Boasting more than 108,000 residents, and home to some of the most pristine beaches on the planet, the Caribbean island of Aruba continues to attract tourists from all walks of life. While plenty of travellers will arrive here to soak up the sun, we also need to remember that the cuisine of Aruba keeps visitors coming back for more. Let’s quickly examine a handful of popular dishes, and how these compare to other nearby islands.
A Touch of America
Most foodies will immediately state that the cuisine associated with Aruba is often influenced by American cuisine. We are not only referring to the United States here. Aruba has also been flavoured by South American meals (such as “arroz con pollo”, or chicken and rice). It is likewise interesting to note that Aruban chefs will often include fusion-inspired dishes within their menus; a trend that first gained attention in the United States.
These attributes have enabled Aruba to attract a wide range of food lovers from both North and South America, as a “taste of home” is never far off. Of course, travellers from other portions of the world can likewise enjoy access to an eclectic range of options.
Planning your trip to Aruba
Are you keen to experience all that Aruba has to offer? Whether you will be arriving for the food, the surf, or simply to decompress, preparation is always in order. Planning your trip to Aruba should also include applying for an ED card (a document that has become required alongside a valid passport) with the help of trusted portals such as ed-card-aruba.com. Other factors include taking into account currency exchange rates, examining the most popular attractions, and deciding when to visit (most travellers prefer the early summer, or the late autumn).
Cuisine in Curaçao
The history of Curaçao has had a direct influence on the types of foods that will be found here. This is particularly relevant when discussing Dutch culinary specialities such as bitterballen (a meat-based snack), and stroopwafels (a crispy cookie filled with melted caramel). Still, note that Curaçao is just as famous for its native dishes that focus on meats, including goat and beef. A snack known as keshi yena (a ball of cheese stuffed with cashews, olives, and spiced meat) is highly recommended to those who will be visiting for the first time.
Gastronomy in the Bahamas
Thanks in large part to its role as a British colony, the Bahamas is known for cuisine that offers a decidedly English flavour. From full English breakfasts and shepherd’s pie to the ever-present fish and chips, the foods here can be quite rich. However, seafood also plays an important dietary role. Perhaps the best example of this observation is that conch represents the national food of the Bahamas. Other options such as snapper and fresh lobster can likewise be found at the majority of local restaurants.