National Dish Suriname: Telo Bakkeljauw (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Telo Bakkeljauw, a Surinamese classic that brings together the deep, savoury punch of salted fish and the mellow sweetness of golden fried bananas. It is a plate of contrasts — salty against sweet, crisp against tender — and it tells you almost everything you need to know about the country’s layered food culture. Simple to put together yet special enough for guests, this is a dish that turns an ordinary evening into a small celebration.
About Telo Bakkeljauw
Telo Bakkeljauw is a traditional Surinamese dish that captures the flavours and the culture of Suriname perfectly. Its two pillars are tender salted fish fillet and beautifully fried bananas, which together create a taste combination you will not find anywhere else. It is not only a pleasure for the palate but also an impressive option for special occasions. If you are after an authentic culinary experience, Telo Bakkeljauw is exactly what you are looking for.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 pieces of salted fish fillet (bakkeljauw, i.e. salt cod)
- 2–3 ripe bananas
- Plain flour, for coating
- Oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Telo Bakkeljauw you need to choose the right ingredients. Salted fish fillet is the heart of the dish and can be found at a well-stocked fishmonger or an Asian supermarket. Ripe bananas are decisive for the flavour, so look for fruit with a gentle yellow tone. Do not forget the flour and the oil either — both are essential for frying the bananas to perfection. The same shops usually stock everything you need for Surinaamse Visballetjes as well.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking Telo Bakkeljauw it is important to prepare all the ingredients. Rinse the salted fish fillet thoroughly to wash away the excess salt. Cut the ripe bananas into thick slices so that they turn nicely crisp in the pan. Set out a plate of flour as well, ready for coating the banana slices before they go into the hot oil.
Step-by-step instructions
- Rinse the salted fish fillet thoroughly and let it soak in water for a few minutes to soften the saltiness.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
- Turn the banana slices in flour and lower them carefully into the hot oil.
- Fry the bananas until golden brown, lift them out and drain on kitchen paper.
- Fry the fish fillet in the same pan until it is cooked through and lightly crisp.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Telo Bakkeljauw is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. Instead of wheat-based products, use a gluten-free flour or gluten-free panko crumbs for the bananas. The salted fish fillet is normally lactose-free, but do check the ingredient list to be sure that nothing containing lactose has been added. The dish stays every bit as delicious and authentic even when you leave certain ingredients out.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although Telo Bakkeljauw is traditionally made with fish, there are tasty vegan alternatives. You can swap the fish for fried tofu pieces or marinated tempeh to achieve a similar texture. Smoked tofu works especially well in place of the salted fish, lending the plate a pleasant smoky note. That way vegans and vegetarians can enjoy this unique dish too, without giving up on flavour — much as they would with Tayerblad.
More tips and tricks
Making Telo Bakkeljauw can be improved with a few simple tips and tricks. Make sure the oil is properly hot before you add the bananas and the fish, as that is the key to a good crisp finish. You can also dust the bananas lightly with cinnamon or sugar before frying for an extra layer of flavour. Give your creativity free rein and experiment with different spices.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Telo Bakkeljauw recipe offers plenty of scope for adapting it to personal preference. Try different varieties of banana to play with sweetness and texture. You can also change the seasoning to dial the heat up or down, if you like things on the spicy side. That makes this dish not only versatile but also an exciting regular fixture in your cooking routine.
Ingredient substitutions
There are various alternatives you can use in this recipe if some ingredients are hard to come by. Instead of salted fish, choose another firm fish you enjoy. When it comes to frying, olive oil or coconut oil will each bring their own character to the dish. For the bananas you can also use sweet potato slices, which make an unusual variation and taste just as good.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks go beautifully with Telo Bakkeljauw and round out its flavours. A freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice brings the aromas wonderfully to life. Alternatively, serve a sweet tea or a light fruit cocktail to underline the sweetness of the bananas. Drinks like these make the whole Telo Bakkeljauw experience even more memorable.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can lift Telo Bakkeljauw considerably. Serve it on a colourful plate with a few fresh herbs as a garnish. A small spoonful of chilli sauce or a fruity dip pleases the eye and intensifies the taste. Remember that the visual impression comes first, so take the time to arrange the dish attractively — the same care pays off with Surinaamse Cassave Chips on the side.
A bit of history
Telo Bakkeljauw has a rich history, enriched by the many cultural influences at work in Suriname. The dish links the traditions of the indigenous peoples with the culinary customs of the immigrants who have come to the country over the centuries. The techniques for cooking the fish and preparing the bananas come from different cultures and reflect the extraordinary diversity of Surinamese cuisine. Every time you enjoy Telo Bakkeljauw, you taste a piece of that fascinating story.
More recipe ideas
- Teloh Mit Bakkeljauw
- Surinaamse Garnalen
- Surinaamse Bruine Bonen Met Rijst
- Surinaamse Kokoscake
- Surinaamse Krabsoep
Summary: Telo Bakkeljauw
Telo Bakkeljauw is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between salty fish and sweet bananas. With so many ways to adapt it, it remains a firm favourite among food lovers. Whether you keep to the traditional version or reach for alternative ingredients, Telo Bakkeljauw is not just delicious but also a piece of Surinamese culture served up on the plate. Give it a go yourself and let the flavours of Suriname work their magic.
