C&U Ambiance Palace
Statia's go-to Chinese kitchen for generous plates and quick takeaway
Why Go
On an island where dinner options are famously few, C&U Ambiance Palace is the reliable Chinese-Caribbean spot locals order from on repeat — big portions, honest prices, and a warm plate ready when you are.
The Experience
Tucked along Vincent Astor Lopes Road in the Golden Rock stretch just outside Oranjestad, C&U Ambiance Palace is the kind of place that keeps Statia fed. It's an unfussy, family-run Chinese kitchen with a small dining area and outdoor seating, but most of the action happens over the counter and at the takeaway window. Expect the familiar Caribbean-Chinese playbook: sizzling woks, quick service, and stacked styrofoam containers heading out the door. Locals, dive-shop crews finishing a day at Aquarium reef, and travelers staying in nearby apartments all funnel through here, especially at lunch and after 6pm when most other kitchens on the island have closed or slowed down.
What to Try
Go for the classics that this style of Caribbean-Chinese kitchen does best: chow mein or fried rice loaded with chicken, shrimp or a mix; sweet-and-sour chicken; and the ever-popular fried chicken with fries — a Statia staple that comes with a punchy hot sauce on the side. Portions are generous enough to split, and combo plates are the best value on the menu.
Insider Tip
Call ahead and order for pickup — the kitchen turns tickets around faster than dine-in, and on a small island where restaurants can quietly close early or run out of a dish, a quick phone check (+599 318 0883) saves you a wasted trip. Cash is king on Statia, but C&U does accept cards, which sets it apart from many local spots.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Vincent Astor Lopes Road, Golden Rock area, just outside central Oranjestad (plus code F2Q9+93C). Contact: +599 318 0883 or +599 319 4664; cuambiancepalace@gmail.com. Payment: cash and cards accepted. Seating: small indoor space plus outdoor seating; takeaway is the main draw. Best to confirm hours by phone, as Statia kitchens often close mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner service.
Pair It With
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — If you're staying at this nearby apartment, C&U is your closest hot-meal option — perfect for a takeaway dinner back on your terrace.
- Aquarium Dive Site — After a morning shore dive at Aquarium, refuel with a big plate of fried rice or chow mein just up the road — quick, filling, and close enough to eat before your surface interval ends.
- Alvin V Courtar Park Guide — Grab takeaway from C&U and turn a simple lunch into an open-air picnic at this nearby local park.
