Take a Caribbean Food Focused Tour Around the Islands

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

There are so many delights to be found in the Caribbean, it’s hard to decide where to begin, but we all gotta eat right? So why not start with Caribbean food. The Caribbean includes over 7,000 islands so there is a lot of diversity in this tropical paradise geographically, linguistically and culturally. It would take more than one lifetime to enjoy all the delicious dishes the Caribbean has to offer, so here is a cheat-sheet with a few foods and dishes you simply can not leave the Caribbean without trying:

Jerk

Not just a term for the guy who cuts you off in traffic, it’s also one of the Caribbean’s most famous flavors. Found abundantly in Jamaica, Jerk is a super spicy wet or dry rub used on chicken, pork and other meats and vegetables. The rub acts as an intense marinade and after soaking in all the flavors, the meat or vegetables are usually grilled, baked or smoked to mouthwatering perfection.

Pepperpot

Pepperpot is one of the national dishes of Guyana, but it is served in different  varieties right across the Caribbean. It is a rich stew which is simmered in huge pots and can include okra, eggplant, squash, and a variety of other vegetables. It is most commonly cooked with beef, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to sample fungi, the cornmeal dumplings which add texture to a steaming bowl of Pepperpot.

Cuban Sandwiches

Often called Cubanos, Cuban sandwiches are a variation on a croque monsieur, or grilled ham and cheese sandwich. A satisfying and undeniably delicious meal, Cubanos are made by squishing ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard between two slices of Cuban bread and toasting – YUM! Interestingly, Cuban sandwiches had a moment in the spotlight recently, in the movie Chef (a fun foodie flick). Check it out.

Cubano – Traditional Cuban Sandwich with Ham, Pork and Cheese

The Fruit

Nothing screams TROPICAL VACATION like selfies of you on the beach sipping from a green coconut and enjoying a plate of fresh pineapple, guavas and mangos. But social media aside, there is nothing more refreshing on a hot day than ice-cold coconut water, and it is available almost everywhere in the Caribbean islands.

Tropical Fruit

The Seafood

It makes sense right? The Caribbean is made up of literally thousands of islands, and in the warm waters surrounding all those islands is a huge variety of sea life. That sea life includes grouper, which is grilled or used in stews, flying fish, small flavorful fish cooked a lot in Barbados, and conch, a shellfish prepared many different ways in the islands of the Bahamas.

Curried shrimp

You should really visit the Caribbean and check these out in the most authentic way. In the meantime, find recipes for many traditional Caribbean favorites on our website.