Ham di Pasku: Curaçao's Favourite Christmas Ham (and Our Pizza Twist)
In Curaçao, you know Christmas is coming when ham di pasku starts appearing in supermarkets, kitchens and conversations across the island. For many families, it is the heart of the Christmas table, a dish that brings everyone together and fills the house with the smell of the holidays.
In this guide, we explain what ham di pasku is, how it is traditionally prepared, what it is served with and why it means so much to people in Curaçao. And because we are a pizza restaurant at Saliña Galleries in Willemstad, we have also created our own twist on this island classic: the Ham di Pasku Pizza, which joins the favourites on our pizza menu this December.
What Is Ham di Pasku?
Ham di pasku means "Christmas ham" in Papiamentu, the local language of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. "Pasku" is the Papiamentu word for Christmas.
It is a large, whole ham, usually cured and smoked, that is baked and glazed for the holidays. For many families in Curaçao, Christmas simply does not feel complete without it. The ham is often the centrepiece of the holiday meal, sliced at the table and shared with family and friends.
Why Ham di Pasku Is So Special at Christmas in Curaçao
Christmas in Curaçao is all about family, music and food, and ham di pasku brings all three together. Preparing the ham is often a family tradition, with recipes and glazes passed down from one generation to the next.
The ham is also about sharing. A whole ham is big enough to feed a full house, so it is usually enjoyed over several days, from the main Christmas meal to sandwiches and snacks in the days that follow. For many people on the island, the taste of ham di pasku is the taste of Christmas itself.
How Is Ham di Pasku Traditionally Prepared?
Every family has its own way of preparing ham di pasku, but most recipes follow a few classic steps:
- Choosing the ham: a whole cured and smoked ham, usually bought in the weeks before Christmas.
- Scoring the surface: the skin or fat is cut in a diamond pattern so the glaze can soak in.
- Adding flavour: many families stud the ham with cloves and add pineapple slices on top.
- Glazing: a sweet glaze, often made with brown sugar, honey, mustard or pineapple juice, is brushed over the ham.
- Baking: the ham is baked slowly and basted with the glaze until it turns golden and sticky.
The result is a ham that is salty, smoky and sweet at the same time, with a shiny glaze that makes it the star of the Christmas table.
What Is Ham di Pasku Served With?
Ham di pasku is usually part of a bigger holiday spread. Depending on the family, the Christmas table in Curaçao might include:
- Ayaka: a holiday favourite of seasoned meat wrapped in corn dough and banana leaves.
- Salads: potato salad and other cold salads are common side dishes.
- Fresh bread: for slicing the ham and making sandwiches.
- Bolo pretu: a rich, dark fruit cake that is popular during the festive season.
- Ponche crema: a creamy, eggnog-style holiday drink enjoyed across the island.
Together, these dishes make the Curaçao Christmas table a mix of local tradition and influences from across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Ham di Pasku Leftovers: An Island Favourite
One of the best parts of ham di pasku is what happens after Christmas Day. Because the ham is so big, families enjoy it for days, and the leftovers are almost as loved as the main meal.
Popular ways to enjoy leftover ham di pasku include:
- Ham sandwiches on fresh bread, often for breakfast or lunch
- Ham and cheese toasties for a quick snack
- Ham with eggs for a festive breakfast
- Ham in pasta or salads for an easy lunch
Many people say the ham tastes even better the day after, once the flavours have had time to settle.
Our Twist: Ham di Pasku Pizza at Pizzaliña
At Pizzaliña, we wanted to celebrate this island classic in our own way. So we created the Ham di Pasku Pizza, a festive pizza inspired by the flavours of the traditional Christmas ham.
It is a fun way to enjoy the taste of the season, whether you are out with friends, sharing a pizza with family or looking for something different during the holidays.
- Price: XCG 34.50
- Available from: 1 December
- Where: Pizzaliña, Saliña Galleries, Willemstad
See all our festive specials on our Christmas dinner at Pizzaliña page.
Visit Pizzaliña in Willemstad This Christmas
Pizzaliña is at Saliña Galleries, Unit C-101, Schottegatweg Zuid, in Willemstad, Curaçao. Whether you are celebrating with family, catching up with friends or just craving a slice of something festive, come and try our Ham di Pasku Pizza this December.
Reserve your table and come taste Christmas in Curaçao, one slice at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ham di pasku?
Ham di pasku is the traditional Christmas ham of Curaçao. The name means "Christmas ham" in Papiamentu. It is a whole cured and smoked ham that is glazed and baked for the holidays.
What does "pasku" mean in Papiamentu?
"Pasku" means Christmas in Papiamentu, the local language of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.
How is ham di pasku prepared?
Most families score the ham, add cloves and pineapple, brush it with a sweet glaze made from ingredients like brown sugar, honey or mustard, and bake it until it is golden and sticky.
What is ham di pasku served with?
It is often served with ayaka, potato salad, fresh bread and other holiday dishes. Bolo pretu and ponche crema are popular festive treats during the season.
What are traditional Christmas foods in Curaçao?
Popular Christmas foods in Curaçao include ham di pasku, ayaka, bolo pretu and ponche crema, along with salads and fresh bread.
What is the Ham di Pasku Pizza at Pizzaliña?
It is a festive pizza inspired by the flavours of Curaçao's traditional Christmas ham. It costs XCG 34.50 and is available at Pizzaliña in Willemstad from 1 December.
Where is Pizzaliña located?
Pizzaliña is at Saliña Galleries, Unit C-101, Schottegatweg Zuid, Willemstad, Curaçao.