What Food To Try in Curacao and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Curacao for 2024.
National currency: , symbol — (international currency code ANG).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Curacao cafes and restaurants
$8.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.2
$70
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $56.02
$7.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.28
What to Try in Curacao
Must-try Dishes
Keshi Yena - Stuffed Cheese - A unique dish made from a hollowed-out ball of Edam cheese filled with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and spices. Locals often enjoy this hearty meal during special gatherings, with friends swapping different fillings.Arepa di Pampuna - Pumpkin Arepa - These savory cornmeal patties are filled with mashed pumpkin and typically served with cheese or a spicy dipping sauce. Breakfast is a great time to try them at local hawker stalls, where they’re loved for their filling nature.
Pabien - Fish Stew - A flavorful fish stew composed of fresh catch, tomatoes, and local spices, simmered until tender. It’s often served during family lunches, with everyone diving in from a shared pot, which adds to the communal vibe.
Bolo di Cas - Cashew Cake - This unique dish combines cashew fruit puree with spices and flour, creating a moist, dense cake. You’ll often find it during local festivities, as families gather to celebrate with a slice of this seasonal favorite.
Stroboli - Fried Plantain Sandwich - A twist on classic street food, it features fried plantains stuffed with savory ingredients like beef or chicken. Grab one from a vendor during your stroll down the city streets for a late afternoon snack, but be careful; the breadier texture can be misleadingly filling!
Funchi - Cornmeal Porridge - This dish is a creamy cornmeal-based porridge, often served as a side or main course, flavored with cheese or sautéed vegetables. Locals enjoy it at all meals, and it’s customary to share it with family, creating a warm, communal atmosphere.
Cabrito - Goat Stew - Tender goat meat slow-cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables, yielding a rich, savory flavor. This dish shines at large Sunday family lunches, showcasing the island's love for gathering around a shared table.
Desserts & Drinks
Blue Curaçao - Liqueur (citrus-flavored spirit) - A vibrant blue liqueur made from the dried peels of the laraha orange, it's usually mixed with rum or used in cocktails. Locals enjoy it in refreshing drinks during festive events or hot beach days, with the signature Blue Lagoon being a favorite.Choco - Cacao drink (hot chocolate) - Made from local cacao, this rich hot chocolate is often spiced with cinnamon and served steaming hot in traditional cups. Commonly enjoyed during the cooler evenings or special family gatherings, you'll find it especially popular during the Carnival season for its comforting embrace.
Cocho - Coconut smoothie (smooth, refreshing drink) - A creamy blend of fresh coconut, milk, and sugar served chilled over ice. Perfect for the sweltering afternoons, you'll often see vendors selling it at coastal locations or during beach parties; just be sure to specify 'sin hielo' if you prefer it without ice to avoid an overly watery taste.
Keshi Yena - Cheese stuffed pastry (savory treat) - Deliciously cheesy, this dish features a round of Edam cheese stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, baked until golden. Often served during family gatherings and celebrations, it’s a beloved comfort food that pairs well with a chilled beer and is usually a highlight at festive occasions.
Jamaica - Sorrel drink (hibiscus cooler) - A sweet, tangy drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, often spiced with ginger and mixed with rum for added kick. It's especially popular during Christmas festivities, served chilled and garnished with mint; just be careful not to confuse it with 'sorrel' (the herb) when ordering!
Food and Groceries in Curacao
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.31 |
| Oranges | $2.02 |
| Potatoes | $3.22 |
| Apples | $4.48 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.68 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.37 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.74 |
| Cigarettes | $6.16 |
| Rice | $1.96 |
| Local Cheese | $8.4 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through the vibrant streets of Punda around lunchtime, you’ll find people gathered around food stalls selling fried plantains, Aftra (deep-fried fish), and the ever-popular pastechi (savory pastries filled with cheese or meat). Meal times here typically begin around noon, with locals indulging in a hearty lunch that often extends into the afternoon, making it common to see social groups enjoying their meals well past the one o'clock mark.
In terms of dining options, prices can vary significantly depending on the area. For instance, in the bustling district of Otrobanda, a filling lunch from a food truck might cost you around 15-20 ANG, whereas a similar meal in the more upscale neighborhoods like Jan Thiel could set you back 30-45 ANG at a sit-down restaurant. It’s a notable split, especially when considering quality and atmosphere, which can often sway tourists towards pricier spots without realizing they’re missing out on authentic local flavors.
When it comes to payment methods, cash is still king, although many restaurants have begun accepting credit cards. Just be cautious as some smaller vendors only operate on cash—an annoying hiccup if you’re not prepared. Additionally, for those dining out, don’t forget to account for service charges. It’s customary in many places to tip between 10-15% of your bill, but this can feel a bit awkward when they add a service charge of around 10% already. So, double-check before deciding how much more to leave.
An essential local dining custom involves sharing meals. It's not unusual to see several people around one large platter, almost like a communal feast. This practice brings people together and offers a chance to sample numerous dishes. However, a common tourist mistake is ordering individual meals—it's considered more social and economical to share.
As for timing, if you're looking to avoid crowds, consider lunch hours from about 11 AM to 12 PM or dinner after 7 PM. Most locals tend to eat earlier or later, allowing you to snag a table without a long wait. Additionally, frequent downpours during the rainy season can affect outdoor dining, making lunchtime the best option when the weather is more stable.
The dining scene in Curacao is constantly evolving, and it’s a delightful blend of tradition and innovation that reflects the island’s character. With a growing number of younger locals interested in culinary trends and fusion cuisine, you might notice something fresh and exciting popping up soon—keep your eyes peeled!
In terms of dining options, prices can vary significantly depending on the area. For instance, in the bustling district of Otrobanda, a filling lunch from a food truck might cost you around 15-20 ANG, whereas a similar meal in the more upscale neighborhoods like Jan Thiel could set you back 30-45 ANG at a sit-down restaurant. It’s a notable split, especially when considering quality and atmosphere, which can often sway tourists towards pricier spots without realizing they’re missing out on authentic local flavors.
When it comes to payment methods, cash is still king, although many restaurants have begun accepting credit cards. Just be cautious as some smaller vendors only operate on cash—an annoying hiccup if you’re not prepared. Additionally, for those dining out, don’t forget to account for service charges. It’s customary in many places to tip between 10-15% of your bill, but this can feel a bit awkward when they add a service charge of around 10% already. So, double-check before deciding how much more to leave.
An essential local dining custom involves sharing meals. It's not unusual to see several people around one large platter, almost like a communal feast. This practice brings people together and offers a chance to sample numerous dishes. However, a common tourist mistake is ordering individual meals—it's considered more social and economical to share.
As for timing, if you're looking to avoid crowds, consider lunch hours from about 11 AM to 12 PM or dinner after 7 PM. Most locals tend to eat earlier or later, allowing you to snag a table without a long wait. Additionally, frequent downpours during the rainy season can affect outdoor dining, making lunchtime the best option when the weather is more stable.
The dining scene in Curacao is constantly evolving, and it’s a delightful blend of tradition and innovation that reflects the island’s character. With a growing number of younger locals interested in culinary trends and fusion cuisine, you might notice something fresh and exciting popping up soon—keep your eyes peeled!