5 local snacks from Aruba you need to try

If there’s anything Arubans are good at (and there are many things), snacks are definitely at the top of that list.

They’re crispy, fried, savory, gooey – the best of all worlds. Food is a huge part of life here. It’s woven into local traditions, family gatherings, and everyday life in Aruba.

As a little pro tip, don’t get your snacks from hotel chains or anywhere near Palm Beach. They’ll be good, but if you want something that’s actually local, you need to venture out. The best Aruban snacks live in tiny snack trucks and corner shops. Or, if possible, get yourself invited to a local family gathering!

Without further ado, here’s your local guide to Aruba’s must-try street food and snacks.

1. Pastechi

Of course this one had to come first – it’s a classic for a reason.

A pastechi is Aruba’s unofficial national snack: a golden, half-moon-shaped pastry stuffed with cheese, meat, tuna, or chicken. It’s like the Caribbean cousin of an empanada, although the dough is slightly sweeter.

In Aruba, there’s truly never a bad time to have them. Breakfast? Pastechi. Lunch, brunch, dinner? Pastechi. Quick bite? Pastechi. Holidays? Pastechi. Drunk? Pastechi. Hungover? You guessed it, pastechi!

These delicious snacks date back to the early 1900s, when influences from Latin America, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean all mingled on the island. You’ll find them at every gas station, bakery, local gathering, and even in the local Starbucks.

Which begs the question: if you leave the island without trying a pastechi, were you even in Aruba at all?

2. Kroket

The kroket is another staple in Aruban snack cuisine.

It’s simple, savory, meaty, sometimes spicy, and never disappointing.

Dutch visitors are often surprised by this one, since it looks similar to Dutch croquettes but is completely different, from texture to flavor. It has a crunchy exterior but the interior is soft and tangy, kind of chewy, and well-spiced. It’s basically a snack born from Dutch colonial influence but reimagined.

Similar to pastechis, they can be found anywhere from gas stations to snack trucks and family parties. 

3. Webo Yena (Deviled Eggs)

You’ve probably had a deviled egg, but you’ve never had an Aruban deviled egg.

If you ever get invited to an Aruban family gathering, you’ll spot these right away. Webo yena (literally “filled egg”) is Aruba’s version of deviled eggs, and they’re absolutely scrumptious.

Unlike the traditional American version, Aruban deviled eggs are made with a flavorful mix of yolk, mustard, mayonnaise, and sometimes a dash of hot pepper or relish. Sometimes they’re topped with an olive. They’re small, creamy, perfectly balanced, and are usually the first thing to disappear on the table.

4. Cheeseballs

I wish there were enough words to describe how fantastic cheeseballs are, but you just need to try them. 

Aruban cheeseballs are crispy little orbs of awesomeness. They’re soft on the inside and a little crunchy on the outside, and it’s no surprise that they’re loved by people of all ages.

They’re made by mixing cheese (usually Gouda or Edam, thanks to Dutch influence) with flour, egg, and seasoning, then deep-fried. Definitely no need to dip it into any sauce, it’s perfect as is.

Cheeseballs are sold at local bakeries on the island, and they’re always a staple at family parties. 

5. Funchi Hasa

A snack anyone who appreciates the magic of simplicity.

Funchi hasa is fried cornmeal, similar to polenta fries. Salty, crisp on the outside and soft inside, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Funchi came to Aruba through African and Caribbean culinary roots and became a staple side dish for stews and fish. The hasa (fried) version, though, is the ultimate snack, and it’s heavenly with some melted cheese on top, too.

If you’d like to try it, funchi hasa can be found in most local restaurants as an appetizer. 

6. Johnnycake

No one ever can ever be sad while they’re eating a johnnycake.

They’re a must-try for breakfast or an anytime bite. Made from flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, they’re fried until they puff up. Crisp outside, soft inside, they pair perfectly with cheese, pulled chicken, or my personal favorite, bacalao (saltfish).

The name “johnnycake” likely came from “journey cake”; a bread that traveled well during long sea voyages. On Aruba, it evolved into an island favorite that’s served at every bakery and roadside stand.

7. Soesjes

Don’t let the name fool you; while the Dutch soesje is a sweet cream puff, the Aruban soesje took a bit of a detour.

Aruban soesjes are small choux pastries filled with tuna salad. It might sound unusual, but once you try one, you’ll understand why they’re so loved. They’re light, airy, savory, sweet, and another adaptation of Dutch traditions in the Caribbean style. 

These can be found at local bakeries as well as the average Aruban family party.

To sum it all up…

As a culture that’s deeply social and food-oriented, Arubans take pride in the way they cook, and always aim to create dishes that bring people together.

The island is a true melting pot of cultures, and that’s reflected directly in the food. This short list only scratches the surface of all the different nationalities that have shaped the island’s food scene over the years.

So next time you’re on the island, don’t spend all of your time at the all-inclusive buffets and the fancy spots in Noord. Venture out, chat with locals, and see where you can find the best food in Aruba. 

You might just discover something amazing.

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