Surinamese cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors and culinary traditions, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the country. With roots in indigenous, African, Indian, Indonesian, and European cooking, Suriname’s food is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients like cassava, plantains, and a variety of spices. The cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, often enjoyed communally, making it a true representation of Surinamese culture.Here is a list of the top 50 popular foods in Suriname, highlighting their unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Top 50 Surinamese Foods

1. Pom
   • Considered the national dish of Suriname, Pom is a baked casserole made from grated pomtajer (a root vegetable), chicken, and a citrus-infused sauce. This festive dish is often served during special occasions.
2. Roti
   • A type of Indian flatbread that has become synonymous with Surinamese cuisine. It is typically served with curried chicken or vegetables and is used to scoop up flavorful dishes.
3. Moksi Alesi
   • Translating to “mixed rice,” this one-pot dish combines rice with various ingredients such as beans, meats, or seafood, often cooked with coconut milk for added richness.
4. Pepper Pot
   • A traditional Amerindian stew made from cassava root and meat (often game), slow-cooked with hot peppers for a smoky flavor. It’s a communal dish often enjoyed during celebrations.
5. Her’ Heri
   • An Afro-Surinamese dish featuring salted fish (commonly cod), boiled cassava, sweet potatoes, and plantains, served with a spicy peanut sauce; it’s a hearty breakfast option.
6. Bami
   • A stir-fried noodle dish influenced by Indonesian cuisine, made with egg noodles, vegetables, and meat or shrimp; it’s a popular breakfast choice.
7. Saoto Soup
   • A spicy chicken soup with noodles and vegetables, often garnished with crispy fried onions; this comforting dish has Javanese roots.
8. Loempia
   • Inspired by Indonesian spring rolls, these are filled with spiced ground meat or chicken and served as a popular snack or appetizer.
9. Bakabana
   • Fried plantain slices typically served with peanut sauce; this sweet and savory snack is enjoyed by many.
10. Pastei
    • A savory meat pie filled with chicken or beef and vegetables; often served at celebrations and special occasions.
11. Nasi
    • A fried rice dish originating from Indonesia that includes shrimp, chicken, or pork flavored with soy sauce and spices; often accompanied by fried plantains.
12. Pinda Soep
    • A rich peanut soup made with ground peanuts and spices; it’s a comforting dish that showcases the use of local ingredients.
13. Tjauwmin
    • Chinese-style fried noodles topped with marinated meats; this dish reflects the influence of Chinese immigrants in Suriname.
14. Sateh
    • Skewered and grilled meat served with a spicy peanut sauce; this dish is popular at street food stalls.
15. Gado-Gado
    • A mixed vegetable salad drizzled with peanut sauce; it’s fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
16. Kip Kerrie
    • Curried chicken cooked in a rich sauce; typically served with rice or roti for a hearty meal.
17. Mofongo
    • A mashed plantain dish often mixed with garlic and chicharrón (fried pork skin); it’s comforting and flavorful.
18. Coconut Rice
    • Rice cooked in coconut milk for added flavor; commonly served as a side dish to complement savory meals.
19. Pommes Frites
    • French fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside; often enjoyed as a side dish or snack.
20. Kruidnoten
    • Spiced cookies that are popular during festive seasons; they add sweetness to any meal or snack table.
21. Frikandel
    • A Dutch-style sausage that is deep-fried and often served with sauces; popular among locals as fast food.
22. Dawet
    • A refreshing drink made from coconut milk mixed with pandan-flavored jelly; perfect for cooling down on hot days.
23. Bakkeljauw
    • Salted fish that has been dried and preserved; commonly used in various dishes for added flavor.
24. Huzarensla
    • A Dutch-inspired potato salad made with potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise; enjoyed at picnics and gatherings.
25. Afingi Soup
    • A traditional Maroon cassava soup that features rich flavors from local herbs and spices; comforting and filling.
26. Kokosbrood
    • Coconut bread that is sweetened and often enjoyed as a snack or dessert; it showcases the use of local coconuts in Surinamese cuisine.
27. Poff Poff
    • Fried dough balls that are light and fluffy; they can be sweet or savory depending on the preparation method.
28. Sambal
    • A spicy chili paste used as a condiment in many dishes to add heat and flavor; it’s essential in Surinamese cooking.
29. Bolo di Banana
    • Banana cake made from ripe bananas mixed into batter for a moist dessert option enjoyed by many families.
30. Kipnasi
    • Chicken fried rice that incorporates leftover chicken along with vegetables for an easy meal option.
31. Pork Belly
    • Slow-cooked pork belly seasoned to perfection; it’s tender and flavorful when prepared properly.
32. Peanut Butter Cake
    • A sweet cake made using peanut butter for added richness; it’s often enjoyed as a dessert or snack alongside coffee.
33. Soursop Juice
    • Refreshing juice made from soursop fruit blended into a smooth drink perfect for hot days.
34. Coconut Curry
    • Creamy curry made using coconut milk along with various meats or vegetables for depth of flavor.
35. Plantain Chips
    • Thinly sliced plantains fried until crispy; they make for an enjoyable snack or side dish alongside meals.
36. Chili Con Carne
    • Spicy stew made using ground beef mixed with beans and chili peppers for heat; enjoyed by many as comfort food.
37. Kibbeh
    • Middle Eastern-inspired bulgur wheat balls filled with spiced meat; they are popular snacks in Suriname.
38. Pasta Salad
    • Cold pasta salad mixed with vegetables dressed in vinaigrette; perfect for picnics.
39. Bolo di Coco
    • Coconut cake made using fresh coconut milk for moistness.
40. Fried Fish
    • Freshly caught fish seasoned well before frying until golden brown.
41. Pasta con Pollo
    • Pasta tossed together with chicken pieces in creamy sauce.
42. Chicha
    • Fermented beverage made from corn traditionally consumed during festivals.
43. Gritbana Soep
    • Grated plantain soup flavored richly using local spices.
44. Tostones
    • Twice-fried green plantains that are crispy outside yet soft inside.
45. Sopa de Pescado
    • Fish soup flavored richly using herbs available locally.
46. Choclo con Queso
    • Grilled corn on the cob topped generously with cheese.
47. Fried Plantains
    • Sweet ripe plantains sliced then fried until caramelized.
48. Peanut Soup
    • Creamy soup made primarily using peanuts blended into smoothness.
49. Rice Pudding
    • Sweet dessert made using rice cooked slowly until creamy consistency achieved.
50. Fruit Salad
    • Mixed seasonal fruits tossed together creating refreshing dessert.

This extensive list captures the essence of Suriname’s culinary landscape while showcasing both traditional dishes and modern adaptations that reflect the country’s rich heritage around food sharing and enjoyment.