Rumah Makan Irian: Authentic Chinese Tea House in Binjai

Step into Rumah Makan Irian, a cherished Chinese tea house nestled in the heart of Binjai, Sumatera Utara, that has captivated generations since its founding in 1920. This venerable establishment offers an authentic journey into Peranakan Cantonese cuisine, where tradition and craftsmanship linger in every handcrafted noodle and meticulously prepared dish.

The true stars of the menu here are the legendary Angkoh noodle and the renowned Ifumie, a distinctive fried noodle dish celebrated as the birthplace of Binjai-style Ifumie. Unlike mass-produced varieties elsewhere, the noodles at Rumah Makan Irian are lovingly handmade daily, boasting a firm yet tender texture that beautifully soaks up the savory sauce. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smoky wok hei and rich umami that evokes a sense of culinary heritage seldom found today.

Beyond noodles, the menu unfolds with intriguing treasures such as Ca Ci Kai (crispy fried chicken), Stuffed Chicken with Leather Eggs and Jellyfish, Ki Pua Ak (chessboard duck), and Pekkoi Ke (chicken stuffed with ginkgo). These dishes invite diners to savor complex layers of flavor and textures that reflect over a century of refined tradition. The ingredients themselves speak of quality and respect for authenticity, with each plate evoking a warm, home-cooked embrace.

The ambiance takes you back in time with its charmingly old-fashioned setting—preserving the very essence of an early 20th-century Chinese family gathering spot. From the vintage architecture to the manual hand-operated lift ferrying dishes from kitchen to table, Rumah Makan Irian is a living museum of cultural and culinary heritage. It caters especially well to Generation X diners and families seeking a meaningful and leisurely experience away from the modern hustle.

While the prices reflect the premium quality and authenticity of the offerings, many patrons find every rupiah well spent to be well worth it. As one devoted visitor notes, the food’s rich flavors and time-honored recipes make it a worthwhile indulgence. However, the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis, and parking is conveniently available roadside, maintaining its quaint, no-frills atmosphere.

Whether you are a loyal local or a curious traveler eager for a genuine taste of Binjai's culinary soul, Rumah Makan Irian promises an evocative, sensory-rich dining experience that goes beyond food—it is a heartfelt passage through history, culture, and unforgettable flavors.

Contact: Jalan Irian No.10/12, Pekan Binjai, Kec. Binjai Kota, Kota Binjai, Sumatera Utara 20711, Indonesia
Phone: +62 61 8821598

No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance

Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in

Alex Hartono

11/12/2025

Old school chinese restaurant......must try Angkoh noodle and meat roll

Stephen Yang

01/12/2025

This restaurant is quite old fashioned. It serves indonesian Chinese dishes that are most common in the town. It's quite pricey to eat here but it's worth the price that you pay. This restaurant caters for generation X and family gathering. If you never eat here before, it's wise to enquire the price first before you order.

Maco Chan

28/11/2025

Food is great, really taste quality of the ingredients. Prices are kinda steep tho.

Qi Sun

27/11/2025

An authentic traditional Chinese experience with home feel food. Come if you wish to know how Chinese family eat at home. The food is great. Service and atmosphere are excellent too

Edwin Petrus

07/11/2025

A restaurant which is almost 100 years with the main dish of fried noodle (ifumie) with Binjai style. Taste of the food is good but pricey. Restaurant's setting is still very old style. The way of transporting the food from kitchen to the restaurant is also still using the manual hand operated lift. Payment is only by cash. Parking is at roadside.

Hari Kuang

27/10/2025

Open since 1920. Peranakan - Cantonese cookings. The birthplace of the famous I Fu Mie in Binjai. Noodles are still handmade, unlike I fu mie in other places. There are also 2 other types of Noodles. Do try them all! Many other interesting menus such as Ca Ci Kai (fried chicken), Stuffed Chicken with Leather Eggs and Jellyfish, Ki Pua Ak (Chessboard Duck), Pekkoi Ke (Chicken stuffed with Ginkgo), And many others! Dining area is in 2nd floor. The 1st floor is kitchen and storage area. You can see the old food lift bringing food upstairs inside the restaurant. Restoran Tionghoa Peranakan yg sudah buka sejak 1920. Area makan di Lantai 2 yang belum pernah kemari mungkin bingung Tempat lahir IfuMie di Binjai. Tidak seperti tempat lain, Mie di sini bikinan sendiri

Amelia Febryanty

16/10/2025

Old heritage restaurant since 1920, they say they are the first inventor of IFUMIE …. What a place that has been handed down through 6 generations.. and be able to live it up

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