s preparation method. Unlike conventional martabak, which is often cooked on a flat griddle, martabak piring is prepared on a small tin plate over charcoal, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

What sets Martabak Piring Murni apart from the typical martabak shops is this traditional cooking method. Instead of using a non-stick pan, the martabak is prepared on a tin metal plate over charcoal. This distinctive technique imparts a special texture and aroma to the martabak, making it a delightful experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Upon entering Martabak Piring Murni, patrons are greeted by the sweet and inviting aroma of the martabak batter sizzling over the hot coals. The establishment features thirteen cooking stations fueled by charcoal, where the martabak is prepared on beautifully decorated floral-patterned tin plates.

The cooking process is notably swift, especially for the thin martabak variant, which takes just about a minute to achieve a crispy exterior while remaining soft on the inside.

The preparation of thin martabak differs from the thicker version, which requires a longer cooking time as the batter is allowed to cook naturally without being flattened. The result is a more substantial martabak with a denser texture.

Once cooked, customers can choose from a variety of toppings, including chocolate, peanuts, cheese, or a combination of these. The thin martabak offers a delightful crunch with each bite, while the thick martabak provides a softer, sweeter experience akin to the traditional sweet martabak.

For those looking to experience a taste of local flavor, the martabak with durian is a must-try and is especially popular among Medan’s residents.

Affordably priced, the thin martabak starts at just IDR 5,000 for the plain version, going up to IDR 9,000 for the fully topped varieties. The thicker martabak is slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from IDR 6,000 to IDR 10,000 depending on the chosen toppings. Customers can select from nine different flavors, including plain, chocolate, peanuts, cheese, and various combinations of these toppings.

Conveniently located in the vibrant night market area of Jalan Tjong Yong Hian, Martabak Piring Murni is easily accessible from various points in Medan. For those departing from the Grand Mosque of North Sumatra, the distance is a mere 2.4 kilometers, which translates to about a ten-minute ride by motor vehicle.

In summary, Martabak Piring Murni not only offers a delicious and authentic taste of Medan’s culinary heritage but also stands as a testament to the city’s rich food culture. Whether you are a local or a visitor, a trip to this martabak haven is sure to be a memorable gastronomic experience. (*)