Pastechi

Pastechi is a traditional Curaçao breakfast or snack that is a crescent-shaped deep-fried dough with a filling. It is similar to an empanada, although empanadas often have a cornmeal crust whereas pastechis often have a plain pastry shell. The dough tends to be slightly sweet. The fillings can also be quite different. The filling widely varies and can include meat, seafood, vegetables, or cheese. The filling can also be combined with other ingredients such as onions, peppers, celery stalks, raisins, cumin, and nutmeg. Leftover meats, often roast chicken or pork, can be used for the recipe.

The dish is found throughout Aruba, particularly at roadside snack-bars or bakeries. However, even some top-rated restaurants on the island serve the dish. It can also be found in Curaçao and Bonaire. The dish is often served at parties as well and tend to be smaller than the ones that are purchased with the party size approximately 10 centimeters in diameter.

The pastechi reflects the diverse ethnic and culinary influences in Aruba, such as from Indonesia and the Netherlands. For instance, the dish can utilize sambal olek or Indonesian chili paste.