For many of us, indulging in authentic cuisine is a top reason to get away on vacation. Sampling local food is a fantastic way to soak up different cultures, try new flavors and explore different dishes. The Caribbean is the place to be for sunny islands getaways and exciting foodie adventures.
If you’re looking to plan a tropical vacation full of vibrant cuisine, check out these 6 incredible Caribbean food destinations:
This Caribbean food destination serves up classic island fare with heavy Bajan influence. Barbados was once known for roadside rum shacks and has now evolved into a mixed scene of casual hot spots and upscale restaurants.
This is the place to enjoy Caribbean dishes like fresh fish straight from the grill. Our recommendation is to try the Barbados national dish which is fried flying fish with a side of cou cou that is absolutely delicious. And if you’re looking to taste a little bit of everything Barbados has to offer, The Barbados Food, Wine & Rum Festival has become one of the world’s top foodie events that you won’t want to miss!
This enchanting island chain boasts one of the most happening food scenes in the Caribbean. For one thing, the island hosts the world-class Caribbean Food & Wine Festival every year. Many resorts have also brought in renowned chefs, and a local training program mentors would-be cooks; plus, with how close it is to Jamaica and the Bahamas, it’s not hard to see why Turks and Caicos has easily become a food haven.
Plus, the striking absence of global/ Western fast food on the islands means that even the least-adventurous eaters are forced to eat what the locals are eating. Lucky for them, it’s for their own good – we’re talking locally caught fresh lobster, conch fritters, top-notch international fusion, and unbelievably refreshing daiquiris, for starters.
For a small Caribbean island, Anguilla boasts an impressive roster of dining options that rivals their amazing beaches. The local restaurants range from casual beachside grills to 5-star gourmet bistros. It’s easy to let out your inner foodie in Anguilla with professional cooking classes, rum tastings, and local wine tours.
Gorgeous beach by day and a blend of Caribbean, French, African, Spanish and English cuisine by candlelight is what you can sign up for in Anguilla. Crawfish, plantains, coconut cake, and fruit coladas. For a welcoming local vibe, check out beachfront restaurant Straw Hat on Meads Bay or Ocean Echo.
Any seasoned foodie knows that jerk is a Jamaican prized possession. You might have sampled jerk chicken elsewhere, but this spicy dish originated here and remains the signature dish of the island. The African population gets credit for the classic flavor: meat marinated in a spicy sauce and slow-cooked over a pimento-wood fire. While chicken and pork are the traditional offerings, nowadays you can get anything jerk-style. Try Scotchie’s in Montego Bay.
On top of trying authentic jerk meats, travelers will enjoy delicious Caribbean cocktails and vibrant vegetable dishes.
St. Barthelemy is a taster’s mecca and is known for accommodating the rich and famous on vacation, therefore it has the dining scene to accompany that posh crowd.
The French island offers a wide range of cuisine, from Creole to Italian, French, and Asian. Whether it’s fresh grilled lobster you’re craving or Chinese noodle salad with coconut milk, St. Bart’s has a truly international dining scene. Need something to accompany dinner? La Cave du Port Franc has more than 300 kinds of French wine to choose from.
Since St. Martin is split between a French and Dutch side, local food culture is eclectic and exciting. The French side offers a more refined experience, with chic dining options along the beautiful beaches. On the Dutch side you’ll discover a more touristic scene, with vibrant restaurants located in casinos and resorts.
Known as the gourmet capital of the West Indies, it’s up to you to decide if St. Martin lives up to its reputation! From Parisian-style bakeries to street side “lolos,” any doubts you have will quickly disappear. And when you’re ready to sink your teeth in, make reservations at Le Cottage, or Le Pressoir. A notable must try is their specialty croissant, which unlike French croissants, is folded 81 times and between each fold, bakers layer a paste like mixture of poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, almonds, sugar, and butter. Finally, don’t miss out on trying the local guava berry liqueur!
Ready to eat your way through the Caribbean? Browse all our luxury villa rentals in the area!
No Comments