It’s no secret that Aruba is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, but there are some dishes you should avoid while visiting.
From seafood delicacies to local snacks, Aruba has an array of unique and delicious dishes. But it’s important to be aware of what not to eat while in Aruba to ensure your health and safety.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Aruba’s cuisine
- Discuss the foods to avoid while in Aruba
- Provide tips for eating safely while in Aruba
- Share what to do if you get ill from food in Aruba.
So, if you’re looking for advice on what not to eat in Aruba and how to stay safe while sampling the local cuisine, keep reading to learn more.
Aruba’s Cuisine
Aruba’s cuisine is a unique blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and South American influences, creating a fusion of flavors that delight palates from around the world. From succulent seafood dishes to classic Dutch stews, Aruba’s culinary culture is something that must be experienced.
Not to be missed are classic Aruban dishes such as:
- Funchi (cornmeal pudding)
- Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese wheel dish)
- Pan Bati (Aruban cornbread)
- and Pisca Caliente (spicy seafood stew).
These traditional meals draw many tourists back year after year to sample the delicious fare prepared by local chefs.
For the more adventurous foodies, there are plenty of mouth-watering desserts worth trying, such as:
- Kanariese Appel (ginger cake with red apples)
- and Bolo Pretu (black cake).
Each different treat leaves its own unique mark on your taste buds!
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The Foods to Avoid While in Aruba
When traveling to Aruba, it’s important to be mindful of certain foods that are best to avoid; making smart dietary choices can help ensure visitors have an enjoyable time and don’t suffer any digestive disturbances.
Processed snacks such as prepackaged chips and cookies should be avoided due to the high sugar and salt content. Raw or undercooked seafood can contain bacteria which may lead to food poisoning, so those dishes should also be eschewed in favor of properly cooked equivalents.
Refined grains (such as white rice) are common in Caribbean cuisine but offer little sustenance, whereas more whole-grain options will better support energy needs during a lengthy stay on the island.
Finally, any crispy or fried fish dishes that generally sport tartar sauce as an accompaniment could get messy – so it could be wise for travelers to err on the side of caution here!
The most important food to avoid
- Foods that are poisonous or dangerous
- Unsafe or contaminated food sources
- Foods that may cause stomach upset or illness
- Exotic fruits and vegetables that should be avoided
- Common tourist traps serving bad or overpriced food
Tips for Eating Safely While in Aruba
Eating safely in Aruba can be a tricky affair for the unwary traveler.
With so many delicious and temptingly unfamiliar local culinary delights to choose from, it can be easy to unwittingly set oneself up for an unpleasant experience.
To help navigate these instances, here are some guidelines travelers should bear in mind when eating while visiting Aruba.
Research the cuisine:
Taking some time to research Aruban cuisine prior to visiting will inform travelers which dishes contain ingredients they may be intolerant/allergic to, or otherwise be unaware of.
Opt for restaurants with higher hygiene standards:
Although establishments with more relaxed hygiene standards can serve delicious food, they pose a certain risk of acquiring foodborne illnesses such as E.coli and Salmonella poisoning due to their often inadequately maintained kitchen environments.
Ensure any fresh produce is washed correctly:
Fruits and vegetables should always be washed thoroughly with clean running water as opposed to simply rinsed under tap water; this will help minimize contact with potential extraneous contaminants such as pesticides or fecal matter that tap water may carry from other sources.
Ask servers about menu items:
Servers are usually knowledgeable about menu items available at the restaurant. They can explain what goes into each dish accurately, allowing travelers to make informed decisions based on dietary needs or food intolerances.
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What to Do If You Get Ill from Food in Aruba
For those unfortunate enough to experience food-related illness in Aruba, it is important to remember that recourse options are available.
The first course of action should be to seek medical attention and make sure that the symptoms are being adequately addressed; this might involve a trip to the hospital for additional tests or evaluation.
However, once medical care is received and the illness has been properly managed, victims can take further steps to receive reparations within Aruba’s legal framework.
For instance, if restaurant staff were negligent in their handling or preparation of food prior to it being served, then they could potentially be held liable for the food-induced sickness experienced by the victim. This is why it is prudent for all people who get ill from indulging in a meal at an establishment in Aruba to take photos or gather evidence regarding any potential issues with contaminated ingredients or improper handling techniques, as this may help when claiming a case against any guilty employees.
Furthermore, customers who face such predicaments should ensure they keep all necessary documentation related to their situation and contact details of anyone who witnessed these events happening firsthand (such as family members eating with them, etc.)
Additionally, seeking support from local advocacy groups whose sole purpose is helping out individuals in similar situations can also provide helpful advice on how best one can approach their given predicament within the context of their local legal infrastructure.
Final Conclusion
Eating safely while in Aruba is important for enjoying the local cuisine and staying healthy.
By knowing which foods to avoid, what to do if food makes you ill and other tips for eating safely, you can ensure an enjoyable stay without any unpleasant surprises when it comes to your meals.
Make sure that before visiting Aruba, you familiarize yourself with these guidelines so that your time there is as safe and delicious as possible!