Story
The story of Switi began when I moved from my hometown, Amsterdam, to Berlin. Shortly after my arrival, I started missing the cuisine I grew up loving.
Before my move, the idea of establishing a Surinamese food concept in Berlin seemed improbable. However, as I got to know the diverse and vibrant Berlin food scene, I became convinced that it is genuinely receptive to embracing new culinary experiences.
This is why in the summer of 2022, I embarked on a journey to create what I now proudly introduce as ‘Switi.’
‘Switi’ is not merely a food concept but a heartfelt manifestation of my passion and love for Surinamese cuisine. So, whether you’re with friends, family, a loved one, or by yourself, I hope you’ll indulge in our food and experience the flavours that define us.
Fer(:
What does Switi mean?
Switi (pronounced as ‘swee-tie’) embodies the soul of the concept. It’s a Surinamese word meaning; delicious, pleasant, sweet and tasty.
PRE-1600s
Indigenous populations
inhabit Suriname
for millennia
MID-1800s
Chinese plantation labourers
arrived in Suriname to work
alongside the ‘freed’ Africans
following the abolition of slavery
LATE 1800s
TO EARLY 1900s
Javanese plantation
labourers are also recruited
1600s
The Dutch establish colonies
in Suriname, bringing
enslaved Africans
to work on plantations
LATE 1800s
Indian plantation labourers
are brought to Suriname
PRESENT DAY
Suriname’s population
consists of a diverse mix
of Indigenous, Creoles, East
Indians, Javanese, Chinese
and others making it a culturally
rich and diverse nation
