Pan Bati
Aruba's soft, slightly sweet cornmeal flatbread
Pan Bati
Pan bati means 'beaten bread' in Papiamento, and it is one of Aruba's most loved sides, a soft, slightly sweet flatbread that sits somewhere between a pancake and a bread. The batter is built from cornmeal and flour with a little sugar, salt, and baking powder, beaten until smooth, then cooked in a skillet or on a griddle into a thick, round flatbread with a golden, lightly crisp crust and a tender, springy interior.
The faint sweetness is what sets pan bati apart and makes it such a good foil for savoury food. Where funchi is plain and neutral, pan bati brings a gentle sweetness that plays off rich, salty stews. It is torn and used to scoop up the gravy of dishes like kabritu stoba, or eaten on its own, warm from the pan.
How it is served
Pan bati is a versatile side. It accompanies stews and fried fish, doubles as a breakfast bread with butter or cheese, and stands in for funchi or rice when a softer, sweeter starch is wanted.
- It is naturally vegetarian and a popular alternative to bread or rice on a local plate.
- Best eaten fresh and warm, when the crust is crisp and the inside is still soft.
If you see pan bati offered alongside a stew, take it. Tearing the warm, slightly sweet flatbread and using it to mop up the sauce is a very Aruban way to eat.
Key ingredients
How to make Pan Bati
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- 2
Beat in the egg, then add milk gradually until the batter is smooth and slightly thicker than pancake batter.
- 3
Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- 4
Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.
- 5
Pour in enough batter to form a thick round about 12 to 15 cm across.
- 6
Cook until small bubbles appear on top and the underside turns golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- 7
Flip and cook the other side until set and lightly golden, about 2 minutes more.
- 8
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly between rounds as needed.
- 9
Serve warm alongside stews and sauces.
A home-style reference method; every family and kitchen has its own version.
Pan Bati questions
What is pan bati?
+
What does pan bati taste like?
+
What is pan bati served with?
+
Is pan bati vegetarian?
+
Explore Aruba cuisine
From keshi yena to pastechi, the island's table runs deep. Browse every dish and find your next favorite.
All Aruba dishes →