Nestled just 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao is home to more than 50 nationalities, which contribute to a rich and diverse culinary scene. The majority of islanders are of African-Caribbean descent, brought there by the slave trade. There's also a heavy Dutch influence, not only due to the Dutch nationals that move to Curaçao, but also because many islanders go to university in the Netherlands.

Sure, Curaçao has amazing beaches (truly, and the snorkeling and diving is fantastic), but it also has a vibrant island life that has little to do with tourism. And it's bringing young people back home to start bars and restaurants that wouldn't be out of place in a major North American or European city.

This Caribbean paradise serves up an array of culinary delights to suit all tastes, from traditional to the most on-trend.  Here are 10 things we recommend: Click here to continue reading the article