Best Restaurants in Suriname 2026

Pom

Suriname's unofficial national dish — a baked casserole of pomtajer root vegetable (related to taro) combined with chicken, citrus juice, and spices. Dense, savory, and deeply flavored, it's found at Creole restaurants and street food stalls throughout Paramaribo.

Where to try: Creole restaurants, street vendors near Waterkant, Central Market food stalls

Price: $3-12

Roti

Surinamese roti is a flaky, butter-rich flatbread served with aromatic curried chicken, duck, or vegetables plus hardboiled egg and potato. The Hindustani community brought this from India; Suriname's version has become beloved across all ethnic groups.

Where to try: Dedicated roti shops like Roopram Roti, Hindustani restaurants

Price: $7-12

Saoto Soup

A Javanese-Surinamese chicken soup with rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, crispy fried onions, boiled egg, and aromatic broth. Eaten as breakfast or late-night food — a bowl of saoto at a street vendor is a quintessential Suriname experience.

Where to try: Javanese food stalls, markets, street vendors especially on weekend mornings

Price: $2-5

Bara and Doubles

Indo-Caribbean fried dough bread (bara) served plain or filled with spiced curried chickpeas (making 'doubles'). Eaten with tamarind sauce and pepper — spectacularly messy and delicious. One of the cheapest and most satisfying street foods in Paramaribo.

Where to try: Street vendors near Central Market and throughout the city

Price: $0.75-2.50

Bakra Bita (Grilled Goat)

Creole-style grilled goat meat cooked over open coals with local spices — a late-night Surinamese institution. The bakra bita stalls near Palmentuin that appear after 10 PM are as much a social experience as a culinary one.

Where to try: Street stalls near Palmentuin after 10 PM

Price: $2-4

De Gadri

Paramaribo's most upscale dining experience offering innovative fusion cuisine in an elegant colonial setting. The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh local ingredients prepared with international techniques. Excellent wine list and impeccable service make this the choice for special occasions.

Waterkant 10, Paramaribo

Roopram Roti

Legendary roti restaurant serving what many consider the best roti in Suriname. The flaky, buttery bread pairs perfectly with aromatic curries featuring chicken, duck, potato, and vegetables. Always busy with locals, which speaks to the authentic quality and generous portions.

Zwartenhovenbrugstraat 36, Paramaribo

Tori Oso

Casual eatery popular with locals for its fusion of Chinese and Surinamese flavors. Quick service, large portions, and rock-bottom prices make this perfect for budget travelers. The chicken fried rice with Surinamese spices is a must-try.

Saramaccastraat 89, Paramaribo

Bakra Bita Stand

Popular late-night street food stand famous for bakra bita (grilled goat) and other Creole specialties. Located near the Palmentuin, it comes alive after 10 PM. The smoky grilled meats and spicy sauces are perfect after a night out.

Palmentuin area, Paramaribo

Garden of Eden

Charming garden cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and light meals. The lush tropical garden setting provides a peaceful escape from the city. Popular for breakfast and weekend brunch with both locals and expats.

Henck Arronstraat 20, Paramaribo

Baka Foto

Sophisticated take on traditional Surinamese cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial mansion. The chef elevates local classics with modern presentation and refined techniques while honoring authentic flavors. The garden terrace provides romantic ambiance for evening dining.

Lim A Po Straat 10, Paramaribo

De Waag

Charming restaurant in historic building serving both Dutch and Surinamese specialties. The menu offers variety for those wanting to sample multiple cuisines, and the portions are generous. Pleasant outdoor seating overlooks a quiet street in the heritage district.

Waterkant 3, Paramaribo

Dynasty Chinese Restaurant

Family-run Chinese restaurant serving authentic Cantonese dishes. Extensive menu offers everything from dim sum to hot pots. Popular with Suriname's Chinese community, which attests to its authenticity. Great for groups wanting to share multiple dishes.

Domineestraat 42, Paramaribo

Surinamese Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng)

Javanese-Surinamese fried rice with a distinctive spice blend incorporating local peppers and aromatics. Available from Chinese-Surinamese eateries, warungs, and food stalls throughout the city at very low prices.

Find it at: Chinese-Surinamese eateries, food courts, market stalls

Fresh Tropical Juices

Vendors throughout Paramaribo sell freshly squeezed juices from soursop, passion fruit, tamarind, mango, and guava — all grown locally. Best found at the Central Market, where the fruit is bought and squeezed on the spot.

Find it at: Central Market area, street vendors throughout Paramaribo

Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana)

Sweet fried plantain fritters from Javanese tradition — sold from market stalls and informal vendors. Crispy outside, caramelized inside, and eaten as a snack throughout the day.

Find it at: Central Market, Javanese food stalls

Central Market (Centrale Markt)

Paramaribo's main food market is a vibrant multicultural hub where vendors from all ethnic communities sell fresh tropical produce, dried fish, spices, live poultry, and prepared foods. The best sensory introduction to Surinamese culinary culture.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Tourtonne Market

A neighborhood market popular with local families for fresh fish, produce, and everyday ingredients. Less tourist-oriented than the Central Market and more representative of where Paramaribo residents actually shop.

Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM