Lucas, a food blogger from Toronto, had tasted cuisines from every corner of the globe. But Paramaribo was something else entirely—a kaleidoscope of flavors influenced by Javanese, Indian, African, Dutch, Chinese, and Indigenous cultures. He arrived with an appetite and left with an unforgettable culinary experience.
His first morning started at Kwatta Market, a bustling hub of fresh produce, street food, and cultural vibrancy. The air was filled with the aroma of spices, tropical fruits, and sizzling skewers. Lucas stopped at a Javanese stall for bakabana—crispy fried plantains served with peanut sauce. One bite and he was hooked. “It’s like dessert and lunch in one,” he thought as he reached for another.
Kwatta wasn’t just about food; it was an experience. Vendors enthusiastically explained their dishes, from freshly grilled satay to hearty pom, a Creole casserole made with chicken and root vegetables. Lucas also sampled cassava bread at an Indigenous stall, marveling at its chewy texture and smoky flavor. “Every bite here feels like a journey,” he wrote in his notebook, scribbling down flavors for his blog.
Later that day, Lucas headed to Blauwgrond, a Javanese district in Paramaribo known for its warungs (street food cafés). At a cozy roadside spot, he tried soto ayam, a fragrant chicken soup filled with rice noodles and herbs. The warung owner, an older woman named Ina, shared her family recipe as Lucas savored every spoonful. “In my family, soto is love,” she said with a smile. Lucas couldn’t agree more.
The following day was reserved for restaurants. His first stop was Garden of Eden, a fine-dining establishment where Surinamese flavors met modern presentation. The highlight? A beautifully plated dish of grilled fish with spicy Creole sauce, served alongside fried okra and rice. That evening, he dined at Chi Min, a popular Chinese restaurant, where dishes like roasted duck and fried rice brought comforting flavors to the table.
Lucas saved his most anticipated visit for his final evening: the Oistins-like scene at Waterkant. Under the string lights along the riverside, he joined locals for grilled shrimp skewers, ice-cold Parbo beer, and spicy peanut sambal. A group of street musicians played upbeat Creole melodies as people laughed, ate, and danced. “This isn’t just food,” Lucas thought. “It’s life.”
Before leaving Paramaribo, Lucas returned to Kwatta Market for one last meal—and to stock up on fresh spices and bottles of Borgoe rum. Suriname, he realized, wasn’t just a destination for food; it was a feast for the soul.
