If you are planning a holiday to North Sumatra, one of the destinations that comes to your mind is Lake Toba. Lake Toba is one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world, its stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity make Lake Toba an unforgettable destination for its visitors. However, apart from enjoying the natural beauty and cultural diversity, there is one thing you should not miss when visiting Lake Toba, namely typical Batak souvenirs.
You can look for it at Tomok Market, Siallagan Market or Siallagan Pinda Raya and Tuktuk Siadong or other world centers such as the supermarket closest to your location. Here are some recommendations for 5 typical Batak culinary souvenirs that you must bring home.
1. Ulos
Ulos is a traditional woven cloth produced by Batak crafts in the form of a scarf or long cloth. Ulos cloth has high symbolic value in Batak culture. With its distinctive patterns and motifs, Ulos cloth has philosophical and historical meaning for the Batak people. Ulos cloth is usually worn at traditional events, such as weddings, death ceremonies and other celebrations. You can buy ulos cloth at Tomok Market, Tiga Raja Parapat Market, Balige Market or other souvenir shops. Ulos prices tend to vary, between hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiah.
2. Sidikalang Coffe (Kopi Sidikalang)
Sidikalang Coffee Besides being able to enjoy its natural beauty, you can also taste a variety of delicious and delicious Batak culinary delights. One of the menus that you must try and use as a souvenir is Sidikalang Coffee. Sidikalang coffee is the most famous and best coffee variant among other types of coffee in North Sumatra.
This coffee grows at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, in Dairi Regency, North Sumatra. This type of coffee has a smoother texture, the aroma is not too strong, and the acidity level is low. Sidikalang coffee contains 80 percent caffeine. The taste is similar to chocolate, with a little sweetness. Sidikalang coffee can be purchased at various souvenir shops, with prices starting from IDR 80,000- IDR 300,000.
3. Sihobuk Nuts (Kacang Sihobuk)
Sihobuk peanuts are a snack from Sihobuk Village, one of the peanut producing villages in North Sumatra. Even though they look the same as peanut snacks in general, Sihobuk peanuts have gone through a unique processing process. The nuts are roasted using sand to produce a crunchy, sweet and savory taste.
If you want to buy this typical Batak souvenir, just prepare around IDR 10,000 – IDR 20,000 for one pack. You can enjoy this snack best with warm tea or coffee.
4. Ombus-Ombus
This traditional cake is made from rice or sticky rice flour, grated coconut and brown sugar. This food, which has long been part of Batak culture, is very delicious served with hot coffee or tea. You can buy this cake for IDR 3,000 and you can buy it at Ombus-Ombus No.2, Simpang Muara.
5. Andaliman Sambal
Andaliman Sambal is a spice for typical Batak culinary delights. This spice is sometimes also called “Batak Pepper”. Andaliman is small in shape and has a soft orange aroma but a biting spicy taste. Batak pepper is actually not spicy, not as hot as pepper or chili, but the taste is really sensational. To make andaliman chili sauce, you have to combine it with cayenne pepper for a spicy taste, lime juice for fresh sourness and various other spices. You can buy this andaliman chili sauce starting from IDR 20,000 – IDR 40,000 thousand.
6. Dali Ni Horbo
“Dali Ni Horbo” or often nicknamed the cheese of the Batak people. Dali Ni Horbo is a food made from buffalo milk. Dali ni Horbo is made from traditionally processed buffalo milk. The word “Dali” in Batak means milk, and “Horbo” means buffalo, so “Dali Ni Horbo” literally means buffalo milk. You can buy this Batak cheese for a price range of IDR 25,000-IDR 40,000 in one basket.
7. Arsik
Arsik is a typical Batak dish that you can take home as a culinary souvenir. This food is mainly made from carp, which is cooked with special herbs and spices. Uniquely, arsik is not just a dish; it also has deep cultural meaning for the Batak people. Arsik prices range from IDR 130,000 – IDR 200,000.
Well, those are some recommendations for typical Batak souvenirs that you can take home or give to family, friends and relatives as souvenirs from your holiday in Batak land. Hooray!
