If you ask a local about their favorite snack in Aruba, most will say pastechi. We grew up eating it, and for many of us it is part of everyday life. A pastechi is a fried pastry with a light, flaky crust and fillings such as cheese, ham, or seasoned meat. Cheese pastechis are especially popular, and most are made with Gouda, a Dutch cheese introduced during Aruba’s colonial history that is still widely used today. Its mild flavor and smooth melt make it a perfect fit for this island snack.
You can find pastechi almost anywhere in Aruba, from small bakeries and roadside snack shacks to gas stations, and everyone has their own favorite spot. If you are searching for the best pastechi in Aruba or want to try one for the first time, here are four local favorites you should visit.
Moko Snacks Corner – A Local Favorite for Pastechi in Aruba
Ask almost any local where they get their favorite pastechi in Aruba and Moko Snacks Corner will likely be the answer. The hut is built onto the side of a house on one of Aruba’s busier streets. It is easy to miss at first, but the line of people and the cars parked along the roadside make it clear you have found it. Customers talk to each other while waiting, and passing drivers often give a quick wave or honk. The smell of fresh pastechi carries into the street, mixing with the steady sound of traffic.
Outside space is tight. A small counter runs along the front, with the fryer working non-stop behind it. The menu is short, with a few staples and occasional specials, but many people come for the beef pastechis, filled with seasoned meat in a crisp shell. Spam and banana in a bun is another popular choice, with pan-fried spam and sweet fried banana served together. Carni stoba in a soft white bun is also one of their specialties, a slow-cooked beef stew with tender meat that locals often order.
Fantasy Recommends: Go early in the morning for the best selection. Popular fillings tend to sell out fast, and the later you arrive, the fewer options there will be.
Welcome Back – Pastechis and Local Comfort in Oranjestad, Aruba
If you are heading into downtown Oranjestad for some shopping, consider starting your morning at Welcome Back. Most visitors do not even realize it is there. It sits in a converted shipping container near a quiet roundabout just outside the city center, in front of a soccer field that is familiar to just about everyone who grew up nearby. The area feels more residential than touristy, and it is easy to pass without a second glance.
The space is simple and unfussy. You might hear Papiamento from the next table or music from a car easing through the neighborhood. It is a place that feels lived in. People in uniform stop here to grab something quick on their lunch break before heading back to work.
Fantasy Recommends: Arrive before 9 a.m. for a calmer vibe and better odds of getting pastechi while they are still warm.
From there, downtown Oranjestad is only a few minutes away. Welcome Back is best known for its snack bites, but the menu goes well beyond that. You can cool off in the air conditioning while ordering and, if you are in the mood for something heartier, try one of their local dishes. Their soups are a favorite, especially Mondongo, which is made with beef tripe. For something less adventurous, they also serve Rabo di Baca, also known as oxtail. Generous platters include steak, pork chop, and satay for a more filling meal.
Prikibos Snack Shack & Take Away
After a morning in the calm waters of Baby Beach in Aruba, you might be ready for something quick and filling before heading back. About ten minutes away from San Nicolas, right behind the Balashi Beer factory, you can turn off the main road onto a smaller, quieter street to find Prikibos Snack Shack. The counter is inside where you place your order, and a few tables are set up outside under the shade so you can sit and enjoy their well-known cheese pastechis.
It is the kind of place you could drive past without noticing, but locals know it well. Some stop in on their way home from the beach, while others drop by between errands before heading back.
Fantasy Recommends: Pair your stop here with a short drive through San Nicolas after visiting Baby Beach. It is a good way to explore more of the island’s southern side before heading back toward Oranjestad.
Kabayan Snack & Take Away
Behind a baseball park, Kabayan Snack & Take Away serves customers from a small roadside kiosk set on sandy ground with a few low bushes around it. There is no paved parking, so cars pull onto the shoulder for quick visits. The street is generally quiet, which makes it stand out once you know where to look.
The menu covers a range of flavors, but the pastechis are the main draw. There are several vegetarian-friendly choices, including cheese, vegetable, and the pastechi pizza. The pastechi pizza is exactly what it sounds like: everything you expect from a pizza, but wrapped in a crisp, golden pastechi shell. It is made without meat, filled with plenty of cheese and sauce, and noticeably larger than the average pastechi, making it filling enough to replace a full meal. The cheese and vegetable versions are equally popular, with warm, generous fillings that reach the edges.
Everything is made fresh, so there is often a short wait, but the pace is steady and the service is efficient. They accept both cash and card, making it easy for anyone passing through, whether you are a local running errands or a visitor exploring the area.
Fantasy Recommends: Go before 3 p.m. to make sure you catch them open. Early afternoon is ideal if you want the full selection of pastechi fillings before they close.
Whether you try one or all of these spots, each offers its own take on the pastechi and shows a different side of Aruba’s food culture. From a quick stop on a quiet roadside to a busy corner in town, these are the places where locals actually go for their favorite snacks. If you are looking for the best pastechi in Aruba, start with these four and you will get a real taste of the island.
Ready to explore more of Aruba beyond the food? Join us at Aruba Fantasy Tours for guided experiences that take you to hidden gems, local favorites, and unforgettable island views. We know the spots you will not find in a travel brochure, and we are ready to share them with you.