Lucky Twins Restaurant
Generous plates of Suriname-style Chinese cooking on a quiet Paramaribo lane
Why Go
Tucked onto Riekelaan away from the tourist strip, Lucky Twins is where locals in the know go when they want a proper Chinese meal ΓÇö big portions, fresh-from-the-tank seafood, and the kind of hospitable service that turns a first visit into a habit.
The Experience
Step inside and the room feels calmer and more spacious than you'd expect from the modest exterior ΓÇö well-spaced tables give you privacy for conversation, and the oversized aquarium along one wall doubles as decor and a not-so-subtle hint that the seafood is genuinely fresh. The vibe sits somewhere between neighborhood family spot and low-key celebration venue: you'll see multigenerational Surinamese families sharing lazy-Susan feasts, couples on quiet dates, and solo diners tucking into a plate of nasi. Service is warm and unhurried; staff will happily steer you toward what's best that night, and portions arrive built for sharing rather than styling. It's the classic Sranan-Chinees dining experience ΓÇö Cantonese roots, Surinamese seasoning, and zero pretense ΓÇö done at a level that keeps regulars coming back for years.
What to Try
Nasi tjauwmin is the crowd favorite and a great gateway if you're new to Suriname's Chinese-Creole fusion ΓÇö fragrant fried rice piled with stir-fried noodles, meat, and vegetables in one gloriously excessive plate. The sweet-and-sour fish (pick your own from the tank if you're feeling committed) balances tang and savor beautifully, and the spicy pork ribs (krabbetjes) come out fall-apart tender with real heat behind the bold spice rub. Round the table out with wonton soup to start, crispy spring rolls, and a plate of tjapsoi or Hong Kong tjaumin for the noodle lovers. Save room ΓÇö nothing here arrives in a small size.
Insider Tip
Order the fish or shrimp straight from the aquarium and ask the kitchen to prep it 'op de Chinese manier' ΓÇö steamed with ginger and scallion ΓÇö for the freshest expression of what Lucky Twins does best. Portions run large enough that two mains plus a soup easily feed three, so under-order on your first visit and add more if needed rather than the other way around. Cash in SRD gets you the smoothest checkout; call ahead on Friday and Saturday nights when the dining room fills up fast with locals.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Riekelaan, Paramaribo (RRH3+68V), a short taxi ride from the city center. Hours: TuesdayΓÇôThursday and Sunday 10:30 AMΓÇô10:00 PM, Friday 10:30 AMΓÇô10:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AMΓÇô11:30 PM; closed Mondays. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery all available. Full bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Family-friendly, easy parking, casual dress. Budget SRD 150ΓÇô300 per person for a generous shared meal with drinks.
Pair It With
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Work up a serious appetite on a jungle ATV run, then reward yourself with a heaping plate of nasi tjauwmin and cold Parbo on the way back into town.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — After an afternoon of watertubing near Paramaribo, Lucky Twins' hearty portions and quick service are exactly the recovery meal your crew needs.
- 101 Suites Guide — Staying nearby? Lucky Twins is a short hop for a low-effort dinner that beats hotel dining and gives you a genuine taste of Suriname's Chinese-Creole food culture.