Best Food In Aruba Cuisine: 10 Dishes to Try
Discovering the best food in Aruba is an adventure for the palate that no couple should miss. This vibrant island offers more than just stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters; it beckons as a culinary paradise ready for exploration.
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Aruba, often hailed as the jewel of the Caribbean, offers more than just its pristine beaches and inviting azure waters. It’s a haven for couples seeking both adventure and culinary delights. After a day of discovering hidden coves or lounging under the sun, what could be more romantic than exploring the island’s vibrant flavors together?
We’ve curated a list of ten Aruban dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
Seafood Delights
Aruba’s seafood scene is a true reflection of the island’s rich marine life. The Caribbean Sea provides an abundance of fresh seafood that Aruban chefs skillfully transform into exquisite dishes.
Mahi-Mahi: Often referred to as the “dorado,” mahi-mahi is a staple in Aruban cuisine. Its firm texture and mildly sweet flavor make it a versatile ingredient that’s perfect for grilling, sautéing, or baking. Enjoy it glazed with a tangy citrus sauce or simply grilled to perfection, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
Lionfish: Chefs in Aruba often prepare it in creative ways. From ceviche to lightly fried fillets, each dish showcases its delicate flavor.
Red Snapper: In Aruba, chefs serve red snapper whole. Local herbs and spices season it, and grilling or frying creates a crispy exterior and succulent interior. It’s a communal dish that’s perfect for couples, inviting you to interact and enjoy the experience of dining together.
Seafood Platters: For those who wish to sample a bit of everything, many restaurants in Aruba offer seafood platters that feature an assortment of the day’s freshest catch. These platters can include a variety of fish, shrimp, lobster, and shellfish, often accompanied by side dishes that highlight the island’s culinary diversity, such as Aruban-style rice or seasoned vegetables.
For a look at the best resorts in Aruba that offer the best foods, check out our list here.
Pan Bati
Pan Bati, an essential staple in Aruban cuisine, is much more than just bread; it’s a cherished part of the island’s culinary heritage. This sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flatbread seamlessly blends the simplicity of its ingredients with the depth of its flavors, making it a versatile companion to a wide array of Aruban dishes. Think of it like a pancake, but more savory.
Cultural Significance: Pan Bati holds a special place in the hearts of Arubans. Its name, which translates to ‘flatbread’ in Papiamento, the local language, hints at its simplicity and the everyday role it plays in Aruban meals. It’s a testament to the island’s rich cultural tapestry, incorporating influences from Indigenous, African, and European culinary traditions.
Get the recipe from VisitAruba.com!
The Best Food in Aruba: The Soups & Stews
Dive into the heart of Aruba with traditional stews brimming with local flavors. From tender goat to rich fish, each stew tells a story of the island’s culinary heritage.
Sopi di Pampuna (Pumpkin Soup)
Sopi di Pampuna is a beloved Aruban classic. This pumpkin soup is a blend of sweet and savory. It features the rich, creamy texture of pureed pumpkin as its base. The soup has local spices, onions, garlic, and sometimes a hint of celery or bell pepper. To create a luxurious, velvety finish, chefs sometimes add a touch of cream or coconut milk.
Keri Keri
Keri Keri, a delightful Aruban stew with roots in the island’s indigenous Arawak heritage. Chefs primarily use shredded fish, often tuna, and sauté it with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a variety of spices to craft a rich, hearty stew. They cook the fish until it becomes tender and flaky. Typically, Keri Keri comes with a side of funchi (a cornmeal polenta-like side) or Pan Bati, offering a delectably satisfying meal.
Cabrito Stoba (Goat Stew)
Cabrito Stoba is a hearty and flavorful stew that showcases the island’s love for bold, savory dishes. Chefs marinate tender, slow-cooked goat meat in a rich blend of local herbs and spices, including garlic, cumin, and annatto, to give the stew a distinctive color and flavor.
The meat is simmered with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions until everything melds together into an aromatic dish. The older the pot, looking at least 50 years old, the better it gets! This reminds me of a beef stew I grew up eating from my family in Puerto Rico.
Cabrito Stoba is often enjoyed with rice or Pan Bati.
