Wanica Slijterij: A Roadside Rum Stop on the Indira Gandhiweg
A no-frills Surinamese bottle shop where Borgoe, Parbo, and local color flow freely along the Wanica highway.
Why Go
Somewhere between Paramaribo and the interior, the Indira Gandhiweg unspools past cane fields, roti stalls, and roadside slijterijen where drivers slow down for a cold Parbo. Wanica Slijterij is one of those pit stops ΓÇö small, unpretentious, and quintessentially Surinamese.
The Experience
A slijterij in Suriname isn't a wine bar or a curated bottle shop ΓÇö it's a countertop, a fridge full of bottles frosted with condensation, and usually a couple of regulars leaning on the counter debating football or politics in Sranan Tongo. Wanica Slijterij sits on the Indira Gandhiweg in Welgedacht C, the long arterial road linking the capital to Lelydorp and the districts beyond. You walk (or drive) up, order through the grille, and either take away a bottle for the road or crack it open nearby and join the ambient hum of Wanica life. Expect ceiling fans, a hand-lettered price list, and the murmur of Bollywood or kaseko drifting from a radio ΓÇö the sort of place that captures more of Suriname's real texture than any polished bar in the capital ever will.
What to Try
Order a bottle of **Borgoe 8 or Borgoe Extra** ΓÇö Suriname's flagship rum from Paramaribo's Suriname Alcoholic Beverages distillery, and the true national spirit. A cold **Parbo Djogo** (the iconic 1-liter bottle of Parbo Beer, meant to be shared) is the local ritual ΓÇö ask for it *ijskoud* (ice-cold) and pour into small glasses for the table. If you're feeling adventurous, try **Black Cat**, a punchy Surinamese rum liqueur, or **Palm** ΓÇö a sharper local white rum favored by old-school regulars. Mixers, soft drinks, and cigarettes are usually stocked behind the counter too.
Insider Tip
Slijterijen in rural Wanica generally close earlier than city bars ΓÇö aim to arrive before dusk if you want the full roadside scene, and bring small SRD bills (change for a 200 note can be scarce). If you're doing a day trip toward Lelydorp, Groningen, or the interior, this is the last easy stop for a cold Parbo before the road quietens. And a cultural note: it's polite to greet the counter person with a *fa waka* before ordering ΓÇö you'll get warmer service and, occasionally, a recommendation from a regular.
The Practical Stuff
Located on the Indira Gandhiweg (opposite house 499, near the Welgedacht C zijweg) in the Wanica district, roughly a 20ΓÇô30 minute drive south of central Paramaribo depending on traffic. Cash (SRD) is king ΓÇö card payments are rare at neighborhood slijterijen. There's no seated restaurant service despite the 'restaurant' label; think bottle shop with a standing/lingering culture. Easiest access is by rental car or taxi; ask your driver for 'de slijterij bij Welgedacht C' and they'll know.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient nearby stay if you want to base yourself in Wanica rather than commute back to Paramaribo after a leisurely bottle.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — You'll want your own wheels to explore the Indira Gandhiweg corridor at your own pace ΓÇö pick up a car here, then plot a slow drive with slijterij stops along the way.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Spend the day tearing through Wanica's back trails with Aanansi, then reward yourself with a cold Parbo Djogo at the slijterij on the ride home.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — After a hot afternoon on the water, a chilled Borgoe & cola from Wanica Slijterij is the classic Surinamese wind-down.