As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration.

Discover how the melting pot of cultures in Aruba creates a local cuisine influenced by Holland, South America, and the Caribbean. Delicious flavor fusions result in a unique culinary experience that will make your time on the island unforgettable. Head to Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, for some of the best restaurants on the island. Along the beaches, you’ll find plenty of nearby bars and restaurants serving up fresh and local food with incredible island views!

So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are some recommendations of delectable dishes you must indulge in.

Seafood- Perhaps the most apparent food to try while on the island is the fish and seafood. In the Caribbean Sea, some of the most amazingly fresh seafood can be found. Take your pick between mahi-mahi, grouper, lionfish, prawn, or red snapper if you're looking for a simple dish to try. However, the options go on forever.

2. Pan Bati- This bread is usually on the side of every main dish served on the island, and with good reason. Pan Bati is a sweet flatbread that dissolves in your mouth. Although it is prepared with simple ingredients, it is far from being dull in flavor.

3. Stews and Soups

Many of the local eateries and restaurants serve traditional Aruban stews and soups. Usually, the stews are full of chicken, fish, or goat meat, although you can still find soups and stews made with beef or lamb as we make it here in the states.

This is a spicy stew with goat's meat as a main ingredient. Serve over rice, funchi or potatoes.

This typical Aruban stew derives from leftover fish. In its most common form, white-fleshed fish (or shark) is stewed with local spices like annatto, basil, tomatoes and bell peppers.

4. Ayaca- Dried fruit and cashews adorn this delectable dish of steamed beef wrapped in a banana leaf. That's not all you get, though. There are a ton of ingredients used to create this unique, mouthwatering Venezuelan dish.

5. Keshi Yena- This authentic Aruban meal is a must-try! It includes a ball of cheese stuffed with meat or poultry that is spiced to perfection. Anywhere you go on the tropical island you will find a unique and off-beat version of this dish.

6. Funchi and Banana Hash- This combo is certainly one that packs a lot of tasty flavors! Funchi is fried cornmeal mush, often served with gouda and a side of fried plantains.

7. Pastechi- is a portion of famous Aruban street food (can be served as traditional Aruban breakfast or as a snack). You can find it offered by most street food vendors, and all of them claim to make it best. No matter where you get it, you don't want to miss out on this gouda filled pastry.

8. Hot Papaya Sauce- Often served on the side of meals, hot papaya sauce is the perfect addition to a meal if you can stand the sweet heat of papaya fruit mashed with hot peppers.

9. Authentic Aruban Desserts

Pudding is a big deal in Aruba. You must order a helping of Pan Bollo (bread pudding with Ponche cream or rum, and ice cream) or Bolo di Banana (plantain pudding).

Aruba is an absolute dream of a place to visit. Sipping a cold drink, while taking in the stunning scenery before you, and relax into the heavenly rhythm of the island life.

Beverages To Try While In Aruba

It doesn't matter what restaurants or cafes you choose to visit while in Aruba, but make sure you don't leave without indulging in some of the foods and beverages mentioned on this list! They are by far some of the greatest, tastiest options on the island.

Want to learn a little bit more about Aruba and all it has to offer to its visitors? Check out our amazing destination guide for Aruba (by clicking on the image below) to get some more ideas on what you can do on your Aruban vacation. Then, when you are ready to plan your trip, we can help you every step of the way!

3. Beach views surround you .jpg — Aruba

Destination Guide

If you would like more information on the most popular restaurants and places to go, please don't hesitate on contacting me to start planning your trip to Aruba. Just click on the link below and I will be happy to help you every step of the way of your planning process.

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