Aruba – Journeying into the Decadent Flavors through the One Happy Island
- Food Americas
Cruisit Team
- 0
- 17 minutes read
Aruba, a small but vibrant island in the Caribbean Sea, boasts a cuisine that is a fusion of Caribbean, Dutch, and South American influences. The cuisine of Aruba is as diverse as its history, dating back to the time of the indigenous Arawak people. In this article, we will explore the flavorful and diverse tastes of Aruban cuisine and highlight some of the island’s most popular dishes.
Overview of Aruban Food Culture and Cuisine:
Aruban cuisine is famous for its use of fresh and local ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and tropical fruits. One of the most popular dishes in Aruban cuisine is seafood, such as grilled or fried fish, shrimp, and crab. Aruban seafood is typically seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, including cumin, garlic, and thyme, and often served with funchi, a traditional Aruban side dish made from cornmeal.
Another popular dish in Aruban cuisine is keshi yena, a stuffed cheese dish that is unique to Aruba and Curacao. Keshi yena is typically made with a mixture of spiced meat, vegetables, and Gouda cheese, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is often served with a side of plantains or rice.
Aruba is also known for its variety of soups and stews, including sopi di galina, a traditional chicken soup made with okra, pumpkin, and corn, and kabritu stoba, a goat stew made with tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. In addition, the island has a rich tradition of making local cheeses, including Gouda, Edam, and Cheddar.
One of the most popular desserts in Aruban cuisine is pan bati, a sweet cornbread that is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Another sweet treat is pastechi, a fried pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Whether you’re savoring the fresh flavors of Aruban seafood or indulging in the cheesy goodness of keshi yena, Aruban cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, the next time you visit Aruba, be sure to explore the delicious and unique flavors of this culinary treasure.
Aruba's Top 10 Dishes are:
1- Keshi Yena:
Keshi Yena is a popular dish in Aruba that has its origins in the Dutch Caribbean islands. It consists of a large ball of Edam or Gouda cheese that is stuffed with a mixture of meat, usually chicken or beef, vegetables, spices, and sometimes raisins. The cheese ball is then baked in the oven until it is melted and the filling is heated through. It is believed that enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples in the region created Keshi Yena by stuffing leftover meat, vegetables, and spices into the hollowed-out cheese rinds, which were discarded by the colonizers. Over time, Keshi Yena became a popular dish in Aruba and other Dutch Caribbean islands, and it has since been recognized as a national dish of Aruba. Today, Keshi Yena has been a traditional Aruban dish for centuries and is often served on special occasions.
2- Aruban-style Seafood:
Aruba is known for its fresh seafood, and it’s a must-try for seafood lovers. The island’s signature seafood dishes include pan-fried red snapper, grilled mahi-mahi, and pan-seared wahoo. The seafood is usually seasoned with a blend of spices that are native to the island, such as cumin, paprika, and cilantro. Aruba’s seafood dishes have been influenced by both Dutch and Caribbean culinary traditions. The island’s abundant fish and shellfish resources have been a staple food source for generations, and seafood dishes have been developed to showcase the fresh flavors of the local catch. These dishes are often served with a side of funchi, a traditional Aruban polenta made with cornmeal.
3- Pastechi:
Pastechi is a traditional Aruban pastry that is usually filled with cheese, meat, or seafood. The pastry is made with flour, butter, and water and then filled with a mixture of ingredients. Pastechi is a pastry that was introduced to Aruba by the Dutch colonizers. The pastry has its roots in the Dutch pasty, which was traditionally filled with meat or vegetables. Pastechi was adapted to include local ingredients, such as cheese and seafood, Today, pastechi is a popular snack in Aruba and can be found in many snack bars and restaurants. It is often served as an appetizer or as a snack with a cold drink.
4- Keri Keri:
Keri Keri is a traditional Aruban soup made with fish, vegetables, and spices. The soup is usually prepared with fresh fish that is caught in the waters surrounding the island. The vegetables used in the soup can vary, but they usually include onions, celery, and carrots. Keri Keri is a traditional soup that originated in West Africa and was brought to Aruba by enslaved Africans. Today it’s a popular dish in Aruba and is often served with funchi or cornbread.
5- Stobá:
Stobá is a traditional Aruban stew that is usually made with beef or goat meat, vegetables, and spices. The stew is slow-cooked for several hours until it has a rich and flavorful broth. Stobá has its origins in Dutch colonial cuisine and is similar to the Dutch “stoofpot” or stew. The dish was adapted to include local ingredients, such as goat meat, and seasoned with spices that were commonly used in Caribbean cuisine. Stobá has become a popular dish in Aruba, and is especially consumed during the holiday season. The dish is often served with rice or funchi.
6- Ayaka:
Ayaka is a traditional Aruban dish that is similar to the Venezuelan hallacas. It consists of a masa dough that is filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices. The dough is then wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled until it is cooked through. Ayaka is a dish that has its roots in Venezuela and was introduced to Aruba by Venezuelan immigrants. The dish was adapted to include local ingredients and spices and has become a popular dish in Aruba. Ayaka is now a popular dish in Aruba and is often served during special occasions, such as Christmas.
7- Bolo di Cashupete:
Bolo di Cashupete is a traditional Aruban cake that is made with cashews, flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. The cake has a rich, nutty flavor and a dense texture. Bolo di Cashupete is a dessert that was developed in Aruba and has its roots in the island’s cashew cultivation. It is often served with coffee or tea and is a popular dessert in Aruba.
8- Funchi:
Funchi is a traditional Aruban polenta made with cornmeal, water, and salt. The polenta is cooked until it has a thick, pudding-like consistency and is often served as a side dish with seafood, stews, and soups. Funchi has its roots in African cuisine and was brought to Aruba by enslaved Africans. The dish was adapted to include local ingredients, such as cornmeal, and has become a staple side dish in Aruban cuisine.
9- Sopi di Galiña:
Sopi di Galiña is a traditional Aruban chicken soup that is made with chicken, vegetables, and spices. The soup has its roots in West African cuisine. The soup is slow-cooked for several hours until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful. Sopi di Galiña is a popular dish in Aruba and is often served with funchi.
10- Arroz con Pollo:
This translates to “rice with chicken”. It is a rice dish that is cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices such as saffron and cumin. The dish is typically prepared by first browning the chicken, then cooking it with the rice and vegetables in a seasoned broth. Arroz con Pollo has its origins in Spain and was introduced to the Caribbean by Spanish colonizers. Today the dish is a staple dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Aruba.
Final Thoughts on Food in Aruba
Aruba is a Caribbean island with a diverse culinary heritage that has been shaped by its history and cultural influences. Aruban cuisine is a fusion of traditional recipes, indigenous ingredients, and international flavors that create a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
From the famous Keshi Yena, a traditional Aruban dish made with melted cheese and spiced meat, to the iconic Funchi, a cornmeal-based side dish, Aruban cuisine is a feast for food lovers. The flavors of Aruban cuisine are a reflection of its history and cultural influences, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty stew or satisfying your sweet tooth with a Bolo Preto cake, Aruban cuisine offers a memorable culinary journey.
In conclusion, Aruban cuisine is a reflection of the island’s vibrant culture and history. Its unique blend of flavors and ingredients make it a must-try for food enthusiasts. So come and experience the unforgettable taste of Aruba, and let its delicious dishes leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
