Muntjes Eethuis ΓÇô Junior's Place
Nearly four decades of Paramaribo's most beloved takeout counter.
Why Go
When Surinamese friends argue about who does the best home-style bami in the capital, Muntjes always ends up in the conversation. Cyril "Junior" Muntslag's little eethuis on Verlengde Hogestraat has been feeding hungry Paramaribo since the mid-'80s, and the queue at lunchtime tells you everything you need to know.
The Experience
This isn't a sit-down destination ΓÇö it's a proper Surinamese take-out joint, the kind locals swing by on the way home from work or after a long day at the market. You order at the counter, watch enormous pans of nasi and bami being tossed on high heat, and walk out five minutes later with a warm styrofoam bak that will absolutely ruin every other portion you eat that week. The room is unfussy and functional; the food does the talking. Expect Javanese, Creole and Hindustani flavors sharing the same menu, plus the easy multilingual buzz (Dutch, Sranan Tongo, English) that makes eating in Paramaribo so distinctive.
What to Try
Go for the Surinamese classics done the way generations of regulars expect them: bami with roasted chicken (kip), nasi goreng with a fried egg on top, or a proper roti kip with kouseband and aardappel if it's on that day. Add a sambal on the side ΓÇö it's not decorative here ΓÇö and grab a cold Fernandes or Parbo to wash it down. If you're new to Surinamese food, ask what the day's special (dagschotel) is; that's where the kitchen shows off.
Insider Tip
Time your visit. Come 11:30ΓÇô12:00 for the freshest pans straight out of the wok, or roll in after 19:00 on a Friday when the weekend energy kicks in and the kitchen stays open until 23:00. Skip the 13:00 lunch rush unless you enjoy waiting ΓÇö office workers descend en masse. And bring cash; small local eethuizen in Paramaribo are still cash-first even in 2026.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Verlengde Hogestraat 32 in central Paramaribo, walking distance from the historic inner city. Open MonΓÇôThu 10:00ΓÇô21:00, FriΓÇôSat 10:00ΓÇô23:00, Sun 10:00ΓÇô16:00. Take-out focused ΓÇö very limited seating, so plan to eat back at your hotel, on a bench along the Waterkant, or in a nearby park. Portions are generous and prices are low by any international standard (typical mains run SRD equivalent of a few US dollars). Phone ahead on +597 411-347 for larger orders.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient central Paramaribo stay ΓÇö grab a Muntjes takeout and eat it back on your balcony after a day of wandering.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Fuel up on a hearty bami or nasi bak before (or after) a muddy day tearing through the jungle trails outside the capital.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Perfect post-adventure refuel: cheap, filling and ready in minutes when you come back to town starving.