Bistro de Suikertuin A Sweet Secret Oasis The cheery lemon yellow and brick red restaurant tucked away on Wilhelminastraat in Oranjestad is well worth seeking out for its lovely secret garden and fabulous food. Located in a historic and beautifully restored cunucu house that was once an Aruban home, you’re sure to feel right at home there too.
“De Suikertuin” translated from Dutch means “sugar garden,” and this little urban oasis was so named for all the tiny yellow-breasted birds that love to visit their outdoor patio seeking anything sweet. Though their official designation is bananaquit, on Aruba they are called buiki geel (yellow belly) in the native language of Papiamento. The original De Suikertuin, which opened in 2009, became a very popular venue for locals to enjoy authentic Dutch breakfasts and lunches for years. But when Kim d’Hont took over the property in 2017, she decided to give it a brandnew vibe as more of a European bistro! Now they serve lunch and dinners with a very creative new menu, but no worries, you can still enjoy Dutch breakfast-style little silver dollar pancakes called poffertjes at lunch, and every Saturday they now offer a wonderful à la carte brunch menu with “Never Ending” mimosas! They have also added a cozy new bar with daily happy hour specials where one can have superb signature cocktails and a great selection of craft beers and tapas.
Though the establishment has been upgraded, the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the original haunt has not been lost. The big communal-style tables to gather in the courtyard as a group and the little tables for two tucked away inside or out are still there. And the new menus? Affordable and eclectic international fare including Indonesian specialties like nasi goreng and authentic Dutch and Aruban-style dishes are all on tap. Plus, they have added a new treat: Royal High Tea service with delicious little pastries and a creative new concept of Royal High Wine where one can pair the savory tapas tower with a carafe of fine vintages. Another new concept at Bistro de Suikertuin is their Guest Chef Nights where a local guest chef treats you to a night around a culinary or nationality theme featuring a specially created four-course menu. And they often offer special food and wine or food and craft beer pairing evenings as well. Please visit their Facebook page for all the details on when these nights will take place: www.facebook.com/suikertuin.
They also do takeout if you call ahead. And for more info about events like weddings, baby showers, birthdays, bachelorettes, or any other private event, go to www.desuikertuin.com or email info@desuikertuin.com. K 70
Photos courtesy of Bistro de Suikertuin