Rental Car Curacao: Local food in Curaçao – where to go?

Plasa Bieu (Old Market, Punda): A large covered hall in Willemstad where several kitchens prepare traditional dishes daily, such as kabritu stobá (goat stew), galinja stobá (chicken stew), kèshi yena, funchi, rice, and fried plantains. You choose directly from the kitchens and sit at long tables with locals and tourists. Opening hours are usually Monday–Saturday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, closed on Sundays.

Jaanchies (Westpunt, Banda’bou): A homey location outside the tourist zones, known for authentic Curaçaoan food, including stews and, in particular, iguana stew. There is no standard menu; the owner verbally lists the daily specials. A car is practically essential.

Marshe di Barber (Sunday morning market in Barber, Banda'bou): A lively Sunday morning market where locals and stalls sell "nos kos"—hearty soups, stoba, funchi/tutu, fried plantains, and johnny cakes. Arrive early (around 7:30-11:00 AM) for the best experience.

Snèks and local bakeries for pastechi: For a quick, local snack like pastechi (filled doughnuts), johnny cakes, or arepas, visit small neighborhood snèks or minimarkets. They often open early (from around 6:00 AM) and are ideal for breakfast on the go.

Truk'i Pan – nighttime street food scene: In the evenings, mobile food trucks serve hot sandwiches, grilled chicken, fish, and beef, ribs, and sauces, mainly active after 9:00 PM until late (Fridays and Saturdays). The atmosphere is informal, often away from the tourist hotspots.

Brisa Do Mar (Caracasbaaiweg): A waterfront eatery just outside Willemstad, with a view of fishing boats and the fort. Here you can enjoy the fish of the day, stoba, kèshi yena, fried plantains, etc. Lunch or an early dinner is recommended. A car is recommended.

Eating fish at fishing harbors/beaches: For fresh "catch of the day," visit small stalls at harbors/beaches such as Boca Sami, Playa Grandi, Playa Lagun, or the Caracasbaai fishing harbor. Choose a fish and sides; they're often affordable and truly local.

Sunday = barbecue by the bay: On Sundays, many locals head to beaches like Boca Sami, Daaibooi, and Playa Jeremi, where mobile barbecues serve chicken, ribs, and corn. It's a fairly informal setting—ideal for experiencing Sunday dining.

A rental car is highly recommended: many of these places are located outside the tourist areas and are difficult to reach by public transport.

It's wise to bring cash – ATMs aren't always available.

Timing is important: get up early for markets and snack stops, before noon for lunch spots, and late at night for food trucks.

The goal is to eat like the locals—not touristy fine dining, but authentic, home-cooked, street-style cuisine.

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