16 June 2026 · By Saskia

The Saoenah Market on Sunday

Why this market belongs on your Paramaribo list

Ask anyone in Paramaribo what to do on a Sunday morning and there's a good chance you'll get the same answer: go to the Saoenah Market. For years now this has been a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors alike, anyone wanting to get to know the flavours, the smells and the culture of Suriname. Whether you're here for the food, for something genuinely local, or just for a relaxed morning, the Saoenah Market has something for you.

A piece of Javanese Suriname

What makes the Saoenah Market special is the strong Javanese influence. The Javanese community has been part of Surinamese society for generations and has shaped the country's food and culture enormously.

You see that immediately at the market. All around you are stalls where traditional dishes are prepared fresh, from recipes passed down from one generation to the next.

A paradise for anyone who likes to eat

For a lot of visitors the food is the whole reason to come. The moment you walk in, you're met by the smell of grilling satay, fresh herbs and warm Javanese dishes.

A few favourites worth trying:

• Saoto soup
• Satay
• Nasi and bami
• Dawet, a traditional Javanese drink
• Fresh spring rolls
• Javanese snacks and sweets

Come early, though. The popular dishes often sell out well before noon.

More than just food

The market is best known for its food, but there's plenty else to find. You'll also come across:

• Local produce
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Handmade souvenirs
• Herbs and spices
• Traditional treats to take home

The easy atmosphere makes it a good place to wander, try something you've never tasted before and get talking to the people who live here.

A friendly place for all ages

What stays with visitors most is usually the feel of it. The Saoenah Market doesn't come across as a tourist attraction. It feels like a place where people come together to enjoy their Sunday.

Families have breakfast together, friends drink a glass of dawet, and visitors get to see a side of Suriname that isn't put on for anyone. The market is lively without ever feeling hectic.

Tips for your visit

Want to get the most out of it? A few things worth knowing:

• Come early, ideally between 08:00 and 09:00.
• Bring cash.
• Try several small dishes rather than one big meal.
• Bring a camera. The market is colourful and photographs well.
• Take your time to walk around and talk to the stallholders.

A real Surinamese morning

The Saoenah Market is one of those places where you get the real Suriname. Culture, food and hospitality all in one relaxed, friendly setting. If you're in Paramaribo on a Sunday, put it on your list. It's the perfect way to start the day: good food, warm people and a solid dose of Surinamese culture.

Want to taste more than just the Saoenah Market? Grietjebie runs a Sunday market tour taking in five of the best markets in Paramaribo, all in one morning. → See the Markets tour