Entertainment and restaurants in Paramaribo, Suriname

The cuisine of Suriname is really a mishmash of flavors created from Hindustani, Indian, Javanese, Indonesian, Chinese and Creole dishes and ingredients. Popular here are casseroles that are often based on a combination of meat and fish. A world-famous example is ‘B.B. and R’ (brown beans and rice).

Favorite seasonings are salted meat, dried fish (bakkeljauw) and dried shrimps. These ingredients add a salty flavor to the dishes, and the bakkeljauw and dried shrimps add a mild fish flavor. Suriname cuisine also uses many different kinds of hot peppers.

Casserole dishes (stofoes) made with meat and/or fish with vegetables and rice, are seasoned with a host of spices such as bay leaf, allspice, nutmeg and pepper. Traditionally, these casserole dishes are left to simmer for a long time to develop their flavors. One of these favorites is pom, an oven casserole made from chicken and vegetables covered with a taro puree. Tomtom, a puree of breadfruit or plantain is often eaten alongside or in soup. The last course of a meal is fresh fruit or a sweet dessert containing fresh coconut in the form of coconut milk, grated coconut or lightly toasted coconut.

If you’re looking for a place to taste real Surinamese food, there are many restaurants to choose from, especially in Paramaribo.

Mix Food is a good place to try Surinamese main courses, sandwiches and snacks. This restaurant is located at a very historic, rustic spot with a view of the Suriname River and is close to Fort Zeelandia.
Zeelandiaweg 1, Paramaribo

Roti Shop Joosje in Paramaribo is a great place to eat roti. Roti is a specialty that originated in India but it’s also a typical food in Suriname. In Hindi, ‘roti’ means ‘bread’. Today’s roti is more like a thick pancake that can be served with various savory fillings. Actually, the proper way to eat rotis (if you can) is with your fingers.
Zwartenhovenbrugstraat 9, Paramaribo

Restaurant and terrace Dok 204 specializes in serving those with a preference for culinary enjoyment. Whether you’re dressed in suit and tie or simply in casual vacation attire, you’re more than welcome in Dok 204 where hospitality is the top priority. Another advantage to dining here is the beautiful view over the Suriname River.
Anton Dragtenweg 204, Paramaribo

This lounge bar restaurant serves meals prepared by Thai chefs. The motto at this restaurant is: ‘for your culinary pleasure and oriental leisure’.
Virolastraat (via Johannes Mungrastraat), Paramaribo

This Javanese eatery (warung) gets its name from its founders, Redjosentono and Saimo. It serves sandwiches during the morning hours, Monday through Friday, and traditional Javanese in the evening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Commissaris Weytinghweg 178, Wanica