Suriname is more than just a country with an impressive jungle and a rich history; it is a world of its own when it comes to food. Thanks to the unique blend of Hindustani, Javanese, Creole, Chinese, and Indigenous cultures, Surinamese cuisine is a true melting pot of flavors. For those traveling here, the best way to discover the culture is with a fork in your hand.

Are you ready to eat like a local? Here are the 8 dishes you absolutely must try.

1. Pom

Without a doubt, this is the “king” of Surinamese cuisine. Pom is a richly filled oven-baked casserole made from the grated root of the tayer plant (pomtayer), marinated chicken, and citrus. It has a unique, savory-sweet texture that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. No birthday or celebration in Suriname is complete without a steaming dish of Pom on the table.

2. Roti

For many, Roti needs no introduction, but in Suriname, it truly tastes different. This soft, doughy flatbread (the roti-vel) is served with tender curry chicken, potatoes, long beans (kousenband), and a hard-boiled egg. The secret? The specific masala spice blend and the fact that many locals still eat this dish with their hands—which is the only “right” way to do it!

3. Saoto Soup

Saoto is the ultimate comfort food. It is a Javanese clear chicken broth, but don’t let its simplicity fool you. The soup is packed with ingredients: bean sprouts, fried potato sticks, vermicelli, shredded chicken, a hard-boiled egg, and fried onions. It’s a perfect start to the day or the ideal pick-me-up after a long day of traveling.

4. Moksi Alesi

Moksi Alesi literally means “mixed rice.” This is a Creole dish where the rice is cooked in coconut milk along with salted meat, smoked fish (bokking) or chicken, and various vegetables. It is a savory all-in-one meal often served with fried plantains and pickled vegetables (zuurgoed).

5. Heri Heri

A dish with a deep history. Heri Heri is a hearty mix of boiled root vegetables (such as cassava, sweet potato, and plantain) served with fried salted cod (bakkeljauw) and egg. It is a beautiful example of how local ingredients from the earth are transformed into a nutritious and soul-warming meal.

6. Pitjel with Bami

If you are a fan of peanut sauce, Pitjel with Bami will be your favorite. The noodles (bami) are fine and aromatic, but the star of the show is the Pitjel: a fresh mix of steamed vegetables (such as long beans and cabbage) generously drizzled with a rich, spicy, homemade peanut sauce.

7. Surinamese Nasi

Nasi from Suriname is incomparable to the fried rice you might know from Asia. The Surinamese version is darker and has a deep, savory flavor due to the use of trassi (shrimp paste) and fresh herbs like celery. It is often served with juicy chicken satay or a delicious piece of fried chicken.

8. Brown Beans with Rice (BB met R)

The ultimate home-cooked meal. This is a savory stew of brown beans with salted meat, smoked chicken, or sausage, served on a bed of white rice. There’s a reason songs have been written about it: it is pure nostalgia and always hits the spot.

Eat like a local

Curious about where to taste these dishes for yourself? Or do you want to discover the true culinary “hidden gems” of Paramaribo? Visit our Restaurant Page for our personal recommendations.

Have you tried one of these dishes already? Let us know in the comments or share your favorite food photo with us on social media!