Authentic food – What is Curaçao’s famous food?

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    Discover the traditional, famous dishes of Curaçao

    Caribbean cuisine is as colorful as its culture. Try some of the Caribbean’s best regional cuisines.
    Curaçao is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. But it doesn’t take long to realize why many people choose to vacation here.

    The natural beauty is undeniable, but what makes Curacao truly unique are the flavors found throughout the island.
    Curaçao’s food culture is diverse, as Curaçao is known as one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean. With more than 50 nationalities living there, you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes such as: traditional Creole dishes like curry goat and braised pike, boiled cornmeal to international favorites like sushi and pizza. From fresh local produce to locally produced wines and spirits, there is something for everyone. This blog will show you where to find those specialties on our island.

    There are many of the island’s favorite (sometimes unexpected) dishes and drinks that are worth trying while enjoying the Curaçao sun and beach.

    Iguana

    Iguana meat is often used in stews and soups, but it is best known as the main ingredient of Curaçao’s national dish, iguana soup “Sopi di Yuana. The meat is slow roasted with onions and spices, served over white rice and finished with a slice of lime. It is thought to help prevent colds and colds.

    Fish & Chips

    When it comes to British pub classics, there are few places in Curaçao that do it better. At Jaanchie’s, guests can enjoy freshly fried fish and fries, with fries on the side.

    Karni stoba

    Beef stew – made with goat – is a savory dish that contains cubes of marinated meat simmering with various combinations of onions and spices.
    You’ll find it everywhere, including the casual cafeteria and elegant restaurant and café Gouverneur de Rouville, housed in a historic mansion overlooking St. Anna Bay and next to the beautiful hotel Kura Botanica. St. Anna Bay and the colorful rows of Dutch colonial houses lining the waterfront are also great places to enjoy the meal.

    Pumpkin pancakes

    Vendors at Plasa Bieu sell pumpkin pancakes. They cost $1 each and are served hot. You can find them at Plasa Bieu, located in Punda, Willemstad. These pancakes are really worth it.

    Fish dish

    The fish ball is originally from Curaçao, where it is traditionally served at dinner on Christmas Eve. This dish is made with a combination of ingredients such as tuna, garlic, onions and peppers.

    Stew

    Banana stobá is a classic Dutch Caribbean recipe. It is traditionally served during the Christmas season, with turkey or lamb. In addition, you can also eat the sweet version of stobá (stew), banana stobá, which can be made from plantain and a few herbs.

    Piska Ku Funchi

    The name says it all, literally translated into English it means “fish cooked with polenta.” This dish originated during a period of famine in Ghana some 40 years ago. People lived mainly on cornmeal porridge called polenta, which was mixed with water and boiled overnight. This simple meal became popular with locals. Funchi hasa is also highly recommended, which is deep-fried funchi (similar to French fries). For the full experience, add some cheese.

    kura-botanica-logo.png
    Spread over an eight-block area, this property offers a unique luxury experience in a botanical and tranquil retreat, offering complete privacy and intimacy.
    Ideal for Business people, Couples or Lovers who need a break

    Best local restaurants on Curacao

    To make your stay as easy and mouth-watering as possible, just read this list for the best local restaurants on the island.

    Sample local dishes at Plasa Bieu

    When in Curaçao, don’t hesitate to try the various local dishes the island has to offer. Plaza Bieu is a local institution that serves delicious Caribbean food in large portions. The open-air market in Punda offers visitors the chance to enjoy a hearty meal while taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market.

    In the Old Market (Plaza Bieu), you will find dozens – no, hundreds – of local vendors selling everything from freshly baked bread to homemade ice cream. But it’s not just about food; there are also artisans selling handmade items, jewelry, clothing and even souvenirs. You won’t find chain stores here; each vendor sells his wares directly from his stall. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, including a vegan restaurant and a juice bar.

    If you are looking for something special to eat, try one of the traditional dishes served at the market. Try kabes ku higa , a savory meat dish with goat meat. Or go for the curried chicken, a spicy curry cooked with coconut milk and spices. A wonderful way to start the day.

    And don’t forget dessert. In addition to the usual assortment of sweet treats, you will also find many savory snacks, such as cheesecakes, empanadas and sandwiches.

    Rozendaels

    Outdoor dining with a Caribbean touch
    On the island of Curaçao you will find many restaurants serving delicious food. One such place is Rozendaels, located in the heart of the city. Rozendaels can be found in the bustling Pietermaai neighborhood.

    This restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including some traditional favorites, such as curacao chicken and beef stew. But it also serves dishes inspired by different cultures around the world.

    Rozendaels not only offers a wide selection of local cuisine, but also serves a variety of international dishes. You may find things you know, such as pizza and pasta, but there are also dishes you probably haven’t tried before. For example, the restaurant offers a dish called “kashmiri curry,” which consists of lamb served with vegetables and spices.

