TaTaring Coffee & Resto — Restaurant in Samosir Island

Coming to Danau Toba without the slightest idea about your daily meals could be an itching problem you got to set it straight. I came prepared with no high expectations when it comes to food.

We landed amidst having to face the raining days without anticipating it and zero preparation in terms of supply hoping we could stock up here. Always go to a place with some ground work as contingency plan.

Without other options and with no access to ordering grab food we ventured into the unknown. We stumbled upon this little cottage selling local meals. For the next couple of days we have our dinners here trying almost everything there's to offer. If you're not into fine dinning then this place might be your choice of chance.

Food doesn't taste too bad and prices are extremely acceptable depending on your orders. All the 3 nights, we ended with empty plates every meal that alone can have some degree of certainty in terms of ratings. I would say, it tasted a little different but overall it's as good as any eatery.

This place is run by a group of enterprising young people making a living. They even help out with the local entertainment industry by having live band performance on a Thursday night.

If you're in Danau Toba without any major agendas on hand, do support the local food industry by patronising this place. They serve great local coffee, they also have beers but no hard liquor.

Come with an open mind and check your taste buds momentarily to give a go at local cruisine. Filling your belly first is more important than anything else. Cheers.

If at all this review helps out don't forget to...

Tataring isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. Sitting just across from Toba Boi Guesthouse, this spot slides effortlessly from easy-going breakfast café to nighttime music magnet.

Drop by from 10am for a decent cuppa (avocado coffee if you wish) and a solid breakfast (just don’t come hungry at 8—it’s still snoozing). Chill through the afternoon with a fresh juice, some snacks, and a little sunbathing while the breeze flirts through the trees and the lake peeks back at you.

But come evening, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays, the place transforms. Locals and travellers alike gather, the live band kicks in, and before you know it, the bassline and keyboards fill the night sky. You’ll know it’s time when the music calls you over. Feeling bold? Drop a song request and see if your tune makes the cut. A cold Bintang in hand completes the scene.

Sure, the kitchen takes its sweet time—but hey, good food deserves a little patience. From gado-gado salad to crispy fish and chips, they serve up generous portions that are worth the wait.

Chill by day, groove by night—Tataring is where Tuk Tuk gathers, eats, and sings along. If you’re around, its a place...

Tataring is the unofficial pulse of Tuk Tuk - serving up solid coffee, comfort food, and nightly live music that starts chill and ends with someone belting Bon Jovi, U2, Raggae.. etc at full throttle. The band’s genuinely talented, and the vibe shifts from lazy afternoon café to lakeside concert by sundown.

Menu’s a mix of local and Western - nothing mind-blowing, but satisfying enough, especially with a cold beer in hand and Lake Toba twinkling in the background. Service is easygoing, a little slow when it’s packed, but hey, you’re on Samosir time now.

Heads-up: if you’re staying across the street at Toba Boi Guesthouse, you’ll be attending this concert whether you buy a...