Surinamese Cuisine

Surinamese cuisine is one of the most diverse and delicious fusion food cultures on earth, a mouthwatering reflection of the country's extraordinary ethnic mix of Indian, Javanese, Creole, Chinese, Maroon, Indigenous and Dutch heritage. From the Indian community comes flaky roti wrapped around curried chicken, potato and long beans; from the Javanese, aromatic bami and nasi noodle and rice dishes sold at roadside warungs; from the Creole tradition, pom, a beloved baked dish of grated tayer root and citrus-marinated chicken. Chinese stir-fries, tropical fruit and fresh river fish complete an astonishing culinary tapestry.

What you actually see

• Roti - the flaky Indian flatbread with curry.
• Pom - the beloved Creole baked chicken-and-tayer dish.
• The Javanese warungs - the bami, nasi and saoto soup.
• The Chinese and fusion dishes - the stir-fries and blended cooking.

When to go

Year-round; roadside Javanese warungs, Indian roti shops and Creole eateries across Paramaribo and beyond serve the full, delicious range cheaply, and the food is a highlight of any visit. The famous baked pom is a centrepiece of celebrations and gatherings.

Honest expectations

Surinamese food is casual, street- and stall-based rather than fine dining, so the best eating is at humble warungs and roti shops rather than fancy restaurants, and portions are hearty and satisfying rather than delicate. As a genuinely extraordinary fusion of Indian, Javanese, Creole and Chinese cuisines in one small country, though, reflecting its remarkable diversity, Surinamese food is a delicious and fascinating discovery, among the most underrated cuisines anywhere.

Nearby

Paramaribo's warungs and roti shops are the best places to eat.