Surinamese Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Surinamese Hospitality
Surinamese people are known for their warm, multicultural nature, where sharing a meal or dawet drink is a social ritual that can last hours, fostering connections in lively markets and making travelers feel instantly welcomed.
Essential Surinamese Foods
Roti
Savor flatbread wrapped around curry chicken or potato, a staple in Paramaribo's street stalls for $5-8 USD, paired with achar pickle.
Must-try during family gatherings, offering a taste of Suriname's Indian heritage.
Pom
Enjoy Creole dish of chicken layered with pomtajer root and citrus, baked in homes or restaurants for $10-15 USD.
Best fresh from Maroon communities for the ultimate savory, tangy experience.
Saoto Soep
Sample Javanese chicken soup with bean sprouts and vermicelli, available at warungs in the capital for $4-6 USD.
Each ethnic group has variations, perfect for soup lovers seeking authentic flavors.
Bara
Indulge in fried lentil fritters, street snacks in markets for $2-3 USD per portion.
Heritage brands like those from Indian-Surinamese vendors offer crispy, spiced bites.
Moksi Alesi
Try mixed rice with salted fish and vegetables, found in Creole eateries for $6-8 USD, hearty for rainy days.
Traditionally served with plantains for a complete, comforting meal.
Zuursoep
Experience sour soup with fish and okra at coastal spots for $6-10 USD.
Perfect for picnics by rivers or pairing with roti at local cafes.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Try phulauri snacks or vegetable curry in Paramaribo's Indian-inspired eateries for under $5 USD, reflecting Suriname's diverse plant-based traditions.
- Vegan Choices: Major cities offer vegan versions of roti and nasi goreng from Javanese influences.
- Gluten-Free: Many dishes like pom and soups accommodate gluten-free diets, especially in home cooking.
- Halal/Kosher: Available in multicultural Paramaribo with dedicated Javanese and Indian restaurants.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Shake hands or hug lightly when meeting. In diverse communities, a nod or "bong" in Sranan Tongo is common among friends.
Use formal titles initially, switch to first names after warmth builds in conversations.
Dress Codes
Casual tropical attire acceptable in cities, but modest clothing for temples or mosques.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Hindu or Muslim sites in Paramaribo.
Language Considerations
Dutch is official, but Sranan Tongo, Hindi, and Javanese are widely spoken. English common in tourist areas.
Learn basics like "bong" (hello in Sranan) or "dank je" (Dutch) to show respect.
Dining Etiquette
Wait to be invited to eat in homes, use right hand for food, and share dishes family-style.
No service charge usually, tip 10% for good service in restaurants.
Religious Respect
Suriname is multi-religious with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian sites. Be respectful during prayers or festivals.
Remove shoes in temples, photography often allowed but ask permission inside sacred spaces.
Punctuality
Surinamese time is relaxed; events may start late, but business meetings value timeliness.
Arrive on time for tours, but expect flexibility in social invitations.
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
Suriname is generally safe with friendly locals, low violent crime, and improving health services, ideal for eco-travelers, though petty theft in Paramaribo and jungle hazards require caution.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 115 for police or 119 for medical help, with some English support available.
Tourist police in Paramaribo assist visitors, response times vary by location.
Common Scams
Watch for pickpocketing in busy markets like Paramaribo's Central Market during festivals.
Verify taxi fares or use registered services to avoid overcharging.
Healthcare
Yellow fever vaccine required; malaria prophylaxis advised for interior. Bring insect repellent.
Clinics in cities, bottled water recommended, hospitals provide basic care for travelers.
Night Safety
Paramaribo safe at night in tourist zones, but avoid unlit streets after dark.
Stick to main areas, use group taxis or apps for evening outings.
Outdoor Safety
For jungle treks in Brownsberg, hire guides and check for snakes or floods.
Inform lodges of plans, weather can change rapidly in rainforests.
Personal Security
Use hotel safes for passports, keep copies of documents handy.
Be aware in crowded markets and on buses during peak travel times.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Book dry season trips (August-February) for festivals like Keti Koti months ahead for best access.
Visit in wet season for lush jungles with fewer crowds, ideal for river adventures.
Budget Optimization
Use local buses for cheap interior travel, eat at markets for authentic meals under $5 USD.
Free cultural tours in Paramaribo, many nature parks have low entry fees.
Digital Essentials
Download offline maps and translation apps for remote areas with spotty signal.
WiFi in hotels, SIM cards cheap for data coverage in cities and along coasts.
Photography Tips
Capture dawn light at Galibi for turtle nesting scenes and vibrant colors.
Use macro lenses for rainforest flora, always seek permission for community portraits.
Cultural Connection
Learn Sranan phrases to bond with Maroon villagers authentically.
