Ramdath Slijterij: A Kwattaweg Bottle Stop for Parbo, Rum & Roadside Runs
A neighborhood slijterij on Paramaribo's Kwattaweg strip, stocked for a Suriname-style evening.
Why Go
Kwattaweg is the artery that ties the Kwatta district to central Paramaribo, and Ramdath Slijterij sits right on it at number 491 ΓÇö the kind of small, unfussy bottle shop locals swing by for a crate of Parbo before a river outing, a bottle of Borgoe rum for a family lime, or a quick pack of mixers on the way to a guesthouse. It's not a bar, it's not a restaurant in the sit-down sense; it's a slijterij in the classic Dutch-Caribbean tradition ΓÇö a specialist liquor and drinks store where the fridges hum, the shelves lean toward local staples, and the transaction is quick and friendly.
The Experience
Expect a compact retail space typical of Paramaribo's neighborhood slijterijen: cold cases lining one wall stacked with Parbo Bier (Suriname's iconic green-labeled lager brewed by Surinaamse Brouwerij), soft drinks from Fernandes Bottling ΓÇö the beloved local brand with flavors like Green Punch, Ginseng-Up, and Tropical Kola ΓÇö and rows of Surinamese rums including Borgoe (Extra, 8, Gold) and Black Cat, alongside imported whiskies, vodkas, and the occasional bottle of Dutch jenever. Signage is bilingual Dutch/Sranan Tongo, prices are marked in SRD (Surinamese dollars), and staff are used to quick in-and-out purchases. Cars pull up on the shoulder, someone runs in, and the whole exchange takes three minutes. That's the vibe: functional, local, and genuinely part of daily rhythm in Kwatta.
What to Try
Do the Suriname sampler: a bottle of Borgoe Extra (the workhorse aged rum most Surinamese swear by), a six-pack of Parbo in the classic green bottles, and a couple of Fernandes soft drinks ΓÇö Ginseng-Up or Green Punch ΓÇö to mix or to drink cold on their own. If you're heading to a beach day, self-catered lodge, or a river tour, this is the pre-stock stop. Ask about Black Cat rum if you want something a step up, or look for Surinamese-produced liqueurs and the occasional small-batch cassava or sugarcane spirit.
Insider Tip
A slijterij is not a bar ΓÇö you buy and go. If you want to drink on-site, this isn't the place; head to a warung, snackbar, or one of the outdoor terraces closer to the Waterkant. Also worth knowing: Suriname's drinking culture leans heavily on rum-en-cola and beer-on-ice, and locals often ask for their Parbo 'ijskoud' (ice-cold) straight from the fridge. Bring small SRD notes ΓÇö change for large bills isn't always on hand at neighborhood spots.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Kwattaweg 491, Paramaribo, Suriname, in the Kwatta corridor northwest of the city center. It's roughly a 10ΓÇô15 minute drive from the historic center (Onafhankelijkheidsplein / Fort Zeelandia area) depending on traffic, and easily reached by taxi or rental car. Slijterij hours in Paramaribo typically run late-morning to evening, often closed or shortened on Sundays ΓÇö call ahead if you're planning a Sunday run. Cash (SRD) is king; card acceptance at small slijterijen is inconsistent. Legal drinking age is 18. Sector: food & drinks / retail.
Pair It With
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Grab your Parbo and mixers here before heading out for a river adventure ΓÇö a Surinamese day on the water almost always starts with a slijterij run.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Pick up cold drinks and rum for the after-tour cool-down; ATV crews typically end the day with a lime, and Ramdath is on the way back into town.
- 101 Suites Guide — If you're staying in a self-catered suite nearby, this is the closest bottle shop for stocking the mini-fridge with local beer and soft drinks.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — With your rental you can easily swing through Kwattaweg 491 to stock up before longer road trips into the interior.