Lucky Twins Restaurant
Generous plates of Suriname-style Chinese cooking on a quiet Paramaribo lane
Why Go
Tucked onto Riekelaan away from the tourist strip, Lucky Twins is where locals in the know go when they want a proper Chinese meal — big portions, fresh-from-the-tank seafood, and the kind of hospitable service that turns a first visit into a habit.
The Experience
Step inside and the room feels calmer and more spacious than you'd expect from the modest exterior — well-spaced tables give you privacy for conversation, and the oversized aquarium along one wall doubles as decor and a not-so-subtle hint that the seafood is genuinely fresh. The vibe sits somewhere between neighborhood family spot and low-key celebration venue: you'll see multigenerational Surinamese families sharing lazy-Susan feasts, couples on quiet dates, and solo diners tucking into a plate of nasi. Service is warm and unhurried; staff will happily steer you toward what's best that night, and portions arrive built for sharing rather than styling. It's the classic Sranan-Chinees dining experience — Cantonese roots, Surinamese seasoning, and zero pretense — done at a level that keeps regulars coming back for years.
What to Try
Nasi tjauwmin is the crowd favorite and a great gateway if you're new to Suriname's Chinese-Creole fusion — fragrant fried rice piled with stir-fried noodles, meat, and vegetables in one gloriously excessive plate. The sweet-and-sour fish (pick your own from the tank if you're feeling committed) balances tang and savor beautifully, and the spicy pork ribs (krabbetjes) come out fall-apart tender with real heat behind the bold spice rub. Round the table out with wonton soup to start, crispy spring rolls, and a plate of tjapsoi or Hong Kong tjaumin for the noodle lovers. Save room — nothing here arrives in a small size.
Insider Tip
Order the fish or shrimp straight from the aquarium and ask the kitchen to prep it 'op de Chinese manier' — steamed with ginger and scallion — for the freshest expression of what Lucky Twins does best. Portions run large enough that two mains plus a soup easily feed three, so under-order on your first visit and add more if needed rather than the other way around. Cash in SRD gets you the smoothest checkout; call ahead on Friday and Saturday nights when the dining room fills up fast with locals.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Riekelaan, Paramaribo (RRH3+68V), a short taxi ride from the city center. Hours: Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 10:30 AM–10:00 PM, Friday 10:30 AM–10:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM–11:30 PM; closed Mondays. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery all available. Full bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Family-friendly, easy parking, casual dress. Budget SRD 150–300 per person for a generous shared meal with drinks.
Pair It With
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Work up a serious appetite on a jungle ATV run, then reward yourself with a heaping plate of nasi tjauwmin and cold Parbo on the way back into town.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — After an afternoon of watertubing near Paramaribo, Lucky Twins' hearty portions and quick service are exactly the recovery meal your crew needs.
- 101 Suites Guide — Staying nearby? Lucky Twins is a short hop for a low-effort dinner that beats hotel dining and gives you a genuine taste of Suriname's Chinese-Creole food culture.
