At the end of September 2021, I went on an assignment trip to Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. After being tired of working in a hotel room, I felt hungry. The clock shows 21.20 WIB.
Usually, I order food through the app. However, this time I wanted to eat on the spot. Finally, I got out of the hotel and barely found a resto that was still there.
Getting off the taxi at Plaza Medan Fair, I walked around Jalan Gatot Subroto and didn't find a restaurant that was still open. The area is not a culinary place so there are not many choices.
I walked to Jalan Iskandar Muda, which I am familiar with because I often seek treatment at the Sumatra Eye Center. I saw the lights in the Rasa Bunda restaurant were still on and a security guard was still on duty in front. The parking lot in front of it looks deserted, there are only two or three cars parked which shows that there are not many guests.
From the security guard, I got information that they are still taking orders but for taking away. Even though I wanted to eat there, but the takeaway wasn't too bad because during the Covid-19 pandemic, finding a restaurant that was open at night was already lucky.
I chose fish over chicken, apparently not much choice. Finally, I ordered a portion of the famously delicious rendang, a piece of fried fish, and some vegetables.
For those who have often eaten at Padang restaurants, you will know that the takeaway portion is bigger than eating at a restaurant. It's a kind of custom in Padang restaurants that isn't written down.
I waited about 10 minutes for my order. While sitting on a special chair for takeaway, I saw the waiters were cleaning tables and lifting chairs. Turns out they were getting ready to close. I came at a tight time because they were supposed to be ready to close at 9pm.
Finally, I had dinner alone in a hotel room with Nasi Padang, a piece of fried fish, and a piece of beef rendang with a slightly thick sauce.[]
