Simona — Review by Davidsbeenhere
Willemstad, Curacao — Surinamese
The reviewer visits Simona, a Surinamese food vendor in the floating market of Willemstad, run by a man who has lived in Curacao for 30 years. The restaurant serves authentic comfort food including brown stewed chicken with kidney beans, liver sambal, and long beans, which the reviewer praises as phenomenal and reminiscent of his Venezuelan childhood. The experience represents true local dining culture where tourists eat alongside island residents.
What was great: Brown stewed chicken, kidney bean stew (brown and bone), liver sambal, authentic Surinamese comfort food, friendly owner with 30 years on the island, real local experience
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Simona specializes in Surinamese comfort food, with the main highlight being the brown and bone plate. This features brown stewed chicken served on the bottom with kidney bean stew (brown and bone) piled on top. The chicken falls off the bone and has a slightly smoky quality from the beans. The kidney beans themselves are cooked into a rich stew with an Indonesian flair and hint of peanuts, creating a deeply comforting dish. Alongside this comes liver sambal, a spicy liver preparation mixed with spices that delivers an intense heat level. The vendor also serves long beans (Surinamese green beans) that complement the main dishes perfectly. Rice is served to glue everything together, and a very spicy chili sauce is available on the side for those who want additional heat.
The Experience
Simona operates from the floating market in Willemstad, serving food in a casual, authentic market setting. The vendor, who has been in Curacao for 30 years, creates a welcoming atmosphere where tourists and locals eat together at communal tables. This is real-world dining at its finest, with conversations flowing naturally between patrons. The reviewer notes this is where you truly experience local life and culture, sitting down with residents and hearing their stories rather than being in a sterile restaurant environment.
Value & Pricing
Pricing is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but the portions appear generous, with the vendor notably overfilling dishes when asked for small servings.
Notable Moments
Every time I take a bite of amazing stewed kidney beans, it reminds me of my childhood. My parents, they're from Venezuela. At my house, we were always eating rice and beans.The reviewer also learns that the owner chose to stay in Curacao because it is a very nice, quiet, secure island with better living conditions than his native Suriname, though less crowded than his homeland.
The Verdict
Simona represents the heart of Curacao's food scene for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The kidney bean stew and brown stewed chicken are standout dishes that deliver genuine comfort food flavors with Indonesian influences. This restaurant is best for anyone wanting to experience real local life and Surinamese cuisine in an unpretentious market setting where you can connect with residents who have built lives on this island.