Aruba is fast becoming the winter getaway of choice for families seeking sunny skies and pristine beaches—all while keeping strictly kosher. With Yeshiva Break just around the corner, hotels and resorts on the island have stepped up to the plate by offering a variety of kosher dining options designed to make vacation both indulgent and convenient. From tropical juice bars to sushi pop-ups, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s craving beneath Aruba’s warm sun.
This year, two notable destinations are catching the attention of visitors looking for kosher fare: the Hyatt Regency Aruba and Marriott Aruba Surf Club Beach will both host differing kosher pop-ups, all kosher certified by the Chabad of Aruba.
Each provides a unique atmosphere and menu, ensuring vacationers can indulge in everything from classic comfort foods to sophisticated sushi creations. Whether you’re traveling with children, looking for late-night meals, or planning a group Shabbat dinner, these pop-ups have you covered.
Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to each kosher pop-up, complete with dates, hours, menu highlights, and even information on Shabbat services. Plan ahead, make your reservations, and get ready to soak up the Caribbean sun while enjoying some of the best kosher offerings Aruba has to offer. Keep reading to discover how these pop-ups can elevate your family’s Yeshiva Break.
Flip Flop Snack Shack at Marriott Aruba Surf Club Beach
- Dates: Now through January 26, 2025
- Hours:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM daily
- Closed: Friday 4:00 PM until Sunday 12:00 PM
- Supervision: Glatt Kosher under the supervision of Chabad Aruba
- Location: Marriott Aruba Surf Club Beach
- Menu Highlights
- Burger (Lettuce, Onion, Tomato): $21
- Burger with Fries: $27
- Grilled Chicken: $21
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Fries: $23
- Hot Dog: $18
- Hot Dog and Fries: $25
- Chicken Tenders/Nuggets & Fries: $27
- French Fries: $8
- Cheese Pizza: $29
This beachfront snack shack offers classic kosher comfort foods and quick bites, perfect for families on the go. Keep in mind it is strictly a pop-up, open only until January 26, and it’s closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday noon in observance of Shabbat.
Kosher Pop-Up at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
For Yeshiva Week, the entire Hyatt Regency Aruba property has been kosher-certified for the holiday break.
Additionally, the upscale sushi and omakase restaurant from NY/NJ, Akimori, has taken over 3 locations within the hotel for their pop-up offering. Restaurants at the hotel are listed below with special kosher menus just for Yeshiva Week.
All alcohol at hotel restaurants are also kosher during this time frame.
Note: Anyone in Aruba can come to the Hyatt Regency to take advantage of their kosher pop-ups. It is open to the public.
Dates: Now through January 24, 2025 (with limited kosher offerings afterward)
- Akimori Sushi (pareve), available at 3 locations at the hotel (can be ordered online too)
- Al Fresco Bar (Sun–Thu, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM; closed Friday; Sat, 8:00 PM–12:00 AM)
- Palms Bar (Sun–Fri, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM; closed Saturday)
- Pier Bar (Sun–Thu, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM; closed Fri & Sat)
- Akimori Aruba’s menu deftly combines fresh catches with gourmet twists, perfect for sushi connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Among the standout favorites are inventive small plates and delicate sashimi, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and balanced flavors. Those seeking a refined take on tuna can savor the Tuna Crispy Rice (USD 32.00), boasting avocado and scallions atop a crisp rice base, or the aromatic Tuna Pizette (USD 30.00), where white truffle and ponzu provide a luxurious finish. Fans of yellowtail will enjoy the tangy Hamachi Jalapeno Sashimi (USD 30.00) in yuzu soy, while carpaccio enthusiasts can opt for the Bluefin Carpaccio (USD 30.00) or Salmon Carpaccio (USD 30.00), each elevated by ponzu and subtle accents like toasted sesame.
- From there, Akimori Aruba extends its mastery to an array of sushi rolls and nigiri options. Classic and vegetable rolls deliver reliable favorites, while specialty rolls add inventive flair to the menu. Highlights worth exploring include:
- Bluefin Tuna Flight (USD 52.00): A luxurious nigiri sampler of akami, chu toro, and o-toro
- Chef’s Choice Nigiri (USD 42.00): A 6-piece assortment where the chef’s expertise shines
- Sunset Roll (USD 30.00): Spicy tuna, avocado, and yellowtail enlivened by yuzu and miso
- Tropical Roll (USD 30.00): Cooked salmon, cucumber, avocado, and crispy potato drizzled with a sweet glaze
- Truffle Toro Roll (USD 30.00): Toro and avocado crowned with fragrant truffle essence
- Edamame (USD 12.00): Lightly salted soybeans, perfect for a savory side or appetizer
- Ruinas Del Mar Restaurant (Italian, Dairy)
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Reservation required for dinner)
- Balashi Grill (Meat)
- Lunch (Sun–Fri)
- Dinner (Sun–Thu)
- Piccolo Steakhouse
- Dinner (Sun–Thu, reservation required)
- Saturday Shabbat Buffet (3:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Pizza Station & Shawarma Bar
- Convenient grab-and-go meals, with late hours
- Kadushi Juice Bar & Grab-and-Go (Shoco Market)
- Smoothies, juices, salads, sushi, and snacks
Shabbat at the Hyatt
- Synagogue Services: Padu conference rooms (Daily 8:00 AM & 6:00 PM)
- Candle Lighting & Mincha: 6:17 PM on January 17 and 6:20 PM on January 24
- Shabbat Dinner: Served at Ruinas del Mar or the Main Ballroom (7:15 PM), following services
After January 24
Starting January 25, kosher offerings at the Hyatt narrow down to specific meals at Palms Restaurant or Ruinas del Mar (see the hotel’s guide for details).
If you’re visiting Aruba outside of this timeframe, you can order kosher meals directly from the Chabad of Aruba.
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