By admin 
Curacao’s food scene is rich with Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin influences. Each dish reflects the island’s history and culture, blending local ingredients and traditional flavors. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, exploring Curacao’s unique cuisine is a must. Here is a guide to the essential dishes and where to find them.
1. Keshi Yena
What It Is:
Keshi Yena is one of Curacao’s most famous dishes. Traditionally, it features a hollowed-out cheese ball stuffed with spiced meat, vegetables, and sometimes raisins. The dish is baked until the cheese melts and the filling is cooked through.
Where to Find It:
- Plasa Bieu, Willemstad: A local food court in the heart of Willemstad, Plasa Bieu serves traditional dishes in a casual setting. Look for Keshi Yena on the menu here, as it’s prepared in the traditional way, rich and flavorful.
- Gouverneur de Rouville, Otrobanda: This popular restaurant offers a refined version of Keshi Yena with great views of the harbor. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy this dish in a more upscale setting.
2. Kabritu Stoba (Goat Stew)
What It Is:
Kabritu Stoba is a slow-cooked goat stew, seasoned with herbs, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This hearty dish is full of flavor and represents a staple of Curacao’s culinary heritage.
Where to Find It:
- Plasa Bieu, Willemstad: Kabritu Stoba is one of the favorites here. The goat is tender and well-seasoned, offering a taste of local tradition.
- Jaanchie’s Restaurant, Westpunt: Located on the west side of the island, Jaanchie’s is known for its authentic local dishes, including Kabritu Stoba. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice.
3. Pastechi
What It Is:
Pastechi is a fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, or fish. Similar to an empanada, it’s a popular breakfast item or snack in Curacao. Pastechi is crispy, savory, and available across the island.
Where to Find It:
- Local Bakeries, Island-Wide: Most bakeries in Curacao sell pastechi. Look for it in the mornings for the freshest batches.
- Number Ten Curaçao, Santa Rosaweg: This cafe offers pastechi alongside coffee, providing a comfortable atmosphere for a quick breakfast.
4. Sopi di Piska (Fish Soup)
What It Is:
Sopi di Piska is a flavorful fish soup that combines fresh fish with coconut milk, herbs, and spices. It’s a light yet savory dish, perfect for seafood lovers.
Where to Find It:
- Plasa Bieu, Willemstad: Known for traditional dishes, Plasa Bieu serves a well-prepared version of Sopi di Piska. The soup is flavorful and hearty, showcasing Curacao’s seafood.
- The Pen at Avila Beach Hotel: This restaurant serves a refined version of Sopi di Piska, with an upscale twist and beachside views.
5. Funchi and Yuana
What It Is:
Funchi is a polenta-like dish made from cornmeal, while yuana is stewed iguana, a local delicacy. Funchi is often served as a side dish, and yuana has a taste similar to chicken, with a texture like fish.
Where to Find It:
- Jaanchie’s Restaurant, Westpunt: Jaanchie’s serves yuana in a relaxed, traditional setting, allowing visitors to experience local flavors.
- Landhuis Dokterstuin, Westpunt: This restaurant offers a well-prepared version of yuana with sides, including funchi, making it an ideal spot for adventurous eaters.
6. Bolo Pretu (Black Cake)
What It Is:
Bolo Pretu is a traditional dessert served at celebrations. It is a rich, dense cake made with dried fruits soaked in rum or brandy, giving it a deep flavor and dark color.
Where to Find It:
- Local Bakeries, Island-Wide: Many bakeries on the island sell bolo pretu, especially during holidays and festivals.
- Restaurant & Cafe Gouverneur de Rouville, Otrobanda: Known for its authentic menu, this restaurant offers bolo pretu as a dessert option for those looking to end their meal with something traditional.
7. Karni Stoba (Beef Stew)
What It Is:
Karni Stoba is a slow-cooked beef stew flavored with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and local spices. This dish is comforting and packed with flavor, often served with rice or funchi.
Where to Find It:
- Plasa Bieu, Willemstad: Karni Stoba is a popular choice at this local food court, where it’s prepared with traditional flavors.
- Iguana Cafe, Handelskade: This cafe serves a hearty version of Karni Stoba with beautiful waterfront views.
8. Coconut and Tamarind Sweets
What They Are:
Curacao’s traditional sweets include coconut and tamarind-based treats. Coconut sweets are chewy and sweet, while tamarind treats are tangy with a unique flavor.
Where to Find Them:
- Local Markets, Island-Wide: You can find these sweets at markets around Curacao, including the Floating Market in Willemstad.
- Snèk Shops: Small snack shops, known as “snèks,” also sell coconut and tamarind sweets, perfect for a quick treat.
9. Ayaka
What It Is:
Ayaka is a dish inspired by Venezuelan tamales, featuring meat, olives, and raisins wrapped in banana leaves. Ayaka is especially popular during the holidays.
Where to Find It:
- Holiday Season Markets: Ayaka is typically available in December, especially at local holiday markets.
- Local Restaurants During the Holidays: Many restaurants add ayaka to their menu during the holiday season, providing a unique taste of Curacao’s seasonal cuisine.
10. Fried Red Snapper
What It Is:
Curacao’s fried red snapper is a seafood staple, served whole with sides like plantains and rice. The fish is seasoned with local spices, giving it a flavorful, crispy skin.
Where to Find It:
- Restaurant & Cafe Gouverneur de Rouville, Otrobanda: This restaurant serves fried red snapper with traditional sides, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers.
- Seaside Terraces, Mambo Beach: Known for its beachfront views, this casual spot offers fried red snapper with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tips for Your Curacao Food Tour
- Try Local Drinks: Curacao is famous for its Blue Curacao liqueur. Try it in a cocktail or sample different flavors, such as tamarind or coffee.
- Visit Plasa Bieu Early: This food court is popular with locals and tourists alike. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the freshest dishes.
- Ask for Recommendations: Many locals are happy to recommend dishes and places to eat. Don’t hesitate to ask for their favorite spots.
Conclusion
Curacao’s food offers a mix of flavors that reflect the island’s history and culture. From savory stews to sweet desserts, each dish tells a story. Make time to try these dishes during your visit, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Curacao’s culinary heritage.