Taste your way through the multicultural heritage of the island. Sample Argentine meat dishes, Venezuelan empanadas and arepas, and nutty Dutch cheeses. Or for something a little more Caribbean, try a hearty pumpkin soup or gumbo with some pan bati— a pancake made from wheat and corn flour.
Oranjestad, the bustling capital of Aruba, is a culinary paradise where local flavors take center stage. Dive into the island's unique cuisine and experience a tantalizing journey through Aruba's culinary traditions:
Keshi Yena: Start your local cuisine adventure with a taste of Aruba's signature dish, keshi yena. This hearty and flavorful meal features a hollowed-out Gouda cheese filled with a rich blend of spiced meat, raisins, olives, and capers, all baked to perfection.
Fresh Seafood: With its coastal location, Oranjestad is the place to savor the freshest seafood. Indulge in succulent catches like red snapper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo prepared with local seasonings and served at waterfront restaurants.
Local Snacks: Don't miss the chance to sample a variety of local snacks. Try pastechi, a deep-fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, and pan bati, a fluffy and slightly sweet cornbread pancake.
Aruban Stew: Dive into a bowl of traditional Aruban stew, often prepared with tender goat meat. The stew is rich and hearty, seasoned with local spices, and served with a side of funchi, a cornmeal-based dish.
Rijsttafel: Aruba's culinary traditions have been influenced by various cultures, including the Dutch. Try rijsttafel, a Dutch-Indonesian dish featuring an array of small dishes like satay, peanut sauce, and fragrant rice.
Creole Cuisine: Delight in Creole-inspired dishes that feature a mix of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. These meals often incorporate plantains, yams, and a medley of aromatic spices.
Conch Dishes: Aruba's waters are teeming with conch, a local delicacy. Taste conch prepared as ceviche, fritters, or in a refreshing salad.
Desserts: End your culinary journey with a sweet note. Try traditional desserts like cashew cake, avelo (sugar-coated almonds), and cocada (coconut candy) for a taste of Aruba's sweet side.
Local Drinks: Wash down your meal with local beverages like Aruba Ariba, the island's signature cocktail, or refreshing aloe vera drinks made from the island's own aloe crops.
Street Food: Explore the streets of Oranjestad to find food trucks and stalls serving a variety of local snacks and specialties, including pika (spicy chili sauce) that adds a zesty kick to your dishes.
Local cuisine in Oranjestad is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and influences that mirror the island's rich history and cultural diversity. From savory stews to sweet treats, you'll experience the warmth and hospitality of Aruba through its delectable dishes.