10 Aruba food specialties: A true taste of the island
Welcome to Aruba, the sun-soaked Caribbean paradise where the food is as vibrant and inviting as the island itself.
Here, the Taste of Aruba is a delightful journey of flavors, a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. From the bustling markets to the cozy beachside eateries, Aruba food is a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. If you've ever wondered, "What food is Aruba known for?" you're about to embark on a delicious exploration of traditional dishes that embody the spirit of this beautiful island.
Best food in Aruba: A traditional must-try!
Our One Happy Island is not only known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. The popular foods in Aruba, including fresh seafood caught in its clear waters and exotic fruits grown on the island, offer a delightful blend of flavors. They reflect the island's Dutch, African, and Indigenous roots, showcasing a diverse culinary heritage. This blend of flavors contributes to what many consider the best food in Aruba. Are you curious what the national dish of Aruba is? It’s Keshi Yena, a savory stuffed cheese dish filled with chicken, canned tomatoes, green olives and other flavor bombs. We’ve enlisted more traditional Aruban dishes below, each of them telling their own story of our island’s past and present. Get ready to go on a culinary adventure - and pick which dishes you would definitely want to eat while you’re here.
1. Pastechi – Aruba’s golden breakfast hero
Crescent-shaped fried pockets filled with cheese, beef, chicken, tuna, or even Indonesian-style chop suey. You’ll find them everywhere, from bakeries to food trucks. For something extra, check out Huchada Bakery or The Pastechi House in Oranjestad.
Where to try it:
The Pastechi House [Oranjestad] – Local favorite with classic fillings
Huchada Bakery [Santa Cruz] – Big portions, fresh every morning
Bright Bakery [Santa Cruz] – Old-school, no-nonsense flavors
2. Keshi Yena – Stuffed cheese casserole
A classic comfort food with spiced meat, olives, and raisins baked in a cheese crust. Some restaurants swap in seafood or vegetarian fillings. For the real deal, try it at Papiamento or The Old Cunucu House.
Where to try it:
Papiamento Restaurant [Noord] – Served in a garden setting with heritage vibes
The Old Cunucu House [Palm Beach area] – Traditional-style recipe
Gasparito [Noord] – Local art gallery meets Aruban comfort food
3. Funchi and Pan Bati – Cornmeal comfort duo
Funchi is Aruba’s version of polenta, served creamy, grilled, or fried. Pan bati is a slightly sweet flatbread that pairs perfectly with stews. Locals love this combo with stoba or sopi.
Where to try it:
Kamini’s Kitchen [San Nicolas] – Comfort food with Caribbean flair
Gostoso [Oranjestad] – Affordable and authentic
Zeerovers [Savaneta] – Great with fried fish
4. Sopi – Soups that hit different
From hearty beef and goat to fish-based broths and pumpkin purées, Aruban soups bring bold, home-cooked flavor. Try sopi di pisca, sopi di mondongo, or creamy sopi di pampuna.
Where to try it:
The Old Cunucu House [Palm Beach area] – Known for their soups
Peanuts Restaurant [Oranjestad] – Local spot with rotating daily soups
Local food trucks – Look for weekend specials in San Nicolas
5. Stoba – Caribbean stew
Goat, beef, or conch slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based gravy. Served with rice, funchi, or pan bati. For maximum impact, go for cabrito stoba.
Where to try it:
Kamini’s Kitchen [San Nicolas] – Goat stoba with homemade flair
The West Deck [Oranjestad waterfront] – Great view, great stews
Coco Plum Restaurant [Oranjestad] – Known for local classics
6. Pisca Hasa – Straightforward fried fish
Lightly fried catch-of-the-day, usually served with plantains, pickled onions, and local sides. Zeerovers in Savaneta is the go-to. It’s no-frills, fresh, and unforgettable.
Where to try it:
Zeerovers [Savaneta] – Locally caught, fried on the dock
Boca Prins Restaurant [Arikok] – Seafood with a wild coastline view
O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen [San Nicolas] – Casual and consistent
7. Ayaca – Holiday tamale hybrid
This Christmas-season specialty is made with cornmeal dough filled with seasoned meats, olives, raisins, and capers, all wrapped in banana leaves. You’ll spot them during the holidays or at traditional events.
Where to try it (seasonal):
Home-based vendors in December – Ask locals or markets
Papiamento Restaurant [Noord] – Occasionally on holiday menus
Ritz-Carlton or Renaissance – For upscale holiday buffets
8. Snackable Favorites – Beach bites with personality
Look for bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), cala (black-eyed pea fritters), and bolita di keshi (fried cheese balls). These are best enjoyed with a cold Balashi or Chill on the beach.
Where to try them:
Dutch Pancake House [Oranjestad] – For Dutch snacks and sweets
Café The Plaza [Renaissance Marketplace] – Classic Dutch-Aruban bites
Local bars like Local Store or 5 O’Clock Somewhere – Beer and bites combo
9. Cocada and Bolo Borracho – Sweet finales
Try coconut candy, rum-soaked bolo borracho, quesillo (Aruban flan), and Dutch sweets like pancakes or stroopwafels. Aruba knows how to finish a meal.
Where to try them:
Bright Bakery [Santa Cruz] – Grab-and-go sweets
Caribbean Bakery [San Nicolas] – Homemade feel
Wilhelmina Restaurant [Oranjestad] – Upscale versions of local desserts
10. Aruba Ariba – The local cocktail
A tropical punch with vodka, rum, crème de banane, and fruit juices. Invented at the Hilton in 1963, and still a favorite.
Where to try it:
Hilton Aruba [Palm Beach] – Original birthplace of the cocktail
Bugaloe Pier Bar [Palm Beach] – Great drinks with a sunset view
MooMba Beach Bar [Palm Beach] – Party vibe, cold drinks, toes in the sand
Basically anywhere on island
Exploring Aruba's food scene is an integral part of your travel experience. Each bite offers a taste of the island's rich history and diverse cultural influences. From the savory Patacon to the sweet Cocada, the best food in Aruba is a delightful journey of flavors that goes beyond the dining table, offering insights into the island's traditions and way of life.
