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.
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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.
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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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