VoB – Every destination has a place where stories are shared over a cup of coffee. In Tahuna, the capital of the Sangihe Islands Regency in North Sulawesi, that place is Oscar Coffee House—a historic coffee house that has welcomed locals and travelers since the 1970s.
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Central Indonesia Time), Oscar Coffee House is one of the oldest coffee houses in Tahuna. Established more than five decades ago, it has become a local landmark, serving generations of customers while continuing to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Despite the quieter coffee culture in this border region between Indonesia and the Philippines compared with larger cities, and the rise of modern cafés, Oscar Coffee House has preserved its loyal following and timeless charm.
Located in one of Indonesia’s northernmost island regions, near the maritime border with the southern Philippines, Oscar Coffee House is more than a place to enjoy coffee. It is a cultural meeting point where visitors can experience the traditions, hospitality, and everyday life of the Sangihe people.
For more than five decades, the coffee house has been a favorite gathering place for the local community. Friends meet over conversations, families enjoy relaxed afternoons, and travelers take a moment to experience the slower rhythm of life in this border town.
Its welcoming atmosphere, loyal customers, and enduring reputation have made Oscar Coffee House one of Tahuna’s most iconic culinary destinations.
A Taste of Tradition and Timeless Hospitality
No visit to Oscar Coffee House is complete without experiencing its signature coffee and homemade treats. Guests can choose from classic black coffee or coffee with milk, both best enjoyed with traditional Sangihe delicacies, as well as a selection of Indonesian pastries and modern cakes.
Adding to the experience is the warm hospitality of the owner, who welcomes visitors with genuine friendliness and often shares stories about the coffee house’s long history and traditions.
This combination of authentic flavors, personal stories, and heartfelt service reflects how Oscar Coffee House has preserved its culinary heritage while embracing changing tastes over the decades.
Another highlight is the nostalgic atmosphere that surrounds the coffee house. Inspired by the style of the 1970s, Oscar Coffee House preserves the character of a classic neighborhood café while providing the comfort expected by today’s visitors.
Vintage décor, wooden furnishings, and genuine Sangihe hospitality create a warm and relaxing setting where time seems to slow down, inviting guests to linger over conversations and another cup of coffee.
A Coffee Destination for Travelers in Indonesia’s Northern Frontier
Oscar Coffee House has become a charming destination for travelers exploring Indonesia’s northern frontier.
Located near the maritime border between Indonesia and the Philippines, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the culture, flavors, and warm hospitality of the Sangihe Islands.
For travelers arriving in Sangihe, Oscar Coffee House is more than just a place to enjoy coffee. It is a welcoming stop where visitors can relax, connect with locals, and experience the island’s everyday rhythm.
The combination of traditional coffee, local delicacies, and a cozy atmosphere makes the coffee house a memorable part of any journey through Indonesia’s northern border region.
How to Reach Oscar Coffee House?
Reaching Oscar Coffee House is relatively easy for travelers exploring the Sangihe Islands.
From Manado city, visitors can take a passenger ferry from the port to Tahuna, with the journey across the Sulawesi Sea taking approximately nine hours.
After arriving at Tahuna Port, the coffee house is only about a 10-minute ride away by motorcycle taxi (ojek) or public minibus (mikrolet).
For travelers already in Tahuna, finding Oscar Coffee House is even easier. Located in the city center, the coffee house is a familiar landmark among locals. Visitors can simply check the map or ask residents for directions, as many people in Tahuna know this historic coffee destination.
Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, a culinary explorer, or a traveler seeking authentic local experiences, Oscar Coffee House is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.
More than a historic coffee house, it offers a gateway to the culture, flavors, and warm hospitality of Indonesia’s northern frontier—where every cup tells a story of Sangihe. (Sandra Refli Medawo)
