Suriname is a country that has been impacted by many different cultures over its history. These have all changed the culinary landscape of the country. The food here is diverse and completely unique.
The Primary Cultures of Suriname
Amerindians
The indigenous groups of Suriname that have been here for thousands of years. They have unique traditions, music, cuisine, and traditions. The Amerindian communities continue to maintain their identity and some still live in remote parts of the rainforest
Maroons
The descendants of escaped slaves who now live in their own communities in the rainforest along the rivers of Suriname. They maintain their African traditions, culture, spiritual practices, and languages.
Hindustanis
The largest ethnic group in Suriname are descendants of laborers from India (mostly northern India). There are many restaurants throughout Suriname that serve roti, a major contribution to the culinary diversity of Suriname.
Javanese
The Javanese are descendants from Indonesian laborers who were brought to work on plantations. They have a heavy influence on the food and culture of the country.
Boeroes
The Boeroes are the poor Dutch farmers and colonists who remained in Suriname after the country’s independence in 1975. They are a small minority in Suriname, but the Dutch have had an immense influence on the food, language, and culture of the country.
Culinary Overview
The diversity of Suriname is exemplified in its cuisine that is a unique mix of cultures unlike anywhere else. Initially European colonizers brought slaves from Africa, some of whom escaped to live their lives in the rainforest, learning from the indigenous people of the Amazon. The cuisine of both the maroon and indigenous communities has a strong tie to the crops that can be grown in the rainforest (such as cassava) and the animals that they can catch (such as piranha). After the abolishment of slavery, the Dutch brought indentured laborers from Indonesia (also known as the Javanese in Suriname) and India (also known as the Hindustanis in Suriname) because they had colonies and agreements in these other countries. Both of these cultural groups integrated their traditional cooking and dishes into Suriname. Today, one of the best parts of Suriname is being able to try the unique food and drinks from these distinct cultures that now are known as Surinamese cuisine.
This list includes Surinamese food that has an importance to the country and is worthwhile to try when visiting the country to get a better perspective of the culture from a culinary perspective. After reading about the items, there is a list of a few recommended places that you can reference for inspiration of places to add to your itinerary as well.
Popular Suriname Food and Drinks
Food
Pom
A casserole made from grated cassava, chicken, and spices. This is considered the national dish of Suriname.
Bakabana
Battered fried plantains with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce on the side. A great Surinamese treat!
Roti
Originating from Indian cuisine, this dish includes vegetables (often green beans), a curry with meat and potatoes, and a flatbread filled with yellow lentils.
Nasi Goreng
A Javanese-influenced dish of fried rice with vegetables and a sweet soy sauce. It is often mixed with meat or a hard-boiled egg.
Bami
A Javanese-influenced noodle dish with egg noodles and a sweet soy sauce. It is often paired with chicken and pickled vegetables.
Saoto Soup
A chicken soup (similar to Indonesian soto ayam) made with chicken stock. It often has bean sprouts, hard boiled eggs, shredded chicken, herbs and spices, and crispy potato shreds.
Moksi Alesi
A rice dish made with brown beans and coconut milk. It is often served with meat, plantains, and pickled cucumbers or onions.
Abruine Bonen
A stew of brown beans, tomato puree and meat often eaten with rice. The stew is on the sweeter side. It is often served with chicken.
Broodje
Sandwich made from a bread roll. Often, you will have the choice between various meats, such as hot chicken (hete kip) or a sweet, Chinese-inspired meat (moksi meti). You will often find this at little shops for breakfast.
Afingi Soup
A soup that can be found in Maroon communities made with locally found meat or fish (often chicken or piranha). Made with a stock, small cassava pearls, and the protein meat in a thick stew.
Cassava Bread
A traditional bread made from the cassava plant, often in Amerindian and Maroon communities. While initially poisonous, the plant goes through a long process to become edible. The bread is hard and is often eaten with a soup (like the afingi soup) to soften it.
drinks
Gemberbier
A popular non-alcoholic drink made fresh from ginger.
Dawet
A pink Javanese drink made with coconut milk and rose paste.
Parbo beer
The most popular beer in Suriname. Locals say that it is better than Heineken, the popular Dutch beer that is also sold in masses in Suriname.
Borgoe Rum
A locally produced rum that is popular throughout Suriname.
Best Suriname Restaurants
Paramaribo
De Gardri
Surinamese
Traditional Surinamese dishes for all meal periods (Highly recommended by locals)
Souposo
Surinamese
A small local restaurant with hot soups, juicy burgers, tasty snacks & fresh drinks