Join communal meals for genuine interactions and deep cultural immersion.
Local Secrets
Seek hidden waterfalls in the interior or quiet riverside spots near Albina.
Ask eco-lodges for off-grid trails locals cherish but tourists overlook.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Brownsberg Nature Park: Towering waterfalls and hiking trails in the north, with birdwatching and indigenous encounters, perfect for serene escapes.
- Galibi Nature Reserve: Remote Atlantic coast for sea turtle nesting away from crowds, set in pristine mangrove forests.
- Jodensavanne: Ruins of 17th-century Jewish settlement with overgrown paths and historical markers, ideal for quiet exploration.
- Marienburg Plantation: Abandoned sugar estate with haunting architecture and river views for history enthusiasts.
- Central Suriname Nature Reserve: Vast UNESCO rainforest with guided treks and wildlife spotting in untouched wilderness.
- Upper Suriname River: Maroon villages like Santigron for cultural stays and canoe trips along scenic waterways.
- Fort Zeelandia: Colonial fortress in Paramaribo with underground cells and panoramic views, lesser-visited for its dark history.
- Blaka Watra: Secluded beach near the capital for relaxed picnics and local fishing vibes without tourist bustle.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Keti Koti (July 1, Paramaribo): Emancipation Day celebration with parades, music, and Akan dances honoring Afro-Surinamese heritage.
- Holi Phagwa (March, Nationwide): Hindu festival of colors with powder throws, music, and sweets, attracting diverse crowds.
- Carnival (February/March, Paramaribo): Vibrant street parades with costumes, samba, and Javanese influences in a multicultural spectacle.
- Waterkant Festival (October, Paramaribo): Riverside event with food stalls, live kaseko music, and cultural performances celebrating Creole traditions.
- Sranan Tongo Festival (November, Various): Creole language and culture fest with storytelling, dances, and workshops across communities.
- Chinese New Year (January/February, Paramaribo): Lion dances, fireworks, and feasts in Chinatown, blending Asian-Surinamese customs.
- Surifesta (August, Paramaribo): Multi-ethnic arts festival with theater, crafts, and food from all Surinamese groups.
- Maroon Heritage Day (November, Interior Villages): Celebrations of escaped slave descendants with traditional music and river ceremonies.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Wood Carvings: Buy handcrafted Maroon figures from artisans in Paramaribo markets, authentic pieces start at $20-50 USD, avoid mass-produced items.
- Sarongs & Textiles: Colorful Javanese or Indian fabrics from Central Market, packable and versatile for $10-30 USD.
- Spices & Sauces: Local masala mixes or Madame Jeanette peppers from spice stalls, essential for home cooking recreations.
- Rum & Dawet: Surinamese rum or herbal drinks from distilleries, bottle carefully for travel or enjoy on-site tastings.
- Jewelry: Beaded necklaces from indigenous craftspeople in the interior, handmade with natural materials for $15-40 USD.
- Markets: Visit Palm Garden or Weekend Market in Paramaribo for fresh produce, batik cloth, and local art at bargain prices.
- Baskets: Woven Maroon or Amerindian baskets from roadside vendors, durable souvenirs starting at $25 USD.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Use buses or river boats to reduce emissions in the rainforest interior.
Opt for guided eco-tours with local operators for low-impact exploration.
Local & Organic
Support indigenous farmers at markets for organic fruits and veggies, especially in rural areas.
Choose seasonal produce like cassavas over imports to aid local agriculture.
Reduce Waste
Bring reusable bottles, as tap water varies; support conservation in protected reserves.
Use cloth bags at markets, recycling limited so minimize plastics in jungles.
Support Local
Stay in community-run eco-lodges rather than large resorts when possible.
Dine at family warungs and buy from indigenous artisans to boost economies.
Respect Nature
Follow trails in reserves, leave no trace during hikes or river trips.
Avoid feeding wildlife and adhere to no-touch policies in turtle nesting sites.
Cultural Respect
Learn about ethnic groups and seek permission before photographing rituals.
Engage respectfully with Maroon and Amerindian communities, supporting their traditions.
Useful Phrases
Sranan Tongo (Creole)
Hello: Bong / Fa a kondreman
Thank you: Dankje / Tanki
Please: Doro / Ef yu plies
Excuse me: Excuse mi
Do you speak English?: Yu sa spik Engles?
Dutch (Official)
Hello: Hallo / Goedemorgen
Thank you: Dank je / Bedankt
Please: Alstublieft
Excuse me: Pardon / Excuses
Do you speak English?: Spreekt u Engels?
Hindi (Hindustani)
Hello: Namaste / Salaam
Thank you: Dhanyavaad / Shukriya
Please: Kripaya
Excuse me: Maaf karna
Do you speak English?: Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?