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5 Local food you have to try in Curacao
and where to find them
One of the greatest things about travelling is getting to experience the local cuisine. Food is a huge part of a culture’s character and so many things can be learned about a place through their local delicacies. Curacao is home to many cultures due the to country’s rich history and this is exactly what their cuisine tells the story of. Most local dishes are a fusion of diverse foreign influences and range from tame to adventurous no matter what your taste, Curacao is every foodie’s dream come true.
An amazing explosion of flavors that you shouldn’t leave Curacao without trying.
Keshi Yena
This is sometimes referred to as Curacao’s signature dish. Believed to have originated from Dutch Empire slaves of the Dutch West Indies, this dish is traditionally a hollowed out four pound wheel of cheese stuffed with spiced meat, olives, capers, onions, tomatoes, and then baked until perfection.
Where to find it: Belle Terrace at The Avila Hotel
Kabritu Stoba
A common dish you’ll find around the Caribbean, Stoba is a hearty and spicy meat stew traditionally using goat meat. This versatile dish can be eaten with either rice or funchi (Dutch Antilles Cornmeal). Comfort food at its finest!
Where to find it: Marshe Biew
Guiambo
A Curacao delicacy, this thick, hearty and slimy dish is commonly known as okra soup. The okra is stewed to perfection then mixed with a variety of local seafood. The strong rich taste coupled with the slimy texture can be something you have to get used to before you decide on how much you love this dish.
Where to find it: Komedor Krioyo
Pastechi
A half circle shaped dough pocket stuffed with cheese, ground beef with raisins, seasoned fish with capers, seasoned vegetables or ham then deep fried to golden perfection. This national gastronomic treat s similar to an empanada but made with a different kind of dough.
Where to find it: Any local snack bar between morning and noon.
Local desserts
To satisfy your sweet tooth
Arepa di Pampuna
Pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon powder.
K’oi Lechi
Milk sweets.
Leter di Pinda
Peanut cookies shapes in to the letter S.
Bolo di Kashupete
Cashew pound cake.
Tert di Pruimu
A rich and juicy pie made with deseeded prunes.
You can find all these treats: at Marshe di Barber on Sundays at the Band Abou area.
The island of Curacao may not be known mainly for its cuisine (at least not yet) but Curacaoan dishes and desserts are definitely something all foodies should start looking in to. The marriage of seemingly strange ingredients in their traditional dishes create an interesting and amazing explosion of flavors that you shouldn’t leave Curacao without trying.
