The Aruban Cuisine
Is a wonderful blend of Caribbean, Latin American and Dutch influenced meals, with its own Aruban twist. Lots of fresh fish and seafood, fried delicious goodies, light fish soups and hearty stews. Here are the most popular traditional foods that you must try while holidaying in Aruba.
Caribbean food is a very diverse cuisine thanks to the array of cultural influences that have led to some of the best Caribbean food recipes. African, East Indian, Arab, European, Amerindian, and Chinese influences are present in much of the Caribbean food many know and love.
Aruba is a great country to discover the Caribbean food scene. Don’t leave Arubawithout trying sopa di pompuna, pumpkin soup, which is a typical Caribbean food delicacy that can be found in countless restaurants across the island.
One of the classic Aruban dishes to try is keshi yena, or a large, round ball of cheese served steamed or fried and stuffed with minced meat.
Cool island soup is another must-try dish in Aruba. This soup is made with lime juice, unsweetened apricot nectar, pineapple, cantaloupe, and papaya and is commonly eaten across the island.
Aruba is a great country to discover the Caribbean food scene. Don’t leave Arubawithout trying sopa di pompuna, pumpkin soup, which is a typical Caribbean food delicacy that can be found in countless restaurants across the island.
One of the classic Aruban dishes to try is keshi yena, or a large, round ball of cheese served steamed or fried and stuffed with minced meat.
Cool island soup is another must-try dish in Aruba. This soup is made with lime juice, unsweetened apricot nectar, pineapple, cantaloupe, and papaya and is commonly eaten across the island.
Aruba’s culinary wealth is based on an eclectic combination of cultures ranging from indigenous Arawak Indian and Spanish, to African, French, and Dutch. Over the years, Aruban cuisine has evolved into a scrumptious fusion of these cuisines, thrilling the taste buds of locals and tourists alike. The best way to experience the unique flavors of the island is by eating where the locals eat. Forget hotel dining and try rubbing elbows with native Arubans at these four delectable joints. Let’s eat like a local in Aruba.
Zeerovers
If you ask any local for a meal recommendation, they’ll send you straight to Zeerovers. Seafood at this oceanfront restaurant is so fresh you can still smell the Caribbean waters! The catch of the day varies but quality certainly doesn’t. Kingfish, snapper, and barracuda often make the menu here, but it all depends on what the fishermen reel in that day. The shrimp, tasty plantains, cornbread, and seasoned fries are staples here, so try them all! This place gets packed with locals at night, but a long line is no reason to miss the amazing food; go for lunch or arrive a little before dinner time if you want to skip the wait for a great table.
Gostoso
If You’re looking for a mouthwatering feast, search no more. The Portuguese, Aruban, and international cuisine at Gostoso will leave you more than satisfied. Chef José has prepared a menu with everything from shrimp-stuffed avocado, to succulent lobster and grouper, to savory pork chops, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, and tender chicken. He may be the chef and owner, but he always makes time to come out and share his passion for food with visitors. The delicious food and friendly vibe make Gostoso an absolute must.
King’s BBQ
Tell that Texas barbecue to move over because King’s is ready to take the barbecue crown. Their rib dinners, chicken, and burgers ooze with irresistible Aruban flavor, and their authentic Aruban banana bread and plantains are too good not to try. Be sure to put this one on the calendar, though, because they are only open Friday through Sunday. Trust us; it’s worth waiting for all week.