Andy's Kippen Centrum: A Roadside Chicken Stop in Tamanredjo
Fresh-off-the-grill chicken in the heart of Commewijne's Javanese-Surinamese country.
Why Go
Out in Tamanredjo ΓÇö the sleepy village east of Paramaribo where Javanese-Surinamese culture still shapes everyday life ΓÇö a 'kippen centrum' isn't a restaurant so much as a neighborhood institution. Andy's is exactly that: a straightforward chicken shop where locals swing by for hot, freshly prepared kip to take home, eat on the go, or wolf down at a plastic table out front. If you're road-tripping through Commewijne and want a genuinely local bite instead of another hotel buffet, this is the kind of spot that tells you what people actually eat around here.
The Experience
Don't come expecting tablecloths or a printed menu. A 'kippen centrum' in Suriname is part butcher, part takeaway, part casual eatery ΓÇö you walk up to the counter, see what's cooking, order in a mix of Dutch and Sranan Tongo (a smile and pointing works fine), and either grab a seat nearby or take it with you. The vibe is functional and friendly, the pace is unhurried, and the crowd is overwhelmingly locals from Tamanredjo and the surrounding Commewijne villages picking up dinner. Expect the smell of grilled chicken drifting out to the road, and the soft rhythm of Javanese-Surinamese village life happening all around you.
What to Try
The whole point is the kip, so start there ΓÇö roasted, grilled or fried chicken, usually sold by the piece or as a full portion with rice, bakabana (fried plantain) or a simple salad on the side. Ask what came out of the kitchen most recently for the freshest plate. If they're doing anything with Javanese flavors ΓÇö think saoto-style broth, sambal on the side, or pickled cucumber (atjar) ΓÇö say yes; that's where Commewijne's culinary identity really shows up.
Insider Tip
Time your visit around a Commewijne day trip: pair a plantation tour or a river outing on the Suriname/Commewijne rivers in the morning with a chicken-and-rice lunch stop at Andy's on the way back to Paramaribo. Bring small Surinamese dollar notes ΓÇö smaller roadside spots like this rarely take cards, and change for a large bill can slow things down.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Tamanredjo Serie D 63, Tamanredjo, in the Commewijne District about 30ΓÇô40 minutes east of Paramaribo (over the Wijdenbosch Bridge). You'll almost certainly need a car or taxi ΓÇö public transport is limited and irregular out here. Cash (SRD) is safest; assume no card terminal. Hours aren't publicly listed, so aim for standard lunch or early-dinner windows and call ahead if you're making a special trip. Little to no English is guaranteed, but food-ordering Dutch or gestures work fine. Very casual dress; no reservations.
Pair It With
- Taman Indah Resort Guide — A nearby Tamanredjo stay that makes Andy's an easy walk-or-short-drive dinner option after a day exploring Commewijne.
- 101 Suites Guide — Handy local accommodation if you want to base yourself in Commewijne rather than commute from Paramaribo ΓÇö pair an overnight with a casual chicken dinner at Andy's.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Book a morning ATV ride through the Commewijne backroads, then reward yourself with a hot chicken plate at Andy's on the way back.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — A splashy river-based activity in the area; Andy's is a fitting no-fuss lunch stop once you've dried off.