Pom
Pom is widely considered Suriname’s national dish and the ultimate celebration food. It is a rich, slightly sweet-and-sour baked casserole made from grated pomtajer (a local root vegetable similar to taro) layered with seasoned chicken. It has roots in the Jewish-Creole kitchens of Suriname and is especially popular at birthdays, parties, and family gatherings.
Classic Surinamese Pom Recipe
Ingredients (for 6–8 servings):
For the chicken filling:
1 kg chicken pieces (preferably with bone)
2 onions, chopped
3–4 tomatoes, chopped
2–3 stalks celery, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves
Juice of 1–2 oranges
2–3 tbsp piccalilli (or similar relish)
1–2 tbsp tomato paste
Allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, salt
Oil or butter for frying
Optional: a piece of salted meat (zoutvlees) for extra flavor
For the pomtajer layer:
1–1.2 kg frozen or fresh grated pomtajer (tayer)
Juice of 1–2 oranges
1–2 tbsp sugar
Salt and a little allspice/nutmeg
Some of the chicken cooking juices
How to make it:
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and allspice. Brown it in oil or butter. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, tomato paste, and a little water. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and a flavorful sauce (jus) forms. Stir in orange juice and piccalilli toward the end.
Prepare the pomtajer: Thaw and drain the grated pomtajer well. Mix it with orange juice, sugar, salt, and a few spoonfuls of the chicken jus. The mixture should taste slightly sweet-sour and well-seasoned.
Assemble: Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the pomtajer mixture on the bottom. Add the chicken pieces and some of the sauce. Cover with the remaining pomtajer. Smooth the top and pour the rest of the jus over it. Dot with a little butter if desired.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 175–180°C (350°F) for about 1½–2 hours, until the top is golden brown and the pomtajer is fully cooked and set.
Serve: Let it rest a short while, then cut into squares. Traditionally served with white rice and long beans (kousenband), or sometimes with bread.
Pom is hearty, full of layered flavors, and a true taste of Surinamese home cooking and celebration.