Things To Do
in Binjai

Indonesia’s fried rice with local twists—look for versions topped with fried shallots, a fried egg and sometimes prawns or chicken at warungs across Binjai.

Must-Try!

Hand-pulled or thick noodles served in a savory broth or stir-fried, often sold by street vendors and small eateries; hearty and widely enjoyed.

A Malay-influenced coconut milk curry with local spices and river or freshwater fish, commonly found in family restaurants and seafood stalls.

Seasonal fruits sold at markets and stalls; durian season draws locals and adventurous visitors.

The busiest market for fresh produce, tropical fruits, snacks and ready-to-eat stalls — excellent for street photography and trying quick local bites like gorengan (fried snacks) and satay.

A lively evening market with grilled skewers, noodles, sweets and beverages; great for sampling several small dishes in one stop.

Use the right hand for handshakes and receiving items, and a gentle nod or 'salam' is appropriate; avoid overly loud behavior in religious or family settings.

Dress modestly when visiting mosques, religious sites or rural villages — women should have shoulders and knees covered and consider a headscarf for mosque visits.

Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional shops or prayer spaces; watch for shoe racks at entrances.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in private or religious contexts; many will be happy to be photographed if asked politely.

Tipping is not mandatory in Binjai but is appreciated for good service; small tips (a few thousand rupiah or rounding up) for waitstaff, drivers and guides are common. In local warungs and markets tipping is uncommon, though you can leave small change for exceptional service.

Cash (Indonesian rupiah, IDR) is king for markets, transport and small eateries. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants or hotels; mobile payments (GoPay, OVO, Dana) are increasingly common but usually require a local number and app. ATMs are available but carry some cash especially for rural areas.

The main international airport serving Medan and North Sumatra, about 45–75 minutes by car from Binjai depending on traffic; offers domestic and international connections and is the most convenient arrival point for most travelers.

Located near Lake Toba (Tapanuli region), Silangit serves flights from Medan and Jakarta and is useful if your travel plans include Lake Toba; expect a longer drive (several hours) from Binjai to reach Silangit.

A significant portion of the population with Malay cultural and linguistic influence, contributing to local cuisine, dress and customs.

Ethnic Batak communities (from nearby highlands) bring unique customs and food traditions to the area, and many residents have Batak heritage.

A longstanding Chinese-Indonesian community contributes to commerce, temples and culinary diversity.

Internal migrants from other Indonesian islands, particularly Javanese, add to the city’s cultural mix and workforce.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited at small warungs; order vegetable dishes, tempeh, tofu and vegetable stir-fries, and say 'tanpa daging' (without meat). Communicate preferences clearly and consider visiting cafés or larger restaurants in Medan for more variety.

Vegan choices are less common; stick to plain rice, vegetable dishes, tofu and tempeh. Ask about fish sauce or shrimp paste (belacan/terasi) which are commonly used in flavoring.

Most food in Binjai is halal-friendly due to the Muslim majority; look for signs or ask if meat is halal-certified at larger restaurants.

Carry translations of key allergies and be cautious with street food cross-contamination; peanut-based sauces and seafood are common ingredients.