What Food To Try in Oranjestad and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Oranjestad for 2024.
National currency: , symbol — (international currency code AWG).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Oranjestad cafes and restaurants
$11
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10
$50
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $45
$6.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.11
What to Try in Oranjestad
Must-try Dishes
Pastechi - Savory Pastry - Flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat, deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s a popular breakfast choice, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee while rushing to work.Arepa - Cornmeal Cake - Thick corn dough that's grilled or fried and stuffed with shredded chicken, beef, or cheese. You can find locals enjoying arepas from street vendors during lunchtime; just don't forget to add the spicy salsa!
Stoba - Stew - A hearty meat stew made with beef, chicken, or fish simmered with vegetables and spices, typically served over rice or with plantains. This is a dinner favorite, often prepared on weekends to share with family.
Funchi - Cornmeal Polenta - A side made of polenta that’s creamy and slightly crispy, usually served with stews or grilled meats. It’s not just a side; many locals enjoy it as a filling main at casual dinner gatherings.
Cocada - Coconut Patties - Chewy coconut dessert that pairs surprisingly well with fried fish to balance the flavors. Some locals enjoy it as a midday treat, especially after a spicy meal.
Ceviche de Pescado - Fish Ceviche - Fresh fish marinated in citrus juices with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, served cold. It's best enjoyed during hot afternoons, and using too much lime is a common rookie mistake!
Kadushi - Cactus Soup - A local specialty made with diced cactus and pork, simmered into a flavorful broth. This is often prepared during festive occasions, evoking strong culinary traditions.
Pastechi di Teri - Fish Pastechi - A unique blend of flavors with fish filling wrapped in a flaky dough, perfect for a snack. Locals munch on these while catching up with friends at the beach, especially during festivals.
Desserts & Drinks
Cuadrado - Cuadrado (traditional coconut candy) - Soft, chewy squares made from grated coconut, sugar, and often a hint of vanilla. Locals enjoy this sweet treat during festive gatherings or as an afternoon snack while relaxing on the beach.Aruba Ariba - Aruba Ariba (tropical cocktail) - A fruity blend of rum, banana liqueur, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine, served over ice with a slice of orange. Popular at sunset bars, it's a local favorite for toasting the end of a long day.
Hibiscus Tea - Flor de Jamaica (refreshing herbal drink) - Bright red tea brewed from dried hibiscus flowers, often sweetened and served chilled. You'll find families enjoying this during picnics or hot summer afternoons; it's a delightful way to cool down.
Pan de Fete - Pan de Fete (festive pastry) - A light, flaky pastry filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, raisins, and spices, typically served warm during celebrations like New Year's. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone together around the table.
Raspado - Raspado (shaved ice dessert) - Finely shaved ice drenched in colorful syrups and topped with condensed milk. A popular street treat especially during festivals, this refreshing dessert is perfect for the heat but can be highly addictive, so be careful not to get too carried away with flavors!
Food and Groceries in Oranjestad
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.23 |
| Oranges | $3.79 |
| Potatoes | $1.15 |
| Apples | $3.64 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.35 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2 |
| Imported Beer | $2.59 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.47 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.91 |
| Cigarettes | $7.01 |
| Local Cheese | $8.59 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Oranjestad's food scene thrives on its vibrant daily rhythm, especially noticeable during lunch hours when locals flock to eateries. From 12 PM to 2 PM, the streets buzz with a mix of families and office workers enjoying their midday break, often opting for hearty meals at casual spots. It's common to see groups sharing dishes like stew or seafood, often turning lunch into a social affair—a reflection of the local culture's value on community and togetherness.
In terms of pricing, meals in Oranjestad typically range from 15 to 40 AWG for casual dining. For instance, you can grab a satisfying lunch of fried fish, rice, and salad at a local spot for about 25 AWG, while dinner at a slightly more upscale place may set you back around 50 AWG for a similar dish. It’s interesting to note how tourist hotspots, especially near the harbor, often charge significantly more—like 60 AWG or more—effectively reflecting the demand in peak tourist areas.
When it comes to payment, most places accept cash, with AWG (Aruban Florin) being the norm, but many also accept US dollars. Mobile payment options are emerging, but it’s always wise to check beforehand. Tipping practices generally range from 10% to 15% and can sometimes be included in the bill at more tourist-oriented establishments, so it’s good to read carefully.
A strong dining habit that stands out in Oranjestad is the emphasis on freshness—especially seafood. Many places feature catch-of-the-day specials, central to local pride in sustainable eating. You’ll also find vendors selling fresh fruit snacks along the streets, a popular choice for families and active locals alike, especially in the heat of the day.
Be mindful of the rush hours, particularly during lunch and dinner. Reservation is strongly advised at popular spots, especially during weekends when locals come out in droves. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, dining outside of standard meal times—like after 8 PM—can provide a more relaxed atmosphere.
Observing how Oranjestad evolves in its culinary trends is fascinating. Local chefs are increasingly incorporating international influences, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the island. This blend is not only rich in flavors but showcases how the community adapts and embraces change while maintaining its traditional roots.
In terms of pricing, meals in Oranjestad typically range from 15 to 40 AWG for casual dining. For instance, you can grab a satisfying lunch of fried fish, rice, and salad at a local spot for about 25 AWG, while dinner at a slightly more upscale place may set you back around 50 AWG for a similar dish. It’s interesting to note how tourist hotspots, especially near the harbor, often charge significantly more—like 60 AWG or more—effectively reflecting the demand in peak tourist areas.
When it comes to payment, most places accept cash, with AWG (Aruban Florin) being the norm, but many also accept US dollars. Mobile payment options are emerging, but it’s always wise to check beforehand. Tipping practices generally range from 10% to 15% and can sometimes be included in the bill at more tourist-oriented establishments, so it’s good to read carefully.
A strong dining habit that stands out in Oranjestad is the emphasis on freshness—especially seafood. Many places feature catch-of-the-day specials, central to local pride in sustainable eating. You’ll also find vendors selling fresh fruit snacks along the streets, a popular choice for families and active locals alike, especially in the heat of the day.
Be mindful of the rush hours, particularly during lunch and dinner. Reservation is strongly advised at popular spots, especially during weekends when locals come out in droves. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, dining outside of standard meal times—like after 8 PM—can provide a more relaxed atmosphere.
Observing how Oranjestad evolves in its culinary trends is fascinating. Local chefs are increasingly incorporating international influences, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the island. This blend is not only rich in flavors but showcases how the community adapts and embraces change while maintaining its traditional roots.