The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #6

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome back to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! We apologize for our previous mistake and are excited to bring you a fresh, new edition. We're continuing our delicious journey across Aruba, this time diving into a beloved spot celebrated for its incredibly authentic flavors.

In this issue, we're taking a deep dive into Kamini's Kitchen, a true gem for those who crave a taste of the Caribbean and beyond. Plus, we'll guide you through making a simple yet essential Aruban treat, explore the island's iconic Aloe Vera heritage, and keep you up to speed on the island's upcoming foodie events.

Chronicle Spotlight: Kamini's Kitchen - A Fusion of Surinamese & Caribbean Soul

For a culinary experience that's both authentic and full of heart, Kamini's Kitchen is an absolute must-visit. Located in the quiet San Nicolas area, this family-run restaurant has earned a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful and soulful Caribbean and Surinamese-style food on the island. This is where locals and savvy visitors go for a true taste of home-cooked goodness.

The Kamini's Experience:

The atmosphere at Kamini's is warm, welcoming, and unpretentious. Kamini herself often greets guests with a smile, and the passion for her cooking is evident in every dish. The restaurant’s colorful decor adds to the laid-back, joyful Caribbean vibe. It feels like you've been invited into a local family's home for a meal.

The Cuisine:

The menu is a beautiful fusion of flavors. Signature dishes include her legendary Curried Goat, the rich and savory Oxtail Stew, and a variety of delicious Roti plates. Vegetarian options are also abundant and highly praised. Each dish is a generous portion, bursting with spices and cooked with love. Don't miss out on her fantastic hot sauce, which adds the perfect kick!

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle:

Kamini's Kitchen represents a vital part of Aruba's diverse culinary identity—a place where cultural heritage is celebrated through food. It’s a powerful testament to the island's rich blend of influences, offering an authentic, flavorful experience that tells a story far beyond the plate.

Your Chronicle Local Tip: Be sure to call ahead and check her hours, as they can sometimes vary. The drive to San Nicolas is well worth it for this incredible meal!

Location: Kamini's Kitchen, A.F. Arendsweg 11, San Nicolas, Aruba.

Aruban Kitchen: Simple & Sweet Cocada (Aruban Coconut Candy)

A true taste of Aruban tradition, Cocada is a simple yet incredibly delicious coconut candy. Often found at local bakeries or made at home for special occasions, it's a sweet, chewy, and satisfying treat that's easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little bit of Aruban happiness into your kitchen.

Simple Cocada Recipe (Yields approx. 12-16 pieces)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded sweetened coconut

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (120ml) water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a traditional look)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

2. Add Coconut: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded coconut to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes very thick and sticky, pulling away from the sides of the pan.

3. Add Flavor & Color: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring if desired.

4. Form the Cocada: While the mixture is still warm, use two spoons to scoop out small, heaping spoonfuls and drop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape them into small mounds or patties.

5. Cool: Allow the cocada to cool and harden completely at room temperature (about 30-60 minutes).

6. Serve: Once hardened, they are ready to be enjoyed!

Behind the Bites: The Story of Aruba's Aloe Vera Heritage

For over 160 years, Aloe Vera has been an integral part of Aruba's history, economy, and culture. Often referred to as "the medicinal plant," aloe thrived in the island's arid climate, and in 1890, two-thirds of Aruba's land was covered in aloe plants. This made Aruba a leading exporter of aloe products.

Beyond its well-known use in skincare and sun care, aloe has also found its way into Aruban kitchens. The aloe gel is sometimes used in local drinks or as an ingredient in homemade remedies. It is a powerful reminder of how the island's natural environment has shaped its identity, providing both a valuable export and a versatile ingredient.

The story of aloe is deeply woven into Aruba's fabric, representing its resilience and resourcefulness. When you see an aloe plant on the island, you're not just seeing a plant—you're seeing a piece of the island's rich heritage and a testament to its long-standing connection to the land.

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where? (Starting September 8th)

As we move through September and into the fall, Aruba's culinary scene continues to offer exciting opportunities to indulge! Here’s what’s on our radar for events occurring on or after September 8th:

• Bon Bini Festival (Every Tuesday Evening, Ongoing)

  • Where: Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad

  • What: This vibrant, year-round folkloric celebration is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Aruban culture. Enjoy live music, traditional dances, and, of course, a variety of local food and craft vendors offering authentic Aruban snacks and dishes.

• Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival (Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, October 19, 2025)

  • Where: Wilhelminastraat, Downtown Oranjestad (main festival weekend) and various participating restaurants island-wide.

  • What: This is Aruba's most anticipated culinary event of the year! Autentico is a week-long celebration of Aruba's diverse food culture. It typically includes:

    • Restaurant Week (October 11-17): Top restaurants offer fixed-price menus celebrating Aruban culinary roots.

    • "Bucket List Experiences" (October 11-17): Exclusive dining events with international chefs.

    • The Pavilion (October 18-19): A large outdoor culinary festival on Wilhelminastraat with over 30 restaurants and beverage partners.

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

1. Mark Your Calendars: Note these key upcoming events for your culinary adventures.

2. Be Proactive: For specific restaurant specials or details on festival participation, make it a habit to check the official event websites and the social media channels of your preferred dining spots and call ahead for reservations or inquiries.

Happy hunting for these exclusive Aruban culinary experiences in the coming months!

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!