Guide to Curaçao’s Traditional Dishes: Where to Enjoy Them
Curaçao’s gastronomy is a journey through the island’s history and culture. Its cuisine, as diverse as its inhabitants, combines African, European and Caribbean influences, creating a unique fusion of flavors. From traditional stews and exotic soups, to fresh seafood dishes and recipes passed down from generation to generation, every bite offers a taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
If you are planning to visit this Caribbean paradise, you cannot miss some of the most representative dishes of Curaçao. Here is a complete guide to the typical foods you should try and the best local restaurants where you can enjoy them.
1. KESHI YENA
Keshi Yena is one of Curaçao’s most iconic dishes. It is an Edam or Gouda cheese stuffed with shredded chicken meat, olives, capers, raisins, tomatoes, and local spices. The dish is baked until the cheese melts, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Where to try it:
- Restaurant Gouverneur de Rouville
- The Pen Restaurant at Avila Beach Hotel
- Plasa Bieu, in Punda
2. SOPI DI YUANA (IGUANA SOUP)
Sopi di Yuana is a dish that connects you directly to the most traditional roots of the island. This iguana soup is considered a delicacy for its soft meat and the nutritional value attributed to it. It is prepared with local herbs, vegetables and a touch of garlic.
Where to try it:
- Jaanchie’s Restaurant
3. KABRITU STOBA (KID STEW)
Kabritu Stoba is a slow-cooked kid stew with local herbs, tomatoes, onions, and a mixture of spices. The meat is cooked until tender, absorbing all the flavors of the ingredients.
Where to try it:
- Plasa Bieu
4. AYAKA
Ayaka is a kind of tamale of Venezuelan origin, which has been adopted by the Curaçao cuisine. It is prepared with a corn dough, filled with beef, pork, chicken, raisins and olives, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. This dish is especially enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Where to try it:
- Shelterrock Paradise
5. FUNCHI
Funchi is a traditional Curaçao side dish consisting of a kind of polenta made of corn flour, cooked to a firm texture. It is often served with stewed meats or fish.
Where to try it:
- Plasa Bieu
7. BATI BREAD
Bati Bread is a type of flatbread that accompanies almost any meal in Curaçao. It is made with a mixture of corn and wheat flour, baked on a griddle until golden brown. It is a perfect accompaniment to stews, soups and fish.
Where to try it:
- The Greenhouse
6. PISKA KORÁ
Piska Kora is fresh fish, usually red snapper, marinated with garlic and spices, then fried until crispy. It is served with fried ripe plantains and funchi or rice.
Where to try it:
- De Vissereij