    There is ample seating inside and outside the restaurant. If you’re looking for something special, try the dessert menu. There are several tempting choices, including chocolate mousse cake and coconut cream cake.

    Jaanchie’s Restaurant

    The menu at Jaanchie’s Restaurant is simple – just three main dishes served with rice and beans, vegetable salad and dessert. But there are plenty of options to choose from, including seafood such as grilled grouper, shrimp and lobster; meaty entrees such as chicken breast, pork loin, and steak; and vegetarian selections such as pumpkin soup, spinach pie, and potato curry. There are even some traditional Caribbean dishes such as fried plantain chips and curry goat.

    But what really sets Jaanchie’s apart is the main course: iguana soup. The restaurant’s name is derived from the Dutch word “iguana,” meaning lizard, because Jaanchie’s uses live iguanas as one of its sources of protein.
    The restaurant offers different types of iguana soup, depending on how much meat you want and whether you want the soup spicy or mild. If you are looking for something light, try the “coconut iguana soup.”

    Those who want more flavor can choose the “chicken iguana soup” or the “spicy iguana.” The star of the show here is not the soup itself, it is the iguanas themselves. They roam freely on Jaanchie’s estate, where they have lived since birth. They eat grasses and leaves, and occasionally take a dip in the ocean.

    Manor Doctor’s Garden – “Restaurant Komedor Krioyo”

    Authentic regional dishes served at the historic Doktor Garden Manor House, a restored 18th century manor house painted yellow with a tin roof. Located off the road to Westpunt (the west side of the island where the most beautiful beaches can be found) it is housed in a former residence of Dr. Evert Jansen van der Meer, one of the founding fathers of Curaçao.

    The menu includes delicious traditional dishes such as stewed goat, stewed bananas with meat, red snapper, and more.

    BBQ Express

    Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular, but Curaçao has had several food trucks for years. They offer convenience, variety and affordability.

    BBQ Express offers barbecue dishes and drinks. On the menu are sandwiches with beef brisket, fried chicken, pulled pork and macaroni and cheese. There are also side dishes such as sweet potato chips and corn bread sticks.

    The food truck serves hearty portions, and many customers say they return because they love the quality of the food and the customer service.

