Lily's Hot Pot
Cook-it-yourself Chinese hot pot in the heart of Paramaribo Noord
Why Go
Suriname's melting-pot food scene gets literal at Lily's, where a bubbling cauldron of broth, a mountain of raw goodies, and a table full of friends turn dinner into a two-hour, sleeves-up ritual.
The Experience
Tucked onto Ming Doelmanstraat just north of the city centre, Lily's swaps starched-tablecloth formality for something far more fun: an induction burner drops into your table, a pot of broth starts to bubble, and platters of thinly sliced meat, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, greens and noodles keep arriving. You choose your broth (mild savoury or fiery Sichuan-style mala), swish ingredients in until they're just cooked, then dunk them in the sauces you've mixed at the condiment bar. The vibe is loud, steamy and social — expect big Surinamese-Chinese families at the next table, groups of twenty-somethings marking a birthday, and a friendly staff who'll gladly explain the ropes if it's your first hot pot. Parking is easy, air-con is strong, and two hours evaporate before you notice.
What to Try
Order at least two broths so you can compare — the tom yum-ish spicy pot is the crowd favourite, balanced by a milder herbal or bone broth on the other side. Load up on beef and lamb shabu slices, hand-cut fish balls, fresh shrimp, enoki and shiitake mushrooms, tofu skin, sweet potato slivers and leafy pak choi. Don't skip the hand-pulled noodles at the end — they soak up all the flavour left in the pot. At the sauce bar, build a classic Chinese dip with sesame paste, soy, chopped garlic, spring onion, chilli oil and a splash of vinegar.
Insider Tip
Come hungry, come in a group of four or more, and call ahead on a Friday or Saturday night — the dining room fills up with regulars and walk-ins can wait. Wear a T-shirt you don't mind smelling like broth for the rest of the evening (it's part of the deal), and pace yourself: the platters keep coming and it's easy to over-order in the first ten minutes.
The Practical Stuff
Ming Doelmanstraat 108, Paramaribo (Paramaribo Noord). Open daily 11:00–23:00. Moderate prices — budget roughly SRD 200–350 per person depending on drinks and add-ons. Reservations by phone: +597 457 310 / +597 885 4673. Cash and local cards accepted; ample on-site parking. Best reached by car or taxi from the centre (about 10 minutes).
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — A comfortable Paramaribo Noord stay a short drive from Lily's — perfect if you'd rather roll straight into bed after a long, boozy hot pot session instead of driving back downtown.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Burn off the calories the next morning with a jungle ATV ride, then reward yourself with round two at Lily's — the spicy broth hits differently after a day covered in red dust.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Spend the afternoon getting drenched on the river, then head to Lily's for hot broth, hot sauce and dry clothes — the ideal wind-down after a wet, sunny day out.
