A Slow Start
We slept in today, still feeling the effects of last night’s medication. It wasn’t the most energetic morning, and we only emerged from the apartment at a quarter past ten. One thing we loved about Empire Tower was how low density it was — most times we had the elevators entirely to ourselves, giving the day a quiet, unhurried start.
Slow Steps to DeliPark
Using the shortcut through Haidilao Hot Pot, we walked over to DeliPark Mall with one thing in mind: nourishment. We had a fitful sleep, tossing and turning until dawn, and with barely three hours of rest we were naturally knackered.
Excelso for a Mid Morning Boost
We wandered around for a bit before settling on Excelso for drinks. An Iced Latte and Iced Lychee Tea came to IDR95,865 (≈ MYR22/USD5/EUR5) — a small boost to help us push through the morning fog residing in our minds.
A Quick Retreat and a New Errand
My nose started getting stuffy again, so we headed back up to the apartment. I took another round of flu medication, hoping it would help. Soon after, we went back down to the lobby and hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Medan Fair Plaza, hoping to find a portable hard drive.
Hard Drive Hunt at Medan Fair Plaza
We headed up to the fourth floor and enquired at a couple of stores, only to find the prices far too exorbitant. We gave up the hunt and hailed another fixed fare Bluebird for IDR36,000 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2) to our lunch destination: Garuda Restaurant.
Padang Lunch, Driver Approved
We had originally planned to eat at Jasa Baru, but when we asked our driver Pak Rahmanda about Padang cuisine, he casually mentioned he preferred Garuda Restaurant. That settled it — lunch sorted.
A Feast at Garuda Restaurant
At Garuda, a bevy of dishes too plentiful to count appeared on the table. We selected seven of our favourites. Together with drinks, jelly custard dessert, and a plate of fruits, our meal came to IDR348,000 (≈ MYR81/USD20/EUR17).
The Bika Ambon Detour
With lunch done, we took a fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) to Bika Ambon Zulaikha, only to find it closed for Friday prayers. We asked to return to DeliPark, but barely fifty meters into the ride we spotted another shop selling Bika Ambon. We asked the driver to drop us off, paid IDR10,000 (≈ MYR2/USD1/EUR1), and walked to Yen Yen Bika Ambon.
The Moment of Truth
This was the reason we came to Medan. Bika Ambon, with its honeycomb like structure and springy texture, is a beloved Medan specialty despite its Ambon referencing name. We went a little nuts and bought:
- 5 large boxes of original Bika Ambon
- 1 large box of Pandan Bika Ambon
- 3 large boxes of Kue Lapis Legit
for IDR1,092,000 (≈ MYR254/USD61/EUR54).
Alven, the proprietor, exchanged WhatsApp numbers with us and offered to send a fresh batch to Empire Tower tomorrow afternoon so it would last until our return to Kuala Lumpur.
Errands Before Heading Home
We then took a final fixed fare Bluebird for IDR29,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR1) back to DeliPark. At Watson’s, we picked up cough syrup, flu medication, and lozenges for IDR143,280 (≈ MYR33/USD8/EUR7). A quick stop at Jawara added pastries for IDR96,000 (≈ MYR22/USD5/EUR5).
Calling It a Day
Finally, we headed back to Empire Tower to rest for the afternoon, ready to devour the medication and hope for a speedy recovery. With no dinner plans, we’ll probably wing it — so please stay tuned!
(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
Empire Tower Podomoro City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/omzprqbe9KXHHQuEA
Excelso Deli Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cNMycfwizp18uK4E8
Plaza Medan Fair - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEdHTWg1uy7oREHG8
Garuda Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PJ5Q6n3pqJ2oMkjHA
Yen-Yen Bika Ambon - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CvYwMZ82EdUd21HQ6
No comments:
Post a Comment