Kamini's Kitchen Aruba 2026: Trinidadian-Caribbean Comfort Food in San Nicolas

Kamini’s Kitchen is the bright green-and-blue-roofed Trinidadian-Caribbean comfort-food spot in San Nicolas — chef-owner Kamini Kurvink’s family kitchen turned legendary local lunch stop on the way to Baby Beach. Award-winning curry chicken, oxtail stew, and goat roti served in heaping island portions with steel drum music on certain nights. Currently the #1 ranked restaurant in San Nicolas on Tripadvisor with 1,731+ reviews.

About Kamini’s Kitchen

Chef and owner Kamini Kurvink opened the kitchen in the early 2000s, blending her Trinidadian heritage with Aruban flavors into a uniquely Caribbean comfort food experience. The restaurant has grown from a modest family-owned eatery to one of the most celebrated dining spots on the island.

The space itself reflects Kamini’s roots: vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, big open windows, bright Caribbean colors. On certain nights a steel drum band plays. The vibe is laid-back, friendly, and unpretentious — Kamini herself often comes around to check on tables. The bright green-and-blue building is impossible to miss on the road south to Baby Beach (just past the Train Museum sign), making it a perfect lunch stop on a beach day.

Kamini's Kitchen Aruba — Kamini’s Kitchen ambiance. Photo: Krammer Avillan via Google.

Signature dishes & menu highlights

Curry Goat Roti — frequently called one of the best on the island, Trinidadian-style, with complimentary pumpkin paste and curried chickpeas (channa) on the side.
Curry Chicken — the dish that won “Best Chicken Curry in Aruba” — boneless, tender, served with rice and beans.
Oxtail Stew — slow-cooked, rich, deeply seasoned, generous portion.
Curry Goat — bold, aromatic, perfectly balanced spice level.
Curry Fish & Curry Shrimp — fresh local seafood in Kamini’s signature curry.
Fried Red Snapper with Creole Sauce — whole fish, crispy outside, tender inside.
Shrimp Caesar Salad & Garlic Grouper — frequently called out as outstanding.
Lamb with Mushroom Sauce — recent guest favorite.
Doubles — Trinidadian street-food appetizer, a must for first-timers.
Sweet Plantains — perfectly cooked side.
Vegetarian Options: Mushroom and potato roti, chunky veggie curry, stir-fried vegetables.
Build-Your-Own Burger — basic platter or load it up at modest add-on prices.
Specialty Cocktails & Local Beer — including the Aruban Chill (perfect on a hot day, almost like a Shandy).

Tip from regulars: ask for extra spice — the heat level rounds out the flavor. And remember to specifically request the complimentary pumpkin paste and channa with your curry — they only serve them on request now.

Kamini's Kitchen signature dish — Plated dish at Kamini’s Kitchen. Photo: Kamini’s Kitchen via Google.

Practical info

Address: St.Christoffelbergweg, San Nicolas, Aruba
Phone: +297 587 1398
Google rating: 4.6★ across 1404+ reviews.
Price level: moderate.

Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM

Kamini's Kitchen interior — Inside Kamini’s Kitchen. Photo: J “Speedking” P via Google.

What guests are saying

Reviews consistently praise the authentic Trinidadian flavors, generous portions, and warm hospitality from Kamini herself. Multiple guests describe it as their favorite stop on the drive to or from Baby Beach. Common comments: “the kind of food that keeps you thinking about it long after the meal is over,” “real Caribbean flavor with serious spice and depth,” and “Mrs. Kamini’s food is finger-licking good.”

Honest caveats: service can be slow when busy (you’re on island time — be patient); portions feel small to some for the price (San Nicolas pricing is on Aruban level, not US level); opening times vary and they close earlier in the evening than tourist-strip restaurants — call ahead.