Aruba's local cuisine
- December 13, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
NeekNique from Los Angeles, California
I first visited Aruba 5 years ago. My brother and I accompanied our parents on their 25th anniversary. (Why they let us tag along is beyond me.) Aruba is known for its impeccable beaches, natural landscape, year-round 80-degree weather, and friendly multilingual inhabitants. But what did we choose to fall in love with? Pastechis. A pastechi (pa-stay-chee) is a puffy patty-like pastry filled with either cheese or meat, usually gouda, chicken, beef, or even fish. I have seen them in both bite-size and half-a-sandwich forms. Fried golden brown, the outer crust tastes like sweet bread--it’s a great contrast to its interior filling.
Naturally when I returned to Aruba this month for my cousin’s wedding, pastechi was on the brain. They will be impossible to find at many of the restaurants in the capitol, Oranjestad, that cater to tourists who insist on eating the food they would on a normal basis: burgers, pizza, and the like. Or, they can be disguised under a different name on the menu. Rather, you will find them in tiny Aruban-style fast-food restaurants or larger local restaurants or supermarkets. But if you plan on visiting Aruba, all you have to do is ask and someone will lead you in the right direction. Explore and try this favorite local food perfect for any time of the day. You know how the saying goes: when in Rome…
From journal In Search of the Pastechi