Ramdath Slijterij
A neighborhood slijterij on Paramaribo's Kwattaweg strip, stocked for a Suriname-style evening.
Why Go
Kwattaweg is the artery that ties the Kwatta district to central Paramaribo, and Ramdath Slijterij sits right on it at number 491 — the kind of small, unfussy bottle shop locals swing by for a crate of Parbo before a river outing, a bottle of Borgoe rum for a family lime, or a quick pack of mixers on the way to a guesthouse. It's not a bar, it's not a restaurant in the sit-down sense; it's a slijterij in the classic Dutch-Caribbean tradition — a specialist liquor and drinks store where the fridges hum, the shelves lean toward local staples, and the transaction is quick and friendly.
The Experience
Expect a compact retail space typical of Paramaribo's neighborhood slijterijen: cold cases lining one wall stacked with Parbo Bier (Suriname's iconic green-labeled lager brewed by Surinaamse Brouwerij), soft drinks from Fernandes Bottling — the beloved local brand with flavors like Green Punch, Ginseng-Up, and Tropical Kola — and rows of Surinamese rums including Borgoe (Extra, 8, Gold) and Black Cat, alongside imported whiskies, vodkas, and the occasional bottle of Dutch jenever. Signage is bilingual Dutch/Sranan Tongo, prices are marked in SRD (Surinamese dollars), and staff are used to quick in-and-out purchases. Cars pull up on the shoulder, someone runs in, and the whole exchange takes three minutes. That's the vibe: functional, local, and genuinely part of daily rhythm in Kwatta.
What to Try
Do the Suriname sampler: a bottle of Borgoe Extra (the workhorse aged rum most Surinamese swear by), a six-pack of Parbo in the classic green bottles, and a couple of Fernandes soft drinks — Ginseng-Up or Green Punch — to mix or to drink cold on their own. If you're heading to a beach day, self-catered lodge, or a river tour, this is the pre-stock stop. Ask about Black Cat rum if you want something a step up, or look for Surinamese-produced liqueurs and the occasional small-batch cassava or sugarcane spirit.
Insider Tip
A slijterij is not a bar — you buy and go. If you want to drink on-site, this isn't the place; head to a warung, snackbar, or one of the outdoor terraces closer to the Waterkant. Also worth knowing: Suriname's drinking culture leans heavily on rum-en-cola and beer-on-ice, and locals often ask for their Parbo 'ijskoud' (ice-cold) straight from the fridge. Bring small SRD notes — change for large bills isn't always on hand at neighborhood spots.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Kwattaweg 491, Paramaribo, Suriname, in the Kwatta corridor northwest of the city center. It's roughly a 10–15 minute drive from the historic center (Onafhankelijkheidsplein / Fort Zeelandia area) depending on traffic, and easily reached by taxi or rental car. Slijterij hours in Paramaribo typically run late-morning to evening, often closed or shortened on Sundays — call ahead if you're planning a Sunday run. Cash (SRD) is king; card acceptance at small slijterijen is inconsistent. Legal drinking age is 18. Sector: food & drinks / retail.
Pair It With
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Grab your Parbo and mixers here before heading out for a river adventure — a Surinamese day on the water almost always starts with a slijterij run.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Pick up cold drinks and rum for the after-tour cool-down; ATV crews typically end the day with a lime, and Ramdath is on the way back into town.
- 101 Suites Guide — If you're staying in a self-catered suite nearby, this is the closest bottle shop for stocking the mini-fridge with local beer and soft drinks.
- 88 Car Rental Suriname Guide — With your rental you can easily swing through Kwattaweg 491 to stock up before longer road trips into the interior.
