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Hey guys, have a great weekend! 👋 In this post, I want to share my travel experience visiting Eikin Pariban, a restaurant located on the grounds of the Pariban Hotel in North Sumatra.

Oh, just a quick disclaimer first. I didn’t stay at the hotel. I just stopped by to try out the restaurant. 😆 At first, I accidentally came across a video on TikTok that featured this place. Just from the video alone, it looked really interesting. The view was amazing, the atmosphere was peaceful, and the vibe made me want to head there right away. So, without a second thought, I immediately added this place to my must visit list. It’s located at the foot of Mount Sibayak, one of the most famous mountains in North Sumatra. The air here is really cool. almost cold, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the city heat for a bit. There are also many natural sulfur rich hot springs in the surrounding area. That’s why most tourists who come to the Pariban area are primarily there to soak and enjoy the warmth of the hot springs while taking in the pristine mountain scenery. So, rather than just being curious after seeing the videos on TikTok, I decided to go there in person and experience the atmosphere and dining experience at Eikin Pariban for myself. Is it really as good as it looks on social media?

Once I arrived at Eikin Pariban, I found that the restaurant was located on the 4th floor of the Pariban Hotel. So, in addition to a cozy indoor area, they also have a rooftop area that looks directly out onto the mountains. Without a second thought, I immediately chose to sit in the outdoor area. Not only did I want to enjoy the cool mountain air, but I’m also a smoker, so it’s more comfortable for me to sit outside than indoors. My order hadn’t arrived yet, so I had plenty of time to walk around the rooftop for a bit while taking in the view from above. And honestly… the view from here is truly captivating. To the left, the expanse of green forest covering the slopes of Mount Sibayak looked so close. Thick clouds hung over the mountain’s peak, occasionally moving slowly with the wind. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the other side, I could see the peak of Mount Sibayak with plumes of white smoke rising from its crater. That moment serves as a reminder that this mountain is still active, while also adding a unique touch to the scenery before me. When I look down, the scene shifts to a picturesque rural landscape. Local homes stand side by side at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by neatly arranged vegetable gardens. From up here, the rows of farm beds look like patterns adorning the valley. Every now and then, I also spotted wisps of steam rising from the hot springs area in the distance. The white steam slowly rose into the air, blending with the thin mist descending from the mountains. A view that might be ordinary for the locals, but for me, it was one of the most fascinating parts of my time here. While waiting for my food to arrive, I chose to take it all in without rushing. Sometimes, the best part of visiting a place isn’t just the food, but the atmosphere that makes us pause for a moment, breathe in the fresh air, and truly savor the moment.

Aside from the natural scenery, one thing immediately caught my attention, the shape of the roofs in this area. Since this area lies at the foot of Mount Sibayak, the majority of the local residents here are from the Karo ethnic group. That’s why many buildings from hotels and restaurants to other structures incorporate the architecture of traditional Karo houses. The most recognizable feature is the roof shape, which rises high at both ends. At the very top, there’s usually a buffalo head ornament, while the front features distinctive carvings in red, green, black, and white, colors that symbolize Karo cultural identity. I also noticed the word “Mejuah-juah” on the front of the building. At first, I was curious about its meaning. After doing some research, I found out that “Mejuah-juah” is a traditional greeting among the Karo people that conveys a prayer and hope that someone will always be granted health, safety, happiness, and well being. It’s essentially a welcome message filled with good wishes. In my opinion, architectural touches like this give Eikin Pariban a more distinctive character. The building isn’t just a modern restaurant with a mountain view, it also preserves the local cultural identity. For me personally, it’s these small details that make the visit all the more memorable. We don’t just enjoy the food and the natural scenery, we also get to learn a little about the culture of the people who have long inhabited the foothills of Mount Sibayak.

In one corner of the rooftop, I also spotted a small stage that really caught my eye. The stage was equipped with speakers, lighting, and other supporting equipment, so it seemed to be set up for musical performances. Unfortunately, when I visited, the place was still pretty quiet. There were no singers or live music performances taking place. Perhaps it was because I arrived in the afternoon, whereas musical entertainment is usually held in the evening, especially on weekends. Even so, I found myself imagining what the atmosphere would be like if I came on a Saturday night. Sitting on the rooftop in the cool mountain air, enjoying a warm meal, accompanied by live music, while gazing at the lights of the houses at the foot of Mount Sibayak. It seems like it would be a much more memorable experience. Although the stage was empty, that actually made the afternoon atmosphere feel even more peaceful. All I could hear was the gentle mountain breeze and the sounds of nature around me, so I could enjoy the view without many distractions. Sometimes, a simple atmosphere like this is its own unique charm.

An empty stomach always makes the scenery seem more beautiful. I chose to sit at one of the long tables facing directly toward the mountains. All around the restaurant, the plants were arranged very neatly. Flowers hung in every corner, while the green foliage made the mountain air feel even fresher. Finally, the fried rice noodles I ordered arrived at my table. The flavor was simple, but incredibly delicious. Maybe it’s because I’m eating in a place like this. Or perhaps gratitude is simply the ingredient that no restaurant can ever quite replicate. It cost forty thousand rupiah, equivalent to 2.3 USD. For some people, that might be a normal price. But for me, who doesn’t have a steady job right now, forty thousand rupiah is enough to keep me going for two days. It’s funny how people often judge food by its taste. Yet it’s actually our wallets that often determine just how luxurious a meal is. Just as my food arrived, a few other customers began to trickle in. It looked like a large family. The restaurant’s atmosphere, which had been fairly quiet, slowly became livelier. I could hear children’s voices, parents chatting, and occasional bursts of laughter echoing back and forth. I just sat there quietly. Being a stranger amidst other people’s happiness turned out not to be a sad thing. In fact, from a distance, I learned that every table holds a different story. Some came on vacation, some were celebrating togetherness, and others, like me, simply wanted to enjoy some time alone. Sometimes, a journey isn’t about finding the most beautiful place. Rather, it’s about discovering a small corner a place where we can find peace with life, even if only for the duration of a plate of fried mihun and a cup of mountain air. I think the part where “forty thousand rupiah is enough to keep me going for two days” is particularly powerful. That line makes the narrative feel honest and down to earth. The audience doesn’t just see a beautiful restaurant, they also understand the perspective of a traveler counting every rupiah. It adds emotional depth without coming across as self pitying.

In the end, the mountain never cares who comes. It doesn’t choose between the rich and the poor. It simply stands there, bearing witness as people arrive with their ambitions and then return home with their own thoughts. Perhaps that’s why I’ve always loved traveling. Not because the world out there has changed, but because every journey offers a chance to see a version of myself that’s a little different from who I was yesterday. Thank you for visiting and reading my travel stories. [//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin 3.22260 lat 98.51187 long d3scr))

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