The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #7

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome back to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! It's a new season on our island, and we're ready to dive into the rich flavors that define us.

In this issue, we're taking a deep dive into The Old Cunucu House, a rustic and authentic restaurant where Aruban heritage is served on every plate. Plus, we'll guide you on making a simple yet essential Aruban soup, explore the island's secret to bold flavor, and get you up to speed on the upcoming foodie events.

Chronicle Spotlight: The Old Cunucu House - A Taste of Home

Tucked away in the quiet residential area of Palm Beach, The Old Cunucu House is more than just a restaurant—it's a journey back in time. Housed in a beautifully restored Aruban cunucu house (traditional farmhouse), this spot offers a truly authentic dining experience. From the moment you step onto the property, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and island hospitality.

The Old Cunucu House Experience: The restaurant's design, with its classic red tile roof and bright yellow and white walls, is a perfect tribute to Aruban architecture. Inside, the rustic charm and cozy ambiance make you feel like you've been invited to a family dinner. It's the ideal setting for an intimate meal, allowing you to slow down and savor the rich flavors.

The Cuisine: The menu is a love letter to traditional Aruban cooking. You'll find classics like Keshi Yena, a generous portion of spiced chicken and vegetables baked in a Gouda cheese shell. Other must-try dishes include the flavorful Goat Stew (Stoba di Cabrito) and the perfectly prepared Seafood Soup. Each dish is a reflection of the island's Dutch, Spanish, and indigenous influences, cooked with care and passion.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: The Old Cunucu House is an essential part of Aruba's culinary tapestry. It serves as a guardian of traditional Aruban cooking, offering an authentic taste of the island's heritage that you won't find on the main tourist strips. It's a place that tells a story with every bite.

Your Chronicle Local Tip: The Old Cunucu House can be a hidden gem for some, so reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

Location: Palm Beach 150, Noord, Aruba.

Aruban Kitchen: Make Your Own Heartwarming Sopi di Pampuna (Aruban Pumpkin Soup)

Nothing says Aruban comfort food quite like a bowl of Sopi di Pampuna (Pumpkin Soup). This creamy, flavorful soup is a staple in many local homes, cherished for its smooth texture and rich, comforting taste. It's a fantastic dish for a cozy evening and a true taste of island tradition.

Simple Sopi di Pampuna (Aruban Pumpkin Soup) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) pumpkin or calabaza squash, peeled and chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• A drizzle of olive oil or butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Pumpkin: Add the chopped pumpkin to the pot and stir to coat. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fork-tender.

4. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth before returning to the pot.

5. Finish & Season: Stir in the coconut milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently for a few more minutes, but do not let it boil.

6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with a sprig of parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. Pairs perfectly with a side of pan bati.

Behind the Bites: The Magic of Pika - The Soul of Aruban Flavor

While some might think Aruban food is just "island food," locals know that the true soul of our cuisine lies in its bold, beautiful flavors, and much of that magic comes from a single, fiery source: pika. Pika is the Papiamento word for "spicy," and it’s the heart of our island’s unique hot sauces and marinades.

The most famous of these is Pika di Papaya, a vibrant hot sauce made from unripe papaya and Madame Janette peppers, which are known for their distinct fruity flavor and intense heat. This combination gives the sauce a complex profile—spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet. You'll find a bottle of homemade pika on nearly every family dinner table, ready to add a kick to anything from stews and fried fish to snacks like pastechi.

Why it Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: Understanding pika is key to understanding Aruban food. It's not about heat for the sake of heat; it's about adding a layer of flavor that elevates every dish. It's a culinary tradition passed down through generations, and a testament to how local ingredients, when handled with love, can create something truly iconic.

When you try an Aruban dish, don't be shy—ask for the pika. You'll not only be tasting a staple of our cuisine but also a piece of our culture.

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where?

As we move into the end of September and the start of October, Aruba's culinary scene is gearing up for one of its biggest celebrations of the year! Here’s what’s on our radar for events on or after September 22nd:

• 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 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 includes a "Restaurant Week" where top restaurants offer fixed-price menus, "Bucket List Experiences" with exclusive chef events, and a large outdoor culinary festival on Wilhelminastraat. This is an essential event for any Aruban foodie!

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.

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