Aruba Foodie Paradise: Top 5 Drinks & Eats You Gotta Try

So, are you going to Aruba? That’s amazing, isn’t it? Aruba, that sunny island known for its amazing beaches, also boasts some seriously amazing food and drinks, actually. I’m talking about the kind of eats that stick with you long after you’ve left the sand behind, you know? That island really dishes out food that makes you smile.

1. Keshi Yena: Aruba’s Cheesy Stuffed Delight

Now, have you that ever heard of Keshi Yena? Typically, this dish is the ultimate comfort food and it’s like this cheesy hug on a plate. Basically, Keshi Yena, is that it’s a ball of cheese—usually Edam or Gouda—stuffed way full of spiced meat, often chicken. Think of it that way: it’s kind of a savory bread bowl, but you eat that whole thing, too. We have found that many local restaurants put their own personal touch, that so look out for all those cool, unique variations that make you feel something!

That interesting history bit: so, it might be, that Keshi Yena began as a way to recycle cheese rinds by, very, enslaved people back in the day on Curaçao and Aruba. Those people basically utilized every scrap they possibly could. Very resourcefulness born from hardship, I guess.

Where to find it: It appears that most restaurants offering traditional Aruban fare will, typically, feature Keshi Yena. The Old Cunucu House, you know, it’s almost this really solid bet for an authentic experience, and that’s probably what you want, right?

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2. Pastechi: Aruba’s Tasty Little Pastry Pockets

Next up: Pastechi! You know, Pastechi are basically these really addicting little deep-fried pastries filled with stuff like cheese, meat, or even tuna. So, think of them, like, as Aruba’s version of an empanada. We have found that these are perfect for grabbing a bite when you’re running to the beach, that is that, so, you need something quick. Yet, they have a rich flavor that always feels authentic. Also, this might be that perfect morning treat along with your coffee. Maybe that will make your day more relaxed!

Arguably, this would be good info to know: This almost tends to be that everybody’s-doing-it type of snack, alright? You see those all over the place in Aruba.

Where to find it: A bit, the really local bakeries and snack shops are where you find these, often. Pretty much, you can find them at roadside stands too, or at least, that’s what it looks like. That is probably one way to experience them!

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3. Balashi Beer: Aruba’s Liquid Sunshine

Now that’s done: Let’s talk drinks! Very important too. It’s just a bit, this goes very, very smoothly along with food, as it has to be. Is that you’re relaxing somewhere that you absolutely have to, right? So, that is, for sure, Balashi, that Aruban national beer, needs to be very, near your hand. The beer itself is, so, quite a crisp, refreshing lager. Now, this goes well with that heat. After all, they’ve made it on the island using desalinated water.

For instance: It has come out to be that Balashi uses that really incredibly pure water from the ocean. Isn’t that weird to think about, right? Anyway, a brewery trip there can make your stay unforgettable, actually, as I was saying.

Where to find it: Arguably, that really ubiquitous brew—you’ll get Balashi everywhere, too it’s almost like water. At hotels, very restaurants, so grocery stores: anywhere you want to be! Usually, everywhere has it, almost.

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4. Fresh Seafood: Catch of the Day, Every Day

Anyway, are you a seafood person? Still, that is: you may feel a little euphoric about how you found paradise. Also, it seems that really, really fresh catches, very daily, make that local dining unforgettable, right? Is that your snapper, barracuda, mahi-mahi, or conch… That flavor that’s a gift straight from that bright blue sea, very almost, actually. That simple preparation (grilling, pan-frying) it is, to be perfectly honest, is almost meant to do wonders.

Remember: That might be when seafood just makes memories that really can affect us a lot later on.

Where to find it: We see that Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill makes pretty good, that local style plates, I mean. Yet, Zeerovers in Savaneta offers, naturally, this less sophisticated taste. That is that so casual thing with simple dishes made from things found from those blue waters around Aruba.

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5. Aruba Ariba Cocktail: Taste the Island in a Glass

Finally, anyway: Do you love mixed drinks? So, have you ever felt something that you just can’t recreate at home. So, next time you feel thirsty try, too it’s almost, that iconic cocktail—the Aruba Ariba! That may be a, bit of that happy in liquid form. A blend containing vodka, rum, crème de banana, plus a bit of Grand Marnier—also that bit juice to put a great experience into some amazing things.

But look here: I heard some very cool thing a while ago about an alternate drink recipe. Then, it turned out this was from that bartender, Juan “Jocky” Tromp who started doing this one.

Where to find it: Just pretty much try out hotel bars around the island or try, naturally, searching it around some places yourself, yet. Who is going to complain anyway if, naturally, something’s that pretty that it looks the, basically, most tropical you could even try to find, right?

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Read our full review: Aruba Food & Drinks Full Review and Details