Aruba is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, with more than 100 nationalities living harmoniously in our community. This cultural diversity is deliciously represented in our cuisine, with authentic ethnic and street food representing a vast culinary landscape to explore.
However, what locals consider “typical” Aruban cuisine reflects a time when limited local ingredients dictated simple yet hearty dishes that nourished the soul. Even with simple ingredients, these dishes are the perfect bite to trying Aruban food and getting to know our culture a little bit more.
For the ideal home base on the island while exploring our beaches, underwater playground, and our traditional Aruban food, Vacation Aruba has a variety of rental homes, condos, and villas to suit every group’s needs.
Here are a few typical Aruban comfort foods and suggestions on where to find them.
1. Pisca Hasa Crioyo (Fish Creole)
Dating back to the indigenous Caquetío Indians, the island diet was centered around harvests from the sea. Today, local full-time fishermen take to their colorful wooden fishing boats in the wee hours of the morning to bring back fresh seafood for our restaurants and homes.
The typical Creole preparation is simple, letting the fresh fish take center stage. Pan-fried fillets are topped with a no-fuss but flavorful sauce of tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Spices and herbs are added to the cook’s taste or according to family recipes. Enjoy with some pan bati (local cornmeal pancake) for a thoroughly local meal.
Where to Try It
Locally owned and operated Marina Pirata has been serving fresh catches to locals and visitors for more than 40 years. Located directly over the tranquil waters of Spanish Lagoon, it’s hard not to imbibe in a taste of local life and food here.
Lucky for you though, many local restaurants serve their version of this dish.
2. Stoba (Stew)
The weather might be warm, but nothing feels like true Aruban comfort food than a righteous bowl of stoba. Decades ago, red meat and pork were not as easy to come by on the island, so goat was, and still is, a popular meat here. Known locally as cabrito stoba (goat stew), a rich tomato-based gravy is populated with hearty ingredients like potatoes, onion, garlic, and basic seasonings.
Today, carni stoba (beef stew) is just as popular and widely available. Soak it up with the traditional side dish of funchi (steamed cornmeal).
Where to Try It
Pika’s Corner is an affordable local restaurant offering a variety of local dishes, and one of the most popular is their stoba. Located in the heart of Palm Beach near the high-rise hotels, enjoy casual dining or convenient takeout.
3. Sopi (Soup)
Brimming with fresh ingredients, sopi, like stoba, has been a mainstay of the Aruban diet, providing affordable sustenance for locals. Many families traditionally have a big pot of sopi on the stove on Saturday afternoons.
There are several typical varieties like sopi yambo (okra soup), sopi oester (oyster soup), and pigtail and red bean sopi.
Where to Try It
Mama Brown’s Soup to Go in San Nicolas is a great place to explore a variety of soups. Seven home cooks join Mama Brown to contribute to this authentic collaboration, each bringing in a big pot of soup daily from family recipes. There’s usually at least one vegetarian option as well.
Just be sure to get there early! She opens at 11am and is usually sold out by 2pm.
4. Pastechi 
Considered the national snack of Aruba, a pastechi is similar to an empanada. Flour dough is rolled out and stuffed with ingredients, then folded over to make a half-moon shape. Usually deep-fried (but sometimes baked), these savory pockets of yumminess are stuffed with Dutch Gouda cheese, cheese and ham, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
Locals tend to enjoy these as an on-the-go breakfast or at parties.
Where to Find It
Shoco Snack, located near Ling & Sons Food Market and the low-rise hotels at Eagle Beach, is a local favorite. Be sure to try these savory pastries in the morning when they are fresh and hot.
For more options, you can find pastechis all around the island, including roadside food stands, gas stations, mini-markets, and bakeries, and are usually sold out by late morning.
Which Aruban Food Will You Try First?
Authentic food in Aruba tends to be simple, yet delicious. Classic Aruban cuisine tends to be based on a time when access to a variety of ingredients was sparse and locals had to work their magic with what they could find on the island.
Nowadays Aruba is a highly diverse nation with a variety of cuisines and restaurants to try, but to really get to know Aruba’s culture, you need to try our typical Aruban cuisine, starting with these 4 delicious choices.
The only question left to ask yourself is, which one will you try first?
