Blown Away by an Oil Uncle's Cafe in Pekanbaru
qponx
2026-03-06
Step into Tekotara, a Pekanbaru cafe with a hardcore industrial theme designed by a retired "oil uncle." This spot is a haven for beverage lovers, boasting rare V60 Liberika Meranti coffee and a massive menu of Indonesian teas. While the unique atmosphere is great for chilling or working, be prepared for potentially slow service during peak hours and smaller food portions. It's a place where the unique drinks and cool, oil-industry vibe are the main attractions.
Anjay, if my friend hadn't led the way, I really would have thought I'd stumbled into some oil company's office... The whole place has a hardcore industrial vibe—pipes, dashboards, valves... So cool it's unreal![1] Later, I chatted with one of the staff and found out the owner is actually a retired big shot from the oil industry. The shop's name, Tekotara, is an abbreviation for Teh Kopi Nusantara (Indonesian Tea and Coffee)[2]. I give this backstory a perfect score.
It's More Than Just Coffee, It's a Vibe
First things first, I came specifically for this cup of V60 Liberika Meranti Coffee[3], which is hard to find elsewhere. It's smooth on the palate with a very unique aftertaste. The flavor is truly Mantap! Coffee lovers have to try this.
For my friends who don't drink coffee, don't worry. Their menu of Indonesian-origin teas is so long I thought I was reading a thesis—it's enough to give you analysis paralysis[4]. Friends who are tea connoisseurs will definitely feel right at home here.
As for the food, I ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara[5]. It was super rich and milky, and they were generous with the mushrooms. The texture was very creamy. The whole space is huge, and you can chill both indoors and outdoors. If you want to have a small meeting or get some work done, the environment here can totally handle it.
Praise First, Then Complain—That's My Style
Okay, praise is over, time for some real talk. The ambiance and the quality are definitely on point, but the service speed... especially when it's crowded during meal times, my friend complained that they once waited over an hour for their food[6]. Impatient friends, enter at your own risk. Also, the pasta portion might be just three bites for a guy[7]. If you want to get full, you might need to order a few more snacks. The selection of main courses is also not very extensive[8], so I feel like this place is more suitable for drinks and conversation.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Quick, Take Notes!)
Finally, here are some solid tips for you. For those of you who want to check this place out, listen up:
- Parking: There aren't many parking spots out front, so be prepared to find a spot on the roadside during peak hours[9]. Time to test your driving skills.
- Business Meetings: They have a meeting room, but remember to book in advance, and there's a minimum spending requirement[10].
- Payment Methods: I heard they only accepted cash when they first opened, but I'm not sure about now. It's best to bring some cash or ask the staff beforehand to avoid any awkwardness.
- Best Time to Go: If you want to Nongkrong quietly, I suggest avoiding the lunch and dinner rush. The experience will be much better
- A retired oil tycoon's cafe with a hardcore industrial look. Pipes & dashboards everywhere—the contrast is wild! [1][2]
- For coffee heads: the rare V60 Liberika Meranti Coffee. Super smooth with a special finish. The flavor is Mantap! [3]
- The Indonesian tea menu is thesis-long! Tea connoisseurs will definitely find their tribe here. [4]
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