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Curacao Culinary Styles |
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Cura�ao's diverse culture and eclectic cuisine reflect the different backgrounds and nationalities of its inhabitants. Food plays a major part in the heritage of the local people, and the island's dishes are as diverse as this population of 45 different nationalities. Vacationers can enjoy a wide range of international foods while experiencing this unique Dutch Caribbean culture. The island and its cuisine are predominately influenced by Dutch culture. The Dutch people use a lot of fresh seafood and cheeses in their traditional dishes. Island locals have taken this cuisine and combined it with several other styles of cooking to make a food culture all their own. Cura�ao's authentic meals are a blend of Dutch, Creole, and other international foods, mixed together with a touch of local flavor. Some of the most delicious local entrees include Funchi, or half and half, which is a polenta-like side dish made of half cornmeal pudding and half rice; Pika Hasa, a yummy Cura�aon seafood dish of red snapper; and a Dutch national dish called Keshi Yena, which is a savory meal of Gouda cheese stuffed with meat or fish. One of the local favorites is iguana stew, which may not tickle the taste buds of some tourists, but is said to taste like chicken if you're brave enough to try it. Indonesian culture has also influenced the cuisine of Cura�ao. Islanders have taken this influence and combined it with Dutch cuisine, making for some unique and tasty fare. One of the most simple and popular Indonesian meals that has been adopted by Cura�aons is rijisttafel, which means"rice table." Rice is combined with fish or meat and vegetables, along with a kick from a spicy sauce made of fresh chiles. While visiting Cura�ao, vacationers can also sample French, Italian, Indian, and Swiss dishes at gourmet restaurants located around the island. The culinary choices seem endless. The island is also popular for its Cura�ao Liqueur, which was discovered by accident. Now, people all over the world enjoy this beverage made from the peels of the bitter Lahara orange. Spaniards had brought juicy sweet Valencia oranges to the island, but the fruit was unable to flourish because of the differences in climate. This difference changed the flavor of the citrus, transforming the sweet Valencia orange into the sour Lahara orange. Decades later, it was discovered that the peel of Lahara oranges contains sweet-smelling oils that could be used to make the Cura�ao Liqueur. The oils were combined with exotic spices, which resulted in the beverage that millions of people enjoy today. Travelers will be intrigued by the diversity of the island's food and its people. With a fine mixture of alluring international dishes and delicious local cuisine, vacationers have one more reason to make Cura�ao the perfect place for their tropical island retreat. Related Articles
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