Plasa Bieu | Plasa Bieuw

Hungry locals cram this Willemstad lunch spot every weekday, but the lines are well worth the wait. The massive outdoor food court hosts six different kitchens serving up local fare on an open flame. You can’t go wrong no matter which stand you pick—this is the place to sample authentic Curaçao cuisine at an affordable price. Try a bowl of kadushi (candle cactus) soup, or a plate of red snapper or goat stew with funchi (polenta), and an arepa di pampuna (pumpkin pancake) for dessert. Walk it off by checking out the nearby Floating Market or Punda Museum after lunch.

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It doesn’t get more authentic than Willemstad’s Old Market, a local lunchtime favorite with large communal tables. Before ordering, take a walk around the stalls’ open kitchens and peer into pots on the stove top. What you might see are goat stews, fried bananas with fish, okra and hot-off-the-grill pumpkin pancakes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Willemstad’s Punda district, head to Plasa Bieu, which earns rave reviews for its generous portions, home-style cooking, and friendly service. What’s for lunch? The six vendors at this no-frills, open-air food hall each have different specialties, but you can bet that traditional dishes such as whole red snapper (fresh from the floating market) or chicken or goat stew will be on offer—accompanied by sides such as polenta, fried plantains, salad, or rice and beans.