No trip to Aruba is complete without diving into its world-class food scene. Home to over 90 nationalities, this island paradise boasts a culinary melting pot blending Dutch, South American, Caribbean, and North American influences—from refined dishes by acclaimed chefs to hearty Aruban classics.
Aruba's Traditional Cuisine
Shaped by Native Americans, merchants, pirates, Dutch and Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and Asian immigrants, Aruba's local fare fuses these roots with vibrant Caribbean flavors. Expect fresh seafood, rich stews, Creole specialties, and tropical fruits and vegetables.
Start with seafood soups or grilled fresh catches like wahoo, red snapper, mahi-mahi, and barracuda. Elevate them with pica—a spicy Creole sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
Savor stews of beef, chicken, or sweet goat meat with arroz moro (rice and beans). The iconic Keshi Yena stuffs a hollowed Edam or Gouda cheese with seasoned meat, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, olives, capers, raisins, and piccalilli, then bakes it until molten and irresistible.
The National Snack: Pastechi
Finish with pastechi—golden, fried half-moon pastries stuffed with cheese, ham, beef, chicken, or fish.
