Yong Sheng Restaurant 73
A no-frills Chinese-Surinamese kitchen serving stir-fried comfort along Martin Luther Kingweg.
Why Go
Chinese restaurants are the backbone of everyday eating in Paramaribo, and neighborhood spots like Yong Sheng are where locals go when they want a big plate of tjauw min or moksi meti without any fuss. Tucked at number 73 on the busy Martin Luther Kingweg, this is the kind of place that quietly feeds the neighborhood day after day ΓÇö bright fluorescent lights, plastic-covered menus, and a wok that never really stops.
The Experience
Walking in, you'll find the typical Sino-Surinamese setup: a counter for takeaway (which is how most locals order), a handful of tables in the back, and the constant clatter of the kitchen. Order at the counter, grab a Parbo beer or a soft drink from the cooler, and settle in ΓÇö or take your foam container back to your guesthouse. English is limited, but pointing at the wall menu works fine, and the staff are used to helping newcomers navigate the Sranan Tongo and Dutch dish names. Portions are generous, prices are low, and turnover is fast, so the food comes out hot from the wok.
What to Try
Go straight for the classics that make Surinamese-Chinese food unique. **Tjauw min** (stir-fried egg noodles with vegetables and your choice of chicken, pork, or shrimp) is the default order for a reason. **Moksi meti** ΓÇö literally 'mixed meat' ΓÇö is roast pork, roast chicken, and char siu over rice, and it's the ultimate comfort plate. For something lighter, try **nasi** (fried rice, Suriname-style with sweet soy) or **bami**, and don't skip a side of **pom** or a bowl of **saoto soup** if it's on the menu. Ask for extra madame jeanette pepper sauce on the side ΓÇö it's fiery but essential.
Insider Tip
Order takeaway (afhalen) even if you plan to eat there ΓÇö it's faster, cheaper, and matches how everyone else does it. Bring small SRD notes; card machines at neighborhood spots like this are unreliable at best. And if you see a dish on someone else's table that looks great, just point ΓÇö the staff will know what it is.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Martin Luther Kingweg 73 in Paramaribo, an easy taxi or bike ride from the city center. Most Chinese restaurants in Paramaribo open around late morning and run through dinner, closing on the earlier side (often by 9ΓÇô10 pm); it's worth calling ahead or checking the door for hours since they vary by day. Cash (SRD) is king. Very casual ΓÇö walk in as you are.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A nearby hotel option if you want to stay close to this stretch of Paramaribo and grab dinner without a long trip back.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Fuel up on tjauw min before or after a muddy day out on the trails ΓÇö this is exactly the kind of hearty, cheap meal you want bookending an adventure.
- 4x4xJankie Guide — If you're renting wheels to explore beyond Paramaribo, a stop at Yong Sheng is a practical, budget-friendly pit stop on the way in or out of town.