An Aruban Pastechi Paradise
Being a hardcore foodie, the highlight of all of my travels always revolves around food. Pizzas, burgers, nachos, pastas, pastries, and many other mouth-watering delights are always at the top of my list whenever I travel abroad.
On my luxury trip to the Caribbean I had this particular food item on my mind that I just had to devour. As I was looking at reviews of luxury restaurants in Aruba, particularly Oranjestad, I chanced upon this local delicacy called a Pastechi. It’s a puffy patty that tastes like sweet bread and is mostly stuffed with minced beef, ham, or cheese. The moment I read about it, all I could think about was how it would be to sink my teeth into a Pastechi and experience the sweet and savory contrast of its crisp exterior and stuffed interior.
I had decided to visit a local restaurant in Aruba as I felt the most authentic and genuine Pastechi could be found only here and not in some luxury place. As I checked into my suite, the first question I asked the lobby staff was invariably about the whereabouts of the Pastechi. The staff listed out many restaurants where I would be able to satisfy my appetite but I was looking for something small and genuinely Aruban. Finally, a quaint little local eatery was suggested that seemed perfect.
As soon I checked in, I ventured out to find the restaurant. I found the place and immediately settled in one of the chairs and browsed through the menu. There was Pastechi di keshi (stuffed with cheese), Pastechi di carni (stuffed with beef and raisins), Pastechi di Pisca (stuffed with tuna), and Pastechi di ChopSoy (stuffed with chicken/ham). They were available in small sizes or sandwich sizes. Considering I have a very healthy appetite I considered ordering the one of the small sizes. So I ordered the Pastechi di carni.
The moment it was set down on my table I gobbled it up as soon as possible. Every bite was heavenly. It was all I had expected it to be and more. So, I decided to ensure that every day of my luxury holiday in Aruba, I would make time to enjoy at least one Pastechi.
