Universal Restaurant Aruba: Authentic Cantonese in Oranjestad

Universal Restaurant on Wilhelminastraat in Oranjestad is a quietly excellent Chinese restaurant that’s earned a cult following among Asian visitors who find tourist-zone Chinese restaurants disappointing. Reviewers consistently call out half duck, crispy pork, and steamed vegetables as ‘fresh, delicious, and authentic’ — backed by traditional Chinese décor and a 4.4-star rating.

About Universal Restaurant

Universal sits in central Oranjestad with street parking and easy access from any cruise port or Eagle Beach stay. Closed on Tuesdays, otherwise open 11am-10pm daily. Portions are generous — a single entrée comfortably serves two — and prices are notably reasonable compared to the chains and tourist-zone Asian spots. Cash, card, and local debit accepted. Reservations not required for normal-sized parties; large groups should call ahead.

Menu Highlights & What to Order

Order the half duck (the standout dish), crispy pork, and any of the steamed vegetable plates. Sweet and sour pork comes with curried wontons that surprise in a great way. Wonton soup is excellent. The Cantonese-style roast meats and steamed seafood are the kitchen’s strongest cards. Notable: jasmine tea and basic desserts (quesillo with ice cream) come highly recommended for finishing the meal.

Practical Information

Address: Wilhelminastraat 71, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone: +297 582 3111
Google rating: 4.4 from 278 reviews
Map: View on Google Maps

Hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

What Diners Say

278 Google reviews and a 4.4 rating, with the highest praise coming from visitors of Chinese/Taiwanese background who explicitly call out the authenticity. ‘Best Chinese in Oranjestad’ appears in multiple reviews. The atmosphere is described as warm, the service attentive, and the food consistently fresh. A solid pick if you’ve already tried the bigger-name spots and want something more genuine.