Aman Slijterij: Suriname's Well-Stocked Roadside Bottle Stop
A family-run liquor shop on Indira Gandhiweg with a deep bench of rum, beer, wine, and mixers.
Why Go
Every road trip through Suriname's Wanica corridor eventually calls for a cold bottle in the cooler, and locals have been pulling up to Aman Slijterij since 1977 for exactly that. It's not flashy — just a reliable, family-owned bottle shop with one of the broadest selections between Paramaribo and Lelydorp, from Borgoe rum to imported wines and the kind of mixers you actually need.
The Experience
Aman Slijterij sits right on Indira Gandhiweg, the busy artery linking Paramaribo to Lelydorp and the airport, so it functions as a de facto pit stop for anyone heading south. The vibe is functional rather than boutique: counter service, shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling, and staff who can steer you toward whatever the occasion calls for. Expect Surinamese classics — Parbo beer in the iconic Djogo bottle, Borgoe and Black Cat rum — alongside a surprisingly deep import selection of whisky, wine, liqueurs, and cordials. It's the kind of place where you go in for one bottle and walk out with a case, some bitters, and a bag of ice.
What to Try
Grab a Djogo (the 1-liter Parbo lager) for the true local move, or upgrade to a bottle of Borgoe 8 or Black Cat rum — both distilled in Paramaribo and considered the pride of Surinamese spirits. If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, ask about Rodjak-friendly mixers and syrups; the shop keeps a solid range for building tropical cocktails back at your rental.
Insider Tip
Hours are strict and Suriname is a Sunday-quiet country: Aman closes at 12:30 on Sunday and doesn't reopen, and Saturday service ends at 15:00. Stock up on Saturday morning if your weekend plans involve a river lodge or interior trip, because bottle shops out in the districts are far pricier and far less predictable.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Indira Gandhiweg (plus code QQ8X+C3F) in the Wanica district, roughly between Paramaribo and Lelydorp — easiest reached by car or taxi. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–15:00, Sun 09:00–12:30. Cash (SRD) is safest; card acceptance in Surinamese slijterijen can be hit-or-miss, so bring small bills. Parking is roadside.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient nearby stay if you're basing yourself along the Paramaribo–Lelydorp corridor and want your bottles chilled back at the room.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Stock the cooler at Aman before heading out — a post-tubing cold Parbo on the riverbank is a Surinamese rite of passage.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — Grab a rental, swing by Aman on your way out of town, and you're set for a weekend in the interior or at the coast.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — An easy pairing for an active day out — pick up drinks at Aman on the drive back to toast the ride.
