More than just Durian Tarts! Have you fallen for the traps at this Pekanbaru souvenir shop?
qponx
2026-03-06
Heading to Viera Oleh-Oleh in Pekanbaru? This massive souvenir shop is a must-visit for its legendary Ketan Talam Durian, a rich and authentic durian sticky rice tart. But it’s not all treats! This guide gives you the inside scoop on what to buy and what to avoid, revealing potential traps like low-quality snacks and tricky checkout practices. Shop smart and make sure you only bring home the best of Pekanbaru's local flavors.
Every time I come to Pekanbaru, my friends keep pushing me to check out this place, Viera Oleh-Oleh, saying it's the originator of the Riau province's durian tart, and that not buying it is like not having come at all. Alright then, this time I'll check it out for you girls! 😎
I was genuinely surprised the moment I walked in. This isn't just a souvenir shop, it's practically a small department store! The place is super big and spacious, making it very Chill to walk around. The first floor is a foodie's paradise, filled with all kinds of pastries, snacks, and drinks; the second floor even sells clothes and fabrics, giving you the full one-stop shopping experience. 🅿️ The parking lot is also huge, so you don't have to worry at all if you're driving.
Calling all durian lovers!
Getting straight to the point, of course I was here for their durian series!
- Ketan Talam Durian (Durian Sticky Rice Tart)[1]: It lives up to its reputation as the signature item! The durian flavor is really rich, and you can tell it's made with real, authentic durian pulp. The sticky rice layer underneath is chewy and springy, and the combination is simply Mantap! The price is around 35k-40k Indonesian Rupiah. Get it!
- Bolu Kemojo[2]: This green Malay specialty cake is also a must-buy. The sweetness is just right, and the texture is very dense. It's a snack that even locals buy to eat at home.
- Lempok Durian (Durian Cake)[3]: The texture is a bit like our New Year's cake (nian gao), but it's filled with an overpowering durian aroma. If you like a soft and chewy texture, go for it.
Real talk, some things to avoid!
Although their signature items are solid, some other things really shocked me... 🙄
I casually grabbed a bag of dried pineapple, but when I opened it, I found it was damp and not crispy at all, Anjay![4] Also, you really need to be extra careful when checking out! Some reviews say that the staff will secretly swap in products that are about to expire, or when giving change, they'll say they don't have small bills and just not give it to you, and even if you buy a lot and ask for a bigger cardboard box, they'll charge you extra for it![5] This level of service really doesn't match its high 4.8 rating on Google...
A guide to avoiding pitfalls, you're welcome!
For all you girls heading out to shop, here are the key points:
Overall, as a one-stop shop for buying souvenirs, it's decent, but the small details of the shopping experience really need improvement. Have you guys been there? Have you encountered any weird situations? Let's Nongkrong in the comments section! 👇
- 1. Focus on the signature items: You can't go wrong with the durian series, especially the Talam Durian, it's a guaranteed win. For other small snacks, it's a matter of luck. It's best to check reviews before buying.
- 2. Keep your eyes peeled: When checking out, you must! must! check the production and expiration dates. Don't let the staff's little tricks succeed.
- 3. Payment methods: Cash, debit cards, and QRIS are all accepted, which is quite convenient.[6]
- 4. Parking fee: There's a fee for parking at the entrance, 1,000 Indonesian Rupiah for motorcycles, 2,000 for cars.[7]
- The Durian Sticky Rice Tart is addictive! Rich durian meets chewy rice for amazing texture. A true star of the show [1].
- Try the green Bolu Kemojo, a local fave! This Malaysian cake is dense, satisfying, and not overly sweet [2].
- It's a mini department store! Food on the 1st floor, clothes and fabrics on the 2nd. Perfect for one-stop souvenir shopping
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