Suriname is a hidden gem in South America, offering pristine rainforests, diverse wildlife, and a unique multicultural heritage blending Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean, Javanese, Hindustani, and indigenous cultures. From the UNESCO-listed capital Paramaribo to untouched jungle adventures, this small nation delivers authentic experiences far from mass tourism.
Surinamese cuisine is one of the world's most diverse, reflecting the country's extraordinary multicultural heritage. Hindustani roti and curries, Javanese nasi and bami, Creole pom and peanut soup, Chinese chow mein, and Dutch-influenced dishes all coexist as equally authentic national foods. The result is an astonishing culinary landscape where a single meal might span three continents of influence. Tropical river fish, cassava, plantains, and Madame Jeanette peppers appear across all traditions as common local ingredients.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Suriname.
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
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
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
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Caribbean
Zus & Zo
Stylish restaurant blending European techniques with Caribbean ingredients and flavors. The intimate setting features elegant decor, professional service, and carefully curated menu. Known for excellent seafood preparations and creative cocktails.
Kleine Waterstraat 18, Paramaribo
Bara & Doubles Stalls
Street vendors selling bara (fried split pea bread) and doubles (bara filled with curried chickpeas). This popular snack is messy, delicious, and incredibly cheap. Find them throughout the city, especially near markets and busy intersections.
Central Market area and various locations
Bakery Cafe
Bakker Bart
Popular bakery chain serving fresh bread, sandwiches, and excellent coffee. Multiple locations throughout Paramaribo make it convenient for quick breakfast or lunch. The air conditioning provides welcome relief from tropical heat.
Multiple locations in Paramaribo
Creole Street Food
Pom Vendors
Several street vendors specialize in pom, the traditional oven-baked casserole made with root vegetables and chicken. Often sold by the square, it's a filling and authentic taste of Creole cuisine at street food prices.
Waterkant and market areas
Dutch Cafe
Café 't Vat
Traditional Dutch-style cafe offering coffee, tea, and typical Dutch treats like apple pie and stroopwafels. The colonial building and relaxed atmosphere make it a pleasant spot for afternoon coffee. Free WiFi attracts digital nomads.
Waterkant 8, Paramaribo
French
Hermitage Restaurant
Elegant yet relaxed restaurant combining French techniques with Creole flavors. The garden setting provides peaceful ambiance away from the busy city center. Known for seafood dishes and attentive service without stuffiness.
Maagdenstraat 14, Paramaribo
Fresh Juices
Fresh Juice Stands
Throughout Paramaribo, especially near the Central Market, vendors sell freshly squeezed juices from tropical fruits like soursop, passion fruit, tamarind, and mango. Refreshing and nutritious, they're perfect for the tropical heat.
Central Market and throughout city
Grill & Bbq
Pincho's
Casual grill restaurant serving skewered meats, burgers, and BBQ favorites. The outdoor seating creates a relaxed vibe perfect for casual dining with friends. Cold beer selection complements the grilled offerings nicely.
Kleine Waterstraat 25, Paramaribo
International
Eetcafe Miauw
Popular spot on the Waterkant strip offering diverse menu from burgers to pasta to Asian dishes. The riverside location provides great views, especially at sunset. Lively atmosphere with occasional live music makes it as much a bar as restaurant.
Waterkant 12, Paramaribo
International Cafe
Café De Waag
Cozy cafe attached to the restaurant of the same name, serving specialty coffees, smoothies, and light bites. The riverside location on Waterkant makes it perfect for people-watching. Good selection of vegetarian and healthy options.
Waterkant 3, Paramaribo
Javanese
Warung Mini
Authentic Javanese restaurant serving flavorful Indonesian-Surinamese dishes in casual setting. The nasi and bami are excellent, and the sambal has perfect heat. Family-run establishment where you can taste the care put into each dish.
Blauwgrondstraat 35, Paramaribo
Javanese Street Food
Saoto Soup Vendors
Various mobile vendors around the city serve steaming bowls of saoto soup, a beloved Javanese-Surinamese chicken soup with rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, and crispy fried onions. Especially popular for weekend breakfast or late evening meals.
Various locations citywide
Juice Bar & Smoothies
Juice Junction
Modern juice bar specializing in fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy wraps. Popular with the health-conscious crowd and fitness enthusiasts. All ingredients are fresh, and they offer creative tropical fruit combinations.
Henck Arronstraat 48, Paramaribo
Mediterranean
Tangelo
Bright, modern restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with emphasis on fresh ingredients and healthy options. The menu includes excellent salads, grilled fish, and vegetarian choices. Pleasant air-conditioned interior makes it a comfortable lunch spot.
Henck Arronstraat 30, Paramaribo
Middle Eastern
Kebabi King
Fast-casual spot serving shawarma, kebabs, and falafel that satisfy late-night cravings. Open later than most restaurants, it's become an institution for post-nightlife meals. Generous portions and friendly service at very reasonable prices.
Henck Arronstraat 56, Paramaribo
Rotisserie Chicken
Chick Lounge
Specializes in perfectly roasted chicken with various side dishes. The chicken is marinated in local spices and slow-roasted to juicy perfection. Great for quick meals or takeout, with sides like plantains, fries, and salad available.
Verlengde Gemenelandsweg 45, Paramaribo
Surinamese
Souposo
Local favorite specializing in hearty Creole soups and stews. The souposo (traditional soup) comes in many varieties, all rich and flavorful. Unpretentious atmosphere and friendly service make you feel like you're eating at a friend's house.
Verlengde Gemenelandsweg 89, Paramaribo
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
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
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
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
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal of the day in Suriname — the best roti shops and local restaurants serve their freshest food at midday
Most Surinamese restaurants are casual with no dress code — smart casual is perfectly fine everywhere except upscale hotel dining rooms
Surinamese cuisine varies significantly in heat level — always ask about pepper and spice levels if you're heat-sensitive
Chinese restaurants are excellent value and surprisingly authentic — Suriname's Chinese community has maintained genuine Cantonese traditions
The Waterkant strip is great for atmosphere but restaurants there charge more than equivalent quality inland venues
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8/meal | Street food, roti shops, Chinese-Surinamese canteens, and market stalls — excellent quality at very low prices |
| Mid-range | $12-25/meal | Local restaurants, Dutch-Surinamese cafes, and casual waterfront venues |
| Upscale | $50-100+/meal | Fine dining at De Gadri, Baka Foto, Zus & Zo — comparable to European restaurant pricing |