Vonny Restaurant: Paramaribo's Go-To for Tjauwmin
Chinese-Surinamese comfort food in Zorg en Hoop
Why Go
Tucked onto Fajalobi Straat in the Zorg en Hoop neighborhood, Vonny is the kind of unshowy Chinese-Surinamese kitchen locals name-drop when the tjauwmin craving hits. No frills, no fusion gimmicks ΓÇö just wok-fired noodles and Cantonese classics tuned to a Surinamese palate.
The Experience
Vonny sits in a residential pocket of Paramaribo Noord-Oost, so pulling up feels more like visiting a neighborhood favorite than a tourist stop. Expect a casual, no-nonsense dining room where the smells of soy, garlic and hot oil hit you before the menu does. It's built for hungry locals, families ordering a spread to share, and takeaway regulars who know exactly what they want when they call ahead. Portions lean generous, prices sit in the friendly moderate range, and the kitchen keeps the wok moving through lunch and dinner.
What to Try
The house-famous tjauwmin ΓÇö Suriname's beloved take on Chinese fried noodles, springy and studded with vegetables, chicken or shrimp ΓÇö is the non-negotiable order. Round it out with bami, foe yong hai (a fluffy omelet in savory sauce), or a plate of nasi goreng for the table. Ask about the daily specials; the Chinese-Surinamese repertoire here rewards curious eaters.
Insider Tip
Call ahead on +597 403268 to place a takeaway order ΓÇö Vonny's tjauwmin travels beautifully, and locals often grab a big portion to bring back to their apartment or hotel rather than dine in. If you're going with a group, order family-style and share; the dishes are built for it.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Fajalobi Straat 20, Paramaribo (Zorg en Hoop / Noord-Oost). Phone: +597 403268 or +597 8589328. Price range: moderate ($$). Cash-friendly; confirm card acceptance when you call. A taxi or rental car is the easiest way in ΓÇö it's off the central Waterkant tourist strip, in a residential pocket. Hours aren't publicly posted, so ring ahead to confirm before you go.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient Paramaribo stay to base yourself from ΓÇö order Vonny takeaway back to your suite for an easy in-room dinner.
- 000 Guide — Another nearby hotel option that pairs well with a low-key neighborhood dinner at Vonny after a day of sightseeing.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Work up a serious appetite on an off-road adventure, then reward yourself with a heaping plate of tjauwmin.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — Grab a rental to reach Vonny's residential location easily and to explore Paramaribo beyond the tourist center.