10+ Best Surinamese Recipes You Need to Try Once

Suriname is a small country nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, but its food? Oh, it’s nothing short of vibrant.

And full of flavor! A melting pot of various cultures, Surinamese cuisine blends African, Asian, Indian, and Dutch influences into some seriously unforgettable dishes.

If you’re ready for a culinary adventure, you’ve come to the right place.

These 10+ Surinamese recipes will take you on a journey through the rich, diverse flavors that make this country’s food stand out.

From spicy stews to hearty soups, Surinamese cuisine has something for everyone.

So whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner table or just curious about this tropical gem, you’re in for a treat.

1. Roti (Surinamese Flatbread)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup warm water

How to make it:

1. Combine the flour, salt, and turmeric in a bowl.
2. Add oil and mix until crumbly.
3. Gradually pour in the warm water, mixing as you go until you form a dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide the dough into 4 equal balls and let them rest for 10 minutes.
6. Roll each ball into a thin, round flatbread.
7. Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each roti for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Why did this make it to our list? Roti is a staple in Surinamese meals, often paired with stews or curried dishes, and its soft, slightly crispy texture is pure comfort food.

2. Bami (Surinamese Noodles)

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken or tofu
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions and drain.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add onion and bell pepper, and sauté until soft.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Stir until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked chicken (or tofu) and scrambled eggs to the pan.
5. Toss in the noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Why did this make it to our list? Bami is a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and perfect for quick meals that don’t compromise on taste.

3. Pom (Pomtajer)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium taro roots (or 2 lbs of potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

How to make it:

1. Peel and chop the taro or potatoes into chunks, then cook in salted water until tender.
2. Mash the taro/potatoes with butter, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the mashed mixture in a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why did this make it to our list? Pom is a beloved Surinamese casserole with a rich, savory flavor that’s a perfect side dish to balance any main course.

4. Saoto Soup (Chicken Soup)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 sprigs celery
• 1 carrot, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 boiled eggs, sliced
• 1/4 cup fried onions

How to make it:

1. Boil the chicken in a large pot of salted water until fully cooked.
2. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same broth, add the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, celery, and carrot.
3. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Shred the chicken and return it to the soup.
5. Serve with sliced boiled eggs and a sprinkle of fried onions.

Why did this make it to our list? Saoto Soup is not only comforting but also packed with bold flavors, and it’s often served as a starter for a family meal.

5. Surinamese Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add the shrimp or chicken and cook until heated through.
3. Stir in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps.
4. Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Mix everything together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why did this make it to our list? Surinamese fried rice is a deliciously savory dish that makes for a perfect leftover meal or quick weeknight dinner.

6. Kousenband (String Beans in Peanut Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh string beans
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

How to make it:

1. Steam or boil the string beans until tender.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water.
3. Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked string beans and stir to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.

Why did this make it to our list? This dish brings a rich, creamy texture to the table and is a great way to add a unique twist to your vegetable intake.

7. Bakkeljauw (Salted Fish)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salted cod
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to make it:

1. Soak the salted cod overnight to remove excess salt.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onion, tomatoes, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add the soaked cod to the skillet and cook until it flakes easily.
4. Serve with steamed rice.

Why did this make it to our list? Bakkeljauw is a traditional dish, rich in flavor, and one of those nostalgic recipes that will take you straight to Suriname.

8. Sateh (Surinamese Satay)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken or beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Bamboo skewers

How to make it:

1. Marinate the chicken or beef in soy sauce, peanut butter, sugar, coconut milk, and lime juice for at least 2 hours.
2. Thread the marinated meat onto bamboo skewers.
3. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through.
4. Serve with extra peanut sauce for dipping.

Why did this make it to our list? Sateh is the ultimate party food, packed with smoky, savory goodness, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or BBQ nights.

9. Winti Fish Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. In a pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes until soft.
2. Add cumin and paprika and stir.
3. Add the fish fillets and coconut milk, simmering for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why did this make it to our list? Winti Fish Stew combines rich spices and tender fish, creating a comforting, aromatic dish that represents Suriname’s diverse culture.

10. Surinamese Peanut Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Stir in the peanut butter, vegetable broth, carrot, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why did this make it to our list? Surinamese peanut soup is a savory, creamy dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition, perfect for any season.

11. Tropische Salade (Tropical Salad)

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Combine cucumber, mango, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.

Why did this make it to our list? This refreshing tropical salad offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savory, perfect for balancing heavier dishes.

Conclusion

Surinamese cuisine is a flavor-packed journey that combines the best of different cultures into unique and delicious dishes.

From the comforting Pom to the rich Kip Pindakaas, these recipes will give you a true taste of Suriname.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, get your ingredients, and start cooking your way through this list.

Ready to spice up your kitchen with these 10+ Surinamese recipes? Grab those ingredients and start cooking today!