The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #16

O'Niel's Caribbean Soul & The Carnival Roadmarch

January 19, 2026

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome back to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! The rhythm of the island is speeding up as we march steadily toward the peak of Carnival.

In this issue, we head "sunrise side" to San Nicolas for a meal that warms the soul at O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen. We simmer a pot of restorative Sopi di Carni, explore the street food culture of the Carnival parades, and share a secret weapon for ordering local takeout!

Chronicle Spotlight: O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen - The Pride of San Nicolas

While Palm Beach has the glitz, San Nicolas has the soul. And right in the heart of this cultural hub sits O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen, a restaurant that has quietly become one of the best dining experiences on the entire island.

The O'Niel Experience: Set in a historic building with warm, inviting decor, O'Niel's strikes a perfect balance. It feels upscale enough for a date night but friendly enough for a family lunch. It is a favorite among locals who know good food, which is always the best seal of approval.

The Cuisine: Chef O'Niel serves authentic Caribbean and Jamaican-influenced dishes with gourmet presentation.

  • The Stars: The Lamb Chops are legendary—tender, perfectly spiced, and grilled to perfection. The Oxtail Stew is rich, falling-off-the-bone tender, and deeply savory.

  • Seafood: His take on fresh catch, often served with a rich creole sauce or garlic butter, honors the nearby fishermen of the south.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: O'Niel's proves that world-class dining exists outside the hotel zone. It connects you to the flavor and history of San Nicolas, making the drive completely worth it.

Your Chronicle Local Tip: After your meal, take a walk around the neighborhood to see the incredible San Nicolas Murals. It’s an open-air art gallery!

Location: Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 15, San Nicolas, Aruba.

✨ Featured Experience: Planning a trip to O'Niel's? Make a full day of it! Explore the incredible street art and history of the "Sunrise City" before you dine with this top-rated tour: 🎨 [San Nicolas Street Art & Culture Tour - Book Here]

Aruban Kitchen: Sopi di Carni (Beef Soup)

As the Carnival season heats up, you need stamina. Sopi di Carni (Beef Soup) is the ultimate Aruban comfort food and fuel. It’s not just a starter; it’s a full meal loaded with chunks of beef on the bone, corn on the cob, potatoes, pumpkin, and plantains.

Simple Sopi di Carni Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) beef shank or soup meat (with bone is essential for flavor!)

  • 8 cups beef broth or water

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 potatoes, peeled and chunked

  • 1/2 lb pumpkin (calabaza), peeled and chunked

  • 2 ears of corn, cut into rounds

  • 1 green plantain, peeled and chunked

  • 1 stalk celery, chopped

  • Fresh parsley and cilantro

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Broth Base: In a large soup pot, brown the beef on all sides. Add the water/broth, onion, garlic, and celery. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered for 1.5 - 2 hours until the meat is tender. Skim off any foam.

  2. Add Veggies: Add the corn, pumpkin, and potatoes. Simmer for another 20 minutes.

  3. Finish: Add the plantain chunks and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 more minutes until all vegetables are tender but not mushy.

  4. Season: Stir in fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

  5. Serve: Ladle into big bowls and serve with a slice of Pan Bati or white rice.

✨ Featured Experience: Love these local flavors? Stop just eating them and start cooking them! Join a local chef for a hands-on culinary adventure: 👨‍🍳 [Authentic Aruban Cooking Experience - Book Here]

Behind the Bites: The Carnival "Roadmarch" Diet

Aruba's Carnival isn't just a visual spectacle; it has its own culinary ecosystem. During the major parades (like the Lighting Parade and Grand Parade), the streets are lined with trailers, tents, and BBQ grills. This is the Roadmarch Diet.

The Menu: You won't find fine dining here. This is food designed to be eaten with one hand while moving.

  • Satay (Sate): Skewers of marinated chicken or pork, grilled over charcoal and drowned in peanut sauce.

  • BBQ Ribs: Sticky, sweet, and smoky ribs served in styrofoam boxes.

  • Hot Dogs (Chorizo): Not your standard frankfurter. These are often spicy local sausages served with onions and pika.

These roadside chefs are the unsung heroes of Carnival, feeding thousands of dancers and spectators well into the night.

Local Resource Spotlight: TakeawayAruba.com

We know that sometimes, even the most dedicated foodie just wants to stay in.

If you are looking for the menus of your favorite local spots in one place, check out TakeawayAruba.com.

It’s a fantastic resource created by locals that aggregates takeout menus for dozens of restaurants across the island—from hidden snacks to popular dinner spots. It’s perfect for planning your "night in" or ordering lunch for the beach!

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where? (Starting Jan 19th)

The Carnival energy is building!

  • Betico Croes Day (Sunday, January 25, 2026)

    • What: A national holiday with a massive cultural festival in Oranjestad.

    • The Food: Look for the "Betico Day Special" boxes at local bakeries like Huchada. It's the perfect day to sample traditional snacks.

  • Carnival "Jump-Ups" (Throughout the week)

    • Where: Various neighborhoods (check local news).

    • What: Informal street parties with music trucks. Follow the sound of the bass to find the best street food vendors parked nearby!

  • Aruba Restaurant Week (Coming Soon in Feb)

    • Heads Up: Start keeping an eye out for early-bird specials for the post-Carnival dining deals.

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

  1. Book the Tour: If you're going to O'Niel's, book the San Nicolas Art Tour first to make it a full cultural day.

  2. Bookmark the Menus: Save TakeawayAruba.com to your phone's home screen for easy access next time you're hungry.

That's it for this issue of The Aruban Foodie Chronicle!

We hope you're feeling inspired to explore more of Aruba's incredible culinary landscape.

Discovered a hidden gem or a new favorite dish? Let us know by replying to this email! We love hearing from our foodie community.

Enjoying the Chronicle? Please share it with a friend who loves food and dreams of Aruba!