Ayaca’s Delight
The making of Ayaca is a labor of love, involving a meticulous layering process. This is steamed beef, marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and herbs that infuse the meat with deep flavors. But the magic of Ayaca doesn’t stop there. It’s the addition of dried fruits and cashews that elevates this dish to new heights. The sweetness of the fruits contrasts beautifully with the savory meat, while the cashews add a delightful crunch, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ayaca is its presentation. The mixture is carefully enveloped in banana leaves, which serve as both a wrapper and a flavor enhancer. As the Ayaca steams, the banana leaves give off a subtle, earthy aroma. This method of cooking not only preserves the rich mosaic of flavors but also adds an element of surprise.
Our Favorite Food in Aruba: Keshi Yena
This dish is a celebration of flavor, featuring a hollowed cheese ball filled with spiced meat or poultry. Each bite is a discovery of Aruba’s unique culinary fusion.
The meat or poultry is enriched with a blend of spices that might include cumin, paprika, and a hint of nutmeg, contributing warmth and a subtle kick to the dish. This mixture may also feature raisins or prunes, which introduce a gentle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
Funchi and Banana Hash
For those who crave a side of adventure with their meals, this combination of fried cornmeal mush and sweet plantains is a must-try, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Think Italian polenta or the African fufu. Made from coarsely ground cornmeal, it’s cooked with water and a pinch of salt until it reaches a firm, yet creamy consistency. The magic of Funchi lies in its versatility. Once cooked, it can be cooled and then sliced into thick wedges or squares and fried to achieve a crispy exterior with a soft, warm center. This is our favorite way to eat it!
Sweets of the Island
Pan Bollo, essentially translating to “bread pudding” in Papiamento. This dessert is made by soaking stale bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and typically flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and sometimes a splash of the local Aruban rum for an extra kick. Dried fruits like raisins or currants are often added to the mix, infusing the pudding with sweet bursts of flavor. Pan Bollo is frequently served warm and can be topped with a dollop of Ponche Crema (a creamy alcoholic beverage similar to eggnog) or a scoop of ice cream!
Bolo di Banana, or plantain cake, is another traditional Aruban dessert. This dessert utilizes ripe plantains, which are mashed and mixed with flour, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a rich, moist batter. Once baked, Bolo di Banana is often glazed with a caramel or rum sauce! Yes, please!
Spice it Up with Hot Papaya Sauce
Add a dash of excitement to your meals with this fiery sauce, blending the sweetness of papaya with the heat of peppers, it’s a dance of flavors not to be missed.
I found one that you can get at home!
Cheers with Aruba Ariba and Local Brews
No culinary exploration is complete without a taste of the local libations. From the refreshing Balashi beer to the iconic Aruba Ariba cocktail, toast to your romantic adventure.
Balashi Beer: Brewed right in the heart of Aruba, Balashi is the island’s pride and joy. This crisp, golden lager is crafted with pure desalinated ocean water. Its smooth, clean taste makes Balashi perfect for cooling down after a day under the Aruban sun.
Aruba Ariba Cocktail: For those seeking a more colorful and festive drink, the Aruba Ariba cocktail is a must-try. This concoction is a vibrant mix of vodka, rum, Coecoei (a local Aruban liqueur made from the sap of the agave plant), and Crème de Banane, topped off with a splash of fruit juices such as orange, pineapple, and a hint of grenadine for sweetness.
Served in a tall glass, often garnished with a slice of orange or a cherry. In August, when the weather is particularly warm, this drink feels extra sweet.
Pastechi
No food list is complete without street food! These are the dishes that I try to recreate at home with my kids. Filled with gooey gouda, this is a savory treat that captures the island’s laid-back essence.
Let’s Get You to The Best Food in Aruba!
Exploring Aruba’s culinary scene is about discovering the island’s diverse flavors, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes like Pan Bati and Keshi Yena. Alongside the scenic beauty, Aruba offers a unique dining experience that complements any romantic getaway. Enjoying a Balashi beer at sunset or sipping on an Aruba Ariba cocktail adds to the overall experience, making your visit memorable.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into what Aruba has to offer and creating a personalized adventure, consider booking a call with me. Together, we can plan your perfect trip, combining the best of Aruba’s cuisine with its stunning landscapes for a truly enjoyable experience.