Aruban Food History
Discovered by the Spaniards, Aruba began to experience additions to the native culture after 1499. When the Spanish began to occupy the country, they brought over their foods, animals, recipes and cultures. It wasn't until 1636 that the Dutch acquired Aruba, at which time Dutch food became very influential to Aruban cuisine.
Aruba Food - Aruba Cuisine
Food by Country » Caribbean Food » Aruba Food - Aruba Cuisine, Food in Aruba
Aruba Cuisine
Aruba History
Aruba food
Traditional Food in Aruba
Traditional Aruban cuisine includes dishes with goat meat, stoba - stew pots filled with vegetables that are locally grown - fish and maize. These days, some of the most common ingredients in meals include beef, chicken, rice and fish. A favorite snack is known as pastechi, a pie that's been filled with beef or cheese. Also, many food chains featuring international foods such as those from Italy and China have become much more popular. Many of the foods in Aruba are imported.
Aruba Dishes
Popular Dishes in Aruba
- Cool Island Soup - This tropical delight is made of lime juice, apricot nectar, pineapple, cantaloupe and papaya. It's sweet and cool and an island favorite.
- Sopa di Pompuna - This is another island favorite that is served in lots of restaurants. It is made of pumpkin.
- Bolita di Keshi - These are little balls that are made of eggs, white cheese and yellow cheese.
- Balchi di Pisca - Balls of fish made of salmon or cod.
- Cala - This is a traditional Aruban dish that is made of bean fritters.
- Pastechi - Essentially made of cheese or meat, these are stuffed turnovers.
- Keri keri - This dish is made of green pepper, basil leaves, celery, onion and fish.
- Keshi yena - A spicy mixture of beef or chicken is stuffed into gouda cheese and baked.
- Ayacas - These are meat rolls wrapped with leaves.
- Stoba - A stew made of goat or lamb.
Aruba Drink
Popular Drinks in Aruba
- Beer - The Aruban National beer is called Balashi beer.
- Rum - This distilled alcohol is made of byproducts that include sugarcane juice and molasses.
- Dushi Aruba - An island cocktail made of blue Curacao, rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice.
Information on Aruba
Discover more Aruban Food and Drinks Resources
- Aruba Background Information - provided by U.S. Department of State
- Aruba Food Statistics - including tabacco and beverages by NationMaster.com
- Vacation in Aruba - travel guides.
- Drinks in Aruba - rum, beer and cocktail.
- Aruban Dessert a typical Caribbean dessert which is served at various restaurants across the island.