The Caribbean is famous for its beautiful beaches, dynamic culture, and remarkable island landscapes, but it also has an incredible and delicious cuisine that makes trips to the islands a delight for food lovers.
The culinary traditions of the region are diverse and varied, with influences from all around the world and some of the most vivid and vibrant flavors around.
So if you are sailing from Florida to the Caribbean islands or jetting off for a week in Guyana or Cozumel, here are six signature tropical dishes you absolutely must try.
Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)
Possibly the most famous dish from the Caribbean and certainly the one that has traveled the furthest, jerk chicken is an icon of Jamaica. This hot, smoky, and incredibly flavorful dish is a centerpiece of Caribbean grills and should be number one on any traveler’s menu.
Jerk chicken is marinated for hours in a special blend of herbs, spices, and chili peppers, before being cooked slowly over an open wood fire, which gives the dish its famous deep smokiness. Available everywhere in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, it is a seriously delectable dish and a great route into Caribbean cuisine.
Flying Fish and Cou-Cou (Barbados)
Flying fish are the national animal of Barbados, so it is only fitting that they feature in the national dish as well. The fish is seasoned with lime juice and a blend of spices, then steamed or fried, and served with a spicy gravy and cou-cou, a mash of cornmeal and okra that is not unlike polenta.
Callaloo (Trinidad and Tobago)
Callaloo is a classic Caribbean side dish, particularly popular in Trinidad and Tobago. Made from a blend of leafy greens including amaranth and taro leaves, callaloo is cooked slowly with coconut milk, okra, crab or salted meats, and a blend of herbs and spices, then given a punch with garlic, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers. It is a great accompaniment to some of the more filling main dishes on this list.
Conch Fritters (Bahamas)
Conch fritters are a delicious snack, a wonderfully light and tasty bite of ocean delight. Conch meat is dipped in batter then deep-fried, and served with tangy, sweet-chili dipping sauce.
Roti (Trinidad and Tobago)
Roti showcases the deep South Asian roots in Trinidad and Tobago. A flatbread packed with curried meat, vegetables, chickpeas, and potatoes, it is a Caribbean twist on an Indian stuffed naan, and is a wonderful way to get a filling meal on the go.
Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rico)
In Puerto Rico, the Caribbean gets a Latin twist, and there is no better example of this blend of cultures than arroz con gandules. Similar to dishes found across South and Central America, this classic Puerto Rican recipe combines rice cooked with sofrito with pigeon peas and smoked pork, spiced with a special blend of herbs. Olives and capers are added to give the dish some extra zing, and it is a mainstay of holiday cooking in Puerto Rico.
The varied and diverse communities that make up the Caribbean have given the region an incredible cuisine, full of rich tastes and incredible flavor combinations. From huge seafood cook-outs to vast BBQ grills, food is a massive part of Caribbean culture, and no trip should miss out on trying the best dishes the islands have to offer. The ideas above give you a good jumping-off point, but there are many more amazing ingredients and wonderful recipes to try!
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