    Kura Botanica Hotel Image Gallery

    Kura Botanica Hotel
    4.9
    Based on 43 reviews
    powered by Google
    Ingrid LanduytIngrid Landuyt
    18:20 08 Jan 24
    Dushi place to be!! ❤️❤️❤️
    lize huppeslize huppes
    01:00 04 Jan 24
    Had a very nice stay. Everything is clean and the place of the hotel is safe. Staff is very friendly & hospitable. Highly recommended!!
    Ximena Peña ortizXimena Peña ortiz
    10:39 22 Dec 23
    Very good hotel.. nice romanticthe staff is great. VeryAlways friendly and attentive. Good location. The cleaning people are very nice and everything is very clean.I would definitely return again.. thank you kura botanica and curaçao for a very good vacation.. in my heart ❤️
    Andrego StarmansAndrego Starmans
    15:33 04 Dec 23
    Jeroen SmeuldersJeroen Smeulders
    21:57 02 Dec 23
    Beautiful, nice and service-oriented boutique hotel in the heart of Willemstad.To be clear: If you book via Corendon: certainly not a 5* hotel (a good 4 is better). Missing some critical things. But they make up for it with great service!A quick summary of plus and minus pointsPlus:-Location. The heart of Willemstad. In the middle of restored Otrabanda. 15 minutes walk from Nieuwstraat. Nevertheless, very quiet.-Service: employees are super friendly and helpful.-Rooms. Rooms are clean and beds great. Nice shower. Are cleaned every day. And I mean really cleaned.-Nice poolside bar where there is a lot of chatting in the evening.-Adult only. Really nice.Minus:-No beach access. This is not something that you can blame the hotel for, but it is stated differently on the Corendon site. If you want to go to a beach, you will have to arrange that yourself. Otherwise they would have gotten 5 stars for location.-Swimming pool is quite small for 46 rooms. There are approximately 13 beds, so on busy check-out days: do the math.-Breakfast. They have outsourced breakfast to a restaurant nearby (Bario). Not a buffet but a la carte. During our stay we suffered from long waiting times. Kura management then took steps and things improved.-No gym.Extras:-If you stay here, it is wise to arrange a car for at least a few days.-Be informed by the hotel management about where to eat/be etc etc.
    Edward ErasmusEdward Erasmus
    14:10 06 Nov 23
    I had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica in Curacao. This boutique hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. The rooms were not only nice but also impeccably clean, which is always a priority for me when traveling. The location is fantastic, being so close to Brionplein and Punda, making it convenient to explore the vibrant surroundings.The ambiance at Kura Botanica is truly special. It radiates charm and offers a tranquil atmosphere that made my stay even more enjoyable. The staff was welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.I would highly recommend Kura Botanica to anyone looking for a cozy and well-maintained boutique hotel in Curacao. It's a gem that ensures a delightful stay in this beautiful destination.
    Whitney RedfieldWhitney Redfield
    16:59 22 Oct 23
    Amazing boutique adult only hotel. One suggestion ... full length mirrors. Excellent service. Kind staff. Free cappuccinos if you ask nicely. Very close to all of Willemstad. Many amazing restaurants near by. The retail shops had such great selections of clothing and souvenirs. Highly recommend!!
    Dennis YuDennis Yu
    04:37 06 Oct 23
    Great place for our networking event, Kolektivo Conference. Minister of Economic Development for Curacao showed up, too.Wish that the jacuzzi was warm.
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
    Ingrid LanduytIngrid Landuyt
    18:20 08 Jan 24
    Dushi place to be!! ❤️❤️❤️
    lize huppeslize huppes
    01:00 04 Jan 24
    Had a very nice stay. Everything is clean and the place of the hotel is safe. Staff is very friendly & hospitable. Highly recommended!!
    Ximena Peña ortizXimena Peña ortiz
    10:39 22 Dec 23
    Very good hotel.. nice romanticthe staff is great. VeryAlways friendly and attentive. Good location. The cleaning people are very nice and everything is very clean.I would definitely return again.. thank you kura botanica and curaçao for a very good vacation.. in my heart ❤️
    Andrego StarmansAndrego Starmans
    15:33 04 Dec 23
    Jeroen SmeuldersJeroen Smeulders
    21:57 02 Dec 23
    Beautiful, nice and service-oriented boutique hotel in the heart of Willemstad.To be clear: If you book via Corendon: certainly not a 5* hotel (a good 4 is better). Missing some critical things. But they make up for it with great service!A quick summary of plus and minus pointsPlus:-Location. The heart of Willemstad. In the middle of restored Otrabanda. 15 minutes walk from Nieuwstraat. Nevertheless, very quiet.-Service: employees are super friendly and helpful.-Rooms. Rooms are clean and beds great. Nice shower. Are cleaned every day. And I mean really cleaned.-Nice poolside bar where there is a lot of chatting in the evening.-Adult only. Really nice.Minus:-No beach access. This is not something that you can blame the hotel for, but it is stated differently on the Corendon site. If you want to go to a beach, you will have to arrange that yourself. Otherwise they would have gotten 5 stars for location.-Swimming pool is quite small for 46 rooms. There are approximately 13 beds, so on busy check-out days: do the math.-Breakfast. They have outsourced breakfast to a restaurant nearby (Bario). Not a buffet but a la carte. During our stay we suffered from long waiting times. Kura management then took steps and things improved.-No gym.Extras:-If you stay here, it is wise to arrange a car for at least a few days.-Be informed by the hotel management about where to eat/be etc etc.
    Edward ErasmusEdward Erasmus
    14:10 06 Nov 23
    I had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica in Curacao. This boutique hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. The rooms were not only nice but also impeccably clean, which is always a priority for me when traveling. The location is fantastic, being so close to Brionplein and Punda, making it convenient to explore the vibrant surroundings.The ambiance at Kura Botanica is truly special. It radiates charm and offers a tranquil atmosphere that made my stay even more enjoyable. The staff was welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.I would highly recommend Kura Botanica to anyone looking for a cozy and well-maintained boutique hotel in Curacao. It's a gem that ensures a delightful stay in this beautiful destination.
    Whitney RedfieldWhitney Redfield
    16:59 22 Oct 23
    Amazing boutique adult only hotel. One suggestion ... full length mirrors. Excellent service. Kind staff. Free cappuccinos if you ask nicely. Very close to all of Willemstad. Many amazing restaurants near by. The retail shops had such great selections of clothing and souvenirs. Highly recommend!!
    Dennis YuDennis Yu
    04:37 06 Oct 23
    Great place for our networking event, Kolektivo Conference. Minister of Economic Development for Curacao showed up, too.Wish that the jacuzzi was warm.
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
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    Piscadera Fisheries

    Fresh seafood in a casual waterfront setting. At The Fisheries, you can choose from whole red snapper, shrimp, or fish of the day. And while it is not the place for a fancy meal, guests are treated like family.

    The menu changes daily, depending on the fishermen’s catches, and the restaurant prides itself on being able to prepare anything caught within minutes.

    You must line up at the front desk before you can take a seat at the picnic tables outside. But don’t worry about waiting too long; the kitchen closes punctually at 8 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to finish their meal.
    And don’t forget to ask about the free bread basket with crusty rolls, homemade butter and jam.

    Besides the assurance of beautiful weather, great beaches, fantastic culture and happy hours, Curaçao “the foodie experience” will certainly not disappoint.

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