The best place to find traditional food is the old MarketPlace called: Plasa Bieu. It is located in Willemstad Near the new MarketPlace adjacent to the area of Waaigat with the Queen Wilhelmina Bridge.
Pals Bieu was formerly a market hall now made into a food corner to attend, to experience local food during lunchtime in Curacao.
Plasa Bieu is an indoor place with 5 different restaurant sections which are open from Monday- Saturday only during lunch time.
They serve a variety of dishes which are all authentic local dishes. The variety includes everything from Fish soup to boiled cornmeal to stewed goat, beef, red snapper, … the choices are endless.
What makes the experience at plasa different from other restaurants is that you can see the chefs preparing each dish on coals as it was done ages ago.
It’s on a first come, first serve basis, so no reservations are needed. Take it to go or sit and eat, it’s an unique Experience. Every food section has it’s own seating area with extended tables and you are free to mingle and join other visitors at their table.
I would recommend eating at plaza, since the experience of eating with local residents is a must and can be very fun.
Some menu items are :
Soup
Fish soup with fresh catch of the day and most contain sea food
Giambo soup made from Okra vegetable and contains fish and meat (slimy look but taste very good)
Kadushi soup which is made from cactus on the Island (also slimy but taste nice).
Stews (Stoba) are made
Mostly of Goat meat, Beef, Chicken or Pork.
Often added with vegetables like Cole, native small cucumber or papaya. it is served with funchi (boiled cornmeal, resembles polenta) or with rice, rice with beans (aroz moro), baked potatoes, slices of fried plantain and salad.
Fishes mostly served are:
Piska Corá: Red Snapper
Dradu: Mahi Mahi
Mula: Mullets
Buni: Bonito
Masbangu: Big Eye Scad
Gutu: Parrot fish
Cabaron: Shrimps
Also served with funchi (boiled cornmeal/polenta) or with rice, rice with beans (aroz moro), baked potatoes and slices of fried plantain and salad. To top it off a traditional vinaigrette saus is poured over the fish.
Instead of Funchi/polenta one might also try Tutu: which contains black eye peas.
Vegetarian are also welcome. Ask for a fish dish or other menu with more vegetables instead of the meat,
Prices varies between 7 to 14 USD
Great local food, nice ambiance and there is a big chance you will make a new friend at Plasa Bieu.
Created by Luty