10 culinary dishes from Curaçao

Curaçao's cuisine is a tasty mix of different cultures, including Dutch, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. Here are 10 culinary dishes from Curaçao's cuisine that you must try:

1. Keshi Yena
   • Keshi Yena is a traditional Curaçao dish that consists of a hollowed-out cheese filled with a savory mix of meat (often chicken or beef), vegetables, herbs, and sometimes raisins and olives. It is usually fried and served as a main course.
2. Stoba
   • Stoba is a stew that is popular in Caribbean cuisine and is also widely eaten in Curaçao. It is made with different types of meat, such as beef, goat, or chicken, along with vegetables such as okra, pumpkin, and potatoes, seasoned with local herbs and spices.
3. Funchi
   • Funchi is a type of cornmeal cookie that is often served as a side dish to main dishes. It has a firm texture and is often used in sauces and stews.
4. Bolo di Cashupete
   • Bolo di Cashupete is a traditional Curaçao dessert that resembles a cheesecake, but is made from cashew nuts instead of cream cheese. It has a rich and creamy taste and is often served on special occasions.
5. Pastechi
   • Pastechi are savory pastries filled with different types of filling, such as meat, cheese, fish or vegetables. They are similar to empanadas and are often eaten as a snack or for breakfast.
6. Sopi di Pisca
   • Sopi di Pisca is a traditional Curaçao fish soup made with a mix of local fish, vegetables, and herbs. It's hearty and flavorful, often served with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
7. Yuana Stoba
   • Yuana Stoba is a stew made from iguana, a locally eaten reptile. The meat is slowly stewed with vegetables and herbs until it is tender and flavorful.
8. Sòpi di Funchi
   • Sòpi di Funchi is a soup made from funchi (cornmeal biscuits) that are cooked in a rich broth of meat, vegetables and herbs. It is a heart-warming and nutritious soup that is often served as a main course.
9. Pan Bati
   • Pan Bati is a type of cornbread that is popular in Curaçao. It is made from cornmeal, water, sugar and baking powder and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
10. Arepa di Pampuna
    • Arepa di Pampuna is a sweet pastry made from pumpkin, flour, sugar and spices. It is often served as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee.