Nelly's Food Son de Cuba
A pocket of Havana tucked into Paramaribo's Johan Adolf Pengelstraat
Why Go
Follow the smell of slow-braised beef and the drift of trumpet solos to a bright, mural-splashed dining room where Suriname's Cuban community and curious travelers pile in for tamales, hand-stretched Cuban pizza, and milkshakes so thick you'll need a spoon.
The Experience
Son de Cuba does exactly what its name promises – the sound of Cuba. Step off the busy Johan Adolf Pengelstraat and you're inside a 650 m² room that's been hand-decorated in a riot of colors, salsa records and posters, with the kitchen sending out plates that taste like they were flown in straight from Havana. It draws a real cross-section of Paramaribo: Cuban expats catching up over cortaditos, families splitting oversized pizzas, and travelers wandering in after realizing the standard Surinamese roti/warung rotation could use a break. Service is warm and unhurried in the best Caribbean sense – grab a table, order a milkshake, and let the music do the pacing.
What to Try
Ropa vieja is the safest bet if you want the classic Cuban benchmark – shredded beef simmered until it soaks up every drop of tomato and pepper. The tamales stuffed with meat are what regulars quietly point to when asked what to order, and the Cuban pizza (thin, blistered, generously topped) has developed a cult following that includes locals who swear it's the best pie in Suriname. Round it out with a proper Cuban sandwich, and finish on one of the milkshakes – they're a house signature and pair oddly but perfectly with the savory menu.
Insider Tip
Come on a weekend evening when the music gets turned up and the room actually feels like a Havana pequeña fiesta – but if you'd rather chat than shout, aim for an early lunch just after they open at noon, when the kitchen is fresh and the parking lot is still empty. Cash in SRD is welcomed and takeaway is quick if you're eating back at your hotel; they're closed on Mondays, so don't build your food itinerary around them that day.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Johan Adolf Pengelstraat 22, Paramaribo. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 12:00–23:00 (closed Mondays). Phone: +597 893-0761. Ample on-site parking. Dine-in, takeaway and home delivery available. Price range is modest – mains sit comfortably in the mid-tier for Paramaribo. Reservations aren't essential but useful for larger groups on weekends. Easy 5–10 minute taxi from the historic center.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient Paramaribo stay that puts you within a short ride of Johan Adolf Pengelstraat, making Nelly's an easy dinner stop after a day of city exploring.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Spend the day churning through jungle trails, then swap dust for salsa and a plate of ropa vieja – the hearty Cuban portions are exactly what a post-adventure appetite wants.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Cool off on the river in the afternoon and roll into Nelly's for milkshakes and Cuban pizza – the informal, come-as-you-are vibe suits sun-tired travelers perfectly.
- 4x4xJankie Guide — Rent wheels for a Suriname road trip and make Nelly's your first or last Paramaribo meal – the huge parking lot means you're not circling the block with a loaded 4x4.