Explore Aruba’s multi-cultural Caribbean cuisine in 7 dishes #Win A Trip

This post is sponsored by Aruba Tourism

There is no doubt that Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island with never ending white sandy beaches. Besides the obvious charms, Aruba has a unique culinary offering. The cuisine is unique with influences from African, Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish cultures.

If that teaser has got you interested, you can . 

For a guided introduction to this unusual Caribbean cuisine, you can take the food tour around Oranjestad. While travesing the city’s historic landmarks, you will have a chance to sip on the Island’s iconic Aruba Ariba cocktail (invented by the Hilton Aruba.) Or if you don’t fancy cocktails, the lfocal Aruba Balashi beer is on offer too.

1. Aruba Aruba cocktail by Hilton Aruba, the most famous cocktail on the island invented by a bartender at the Hilton Hotel.

On the food tour, you will sample some of Aruba’s most famous dishes below.

2. Keshi Yena, is a really unusual dish that is influenced by the Dutch and a throwback to the days when provisions was limited and cooking was inventive. It uses the scooped out shell of a ball of Edam cheese. This empty shell is then filled with a mixture of spiced mince and then baked or steamed.

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3. Cook island soup is the Aruban antidote to hot Caribbean sun. This is a chilled fruit soup made with lime, pineapple, cantaloupe, papaya and garnished with mint leaves. You will find this delightfully refreshing soup all over the island.

As you travel around the island, you can’t miss the snack shacks that sell all manners of island street food. Some of these sell fried fish and shellfish, usually served with fried plantain and corn bread.

4. You will also find Pastechi, a half moon pastry filled with a either meat or vegetables, not unlike an empanada.

5. Pan Bati is a popular corn bread side dish like a pancake. The locals eat this with soups, stews or even fried fish.

6. Don’t miss giambo, a thick gumbo made with fish fillets, salted beef, shellfish and okra.

7. Funchi
You might want to have some funchi with it. Funchi, made of cornmeal like polenta is usually served as a side dish.

Win a trip to Aruba
If you would like to visit Aruba and sample some of their unique cuisine, here’s a chance to win a trip.

The prize will be an incredible trip for two, including return flights and a 7-night stay (including breakfast) at the fabulous Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The lucky winner will also enjoy a Palm Pleasure’s sunset sail aboard a luxurious catamaran with De Palm Tours as well as airport transfers.

Get all the competition details here: http://bit.ly/ArubaWinEatCookExplore

To plan a trip to Aruba, find lots of itinerary suggestions and more on