Delicious, inspired,
unique.
A mix of over 50 cultures, Curaçao's food is as
varied as its residents.
Because much of Curaçao's food is
imported, island visitors enjoy access to international cuisine with a
local flavor. Taste the variety of Dutch, Spanish, Creole, Indonesian, and
many, many more flavors in our culinary delights. You can sample authentic
local food at Curaçao's famous old market, Marsche Bieuw in downtown
Willemstad. Hygiene and food quality are excellent, portions are generous,
and prices can't be beat. Seating is strictly first come-first served,
at a few small tables or at long counters. Each stand is independently
operated. Be sure to see the small paintings depicting rural life of old
times that adorn the vents above the cooking areas.
Want to try some of these dishes at home, see our Recipe Page.
Some Basics
Erwten soep-Thick pea soup with
pork, ham, and sausage
Nasi goreng-Bean sprouts sautéed with
chunks of meat and chicken
Bami-Long noodles with vegetables and
meat
Saté-Skewered meat with peanut sauce (see recipe)
Rijsttafel-Table serving rice with up to 20 accompanying
dishes
Adventurous Options
Yuana-Stewed
iguana, which tastes remarkably like chicken; also iguana soup (Sopi Yuana)
Kabritu-Stewed goat
Sample these dishes at the Old Market (Marshe) in Punda or at other
restaurants serving local dishes.
For the Vegetable
Lover
Kònkòmber-Cucumbers, often combined
with green papaya or cabbage, stewed with corned beef (see recipe)
Fried plantains-Try tasty fried plantains, or a sweet
soup made from plantains and vegetables, seasoned with peppers and cinnamon
Promèntè-Small, colorful hot peppers and
pickled onions
Holiday
Fare
Ayaka-Savoury meat
tamales wrapped in banana leaves
This dish is served especially at Christmas time.
Keshi Yená-Stuffed
cheese (see recipe)
Possibly Curaçao's most famous dish.
Bolo pretu-Black fruit cake (see recipe)
Sweets
Sunchi-Meringue
"kisses," made of sugar, egg whites, and food coloring (see recipe)
Panseiku-A kind of praline: toasted peanuts and almond essence,
cooked in a brittle glaze of dark brown sugar
Kokada-Freshly grated coconut patties,
held together in a sugar syrup, tinted with food coloring for a festive
look (see recipe)
These sweets can be purchased at the New Market in Punda.
Want to try some of these
dishes at home, see our
Recipe Page.
