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Aruba Cuisine

12/22/2020

10 Dishes You'll Want to TryHave you been to Aruba? If not, and you're a foodie, let me "tease your tastebuds" with some delicious treats you will want to find when you arrive. As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had.

But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration. So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are ten dishes you must indulge in.

Seafood--Perhaps the most apparent food to try while on the island is the fish and seafood. In the Caribbean Sea, some of the most amazingly fresh seafood can be found. Take your pick between mahi-mahi, grouper, lionfish, prawn, or red snapper if you're looking for a simple dish to try. However, the options go on forever.

Pan Bati--This bread is usually on the side of every main dish served on the island, and with good reason. Pan Bati is a sweet flatbread that dissolves in your mouth. Although it is prepared with simple ingredients, it is far from being dull in flavor.

Stews and Soups--Many of the local eateries and restaurants serve traditional Aruban stews and soups. Usually, the stews are full of chicken, fish, or goat meat, although you can still find soups and stews made with beef or lamb as we make it here in the states.

Ayaca--Dried fruit and cashews adorn this delectable dish of steamed beef wrapped in a banana leaf. That's not all you get, though. There are a ton of ingredients used to create this unique, mouthwatering Venezuelan dish.
Keshi Yena--This authentic Aruban meal is a must-try! It includes a ball of cheese stuffed with meat or poultry that is spiced to perfection. Anywhere you go on the tropical island, you will find a unique and off-beat version of this dish.
Funchi and Banana Hash--This combo is certainly one that packs a lot of tasty flavors! Funchi is fried cornmeal mush, often served with gouda and a side of fried plantains.

Authentic Aruban Desserts--Pudding is a big deal in Aruba. You must order a helping of Pan Bollo (bread pudding with Ponche cream or rum, and ice cream) or Bolo di Banana (plantain pudding).

Hot Papaya Sauce--Often served on the side of meals, hot papaya sauce is the perfect addition to a meal if you can stand the sweet heat of papaya fruit mashed with hot peppers.
Aruba Ariba and a Local Beer--Although it isn't food, the local beer is worth a shot. Balashi is the most popular beer on the island, but there are a ton of delicious choices.
Pastechi--Pastechi is a portion of famous Aruban street food. You can find it offered by most street food vendors, and all of them claim to make it best. No matter where you get it, you don't want to miss out on this gouda filled pastry.

It doesn't matter what restaurants or cafes you choose to visit while in Aruba, but make sure you don't leave without indulging in some of the foods mentioned on this list! They are by far some of the greatest, tastiest options on the island. If you would like more information on the most popular restaurants and places to go, please don't hesitate to send me an email with your inquiries or click the button below.

Now, as the weather is changing, is a great time to connect with Debbie. Click below for your complimentary appointment to discuss your thoughts and dreams about vacation ideas and getaways that fit your budget!

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Destination Aruba!

12/7/2020

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Beautiful Aruba.

Many people have Aruba on their vacation bucket list. In addition to the luxurious tropical blue waters and warm weather, it is well known for its friendly atmosphere and diversity. Depending on when you visit the island, various festivals are held each year. These festivals are often held in honor of Aruban history and mixed with modern influences. Music, dancing, traditional foods, and plenty of entertainment exist all over the island.

Bucket Lists...Of all the great things you can do while in Aruba, we've compiled a bucket list of our own that includes the best "don't miss" things you will want to consider when you go.

Sunbathe on Eagle Beach
Go snorkeling to see the shipwrecks
Explore the caves in Aruba's beautiful Arikok National Park
Visit Private Island
Walkthrough the mangroves and swim at the Spanish Lagoon
Catch a sunset over the Caribbean
Jump into the natural swimming hole near the Bushiribana Ruins
Windsurf and kiteboard at Hadicurari Beach
Check out the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations

Family time...
Or, if you are traveling as a family, we recommend you add some of these to your itinerary!

Go to the Butterfly Farm
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
Wander through the Ostrich Founder water
See the California Lighthouse
Check Philips Animal Garden
Attend the Bon Bini Festival
Play in the sun and sand at Baby Beach
Get wild at the splash park at Surfside Beach
Take a submarine underwater
Dine at Buccaneer Restaurant for an aquatic view

Whatever you choose from these lists, we know you will be creating memories that will last a lifetime for you and those you are sharing your quality time with. Of course, be sure and take lots of pictures--for years to come, you will be looking back on them as you reminisce again and again together with delight!

As you plan (or dream about) your luxury vacation adventure, weather is always something to take into consideration. The tropical climate in Aruba means that it is hot all year-round. Although with humidity, the air is quite sticky, you'll be happy to know you will benefit from a constant breeze, especially on the East Coast, where the wind is strong and persistent. The precipitation received is only around 20-inches annually, and most of the rain occurs from October to December. The driest months are March, April, and May. With the sun being available from 7 to 10 hours all year, the waters are always warm enough to swim.

While there are no waterways or railways in Aruba, there are highways, paved roads, and an airport. As for public transportation, there is plenty. Buses run about every 15-minutes. They start before 6 a.m. and end at 6 p.m., but then run every 40-minutes until 11:30 p.m. The central bus station sits in downtown Oranjestad. A day pass for the bus is less than $10 USD.

Aside from buses, it is easy to take taxis and cruise ships, depending on where you're trying to go. There are also rental car options — the rates for a rental car run anywhere from around $40.00 to $90.00 daily. You can drive in Aruba with your U.S. license. An international license isn't necessary.

The official languages of Aruba are Papiamento and Dutch. However, most Arubans speak at least four languages. English and Spanish are usually the other two languages spoken by the natives. Papiamento is a language derived from French, Portuguese, English, Spanish, African, and Dutch dialects.

We wait and wait and wait---I'll do it later, we say...but then later never comes.
Why not book your complimentary meeting with Debbie now to answer your questions and find a beautiful getaway that fits your needs, dreams AND your budget?
Click the button and make it happen! Debbie is waiting for you!

no more procrastinating!

Aruba, here I come!

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Aruba Cuisine

Destination Aruba!

Debbie Palmer

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