Video: Americans Eating Caribbean Food For the First Time
The folks at BuzzFeed know how to introduce unusual things to Americans in a way that makes them hilariously approachable. In this video we found, they had 8 Americans eating Caribbean food for the first time. Everyone didn’t love everything, but at least they had a go at some interesting favorites from across the islands. All while enjoying a Jamaican grapefruit “Ting” soda, of course. Whether you’re an experienced island foodie or your eating Caribbean food for the first time as well, you can try some of the recipes for yourself at home. Here they are:
1. Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
This recipe is popular in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica too but they call it “stamp and go”. Codfish fritters weren’t anyone’s favorite, but the flavor did grown on a few of the tasters. One of them compared bacalaitos to Rihanna’s singing – she called it an acquired taste :-).
Bacalaitos (Cod Fish Fritters) Recipe
2. Buss Up Shut (Trinidadian Roti)
They didn’t know what to make of the Trinidadian roti served with curried… something (maybe chicken and potatoes?) Apparently it looked like a pineapple taco. They all picked up the Indian roots of the dish once they tasted it, and eventually one guy even admitted it blew his mind. Score one for Trinidad!
3. Fried Dumplings (Jamaican Fried Dough)
No lady, it’s not a donut… but they are totally yummy on the savory side! The Jamaican fried dumplings were a favorite with what seemed like everybody in the group. No wonder it’s one of the top 3 most visited recipes on our site!
Jamaican Fried Dumplings
4. Oxtail
From watching them doodle plate art with the gravy, to hearing imagined pot roast comparisons, this had to be the most entertaining of the sampling adventures. As scary as it was to try, the sweet, tender, meaty flavor was a hit with all takers (until one guy realized what he was eating!)
Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
5. Tembleque (Coconut Pudding)
A Puerto Rican dessert favorite, this coconut concoction was NOT a favorite of the whole group. One lady felt like she was eating a Teletubby, another advised Rihanna not to pass these out at her next concert. Still, the folks in Puerto Rico seem to like them and we sure do! Who knew everybody doesn’t love coconut!?
Tembleque / Coconut Flan
You should try them all
All kidding aside, these are all delicious Caribbean recipes and will give you an authentic taste of the islands. Try them out and let us know what you think. And if you find any videos you think our readers will like (including your own), share them with us at recipes [at] tastetheislandstv [dot] com. Until next time!
I’m Caribbean American (my parents were first gen Americans. Dad was Bajan, Mom was Trini) who is now living in Colorado, and I’ve gotta say how much I miss the flavors of cooking back home in NY. Peas and rice, oxtail, curried goat, bacalaitos, these were staples and the ingredients can be difficult to get once you’re landlocked or away from the east coast. I’m glad to find this site, because when my mother cooked I was always elsewhere and never learned most of these dishes. Now I am!!!!
That’s awesome! You can really find a lot of the ingredients you miss on Amazon. One of our partners – Grace Foods – has several options like dumpling mix and pepper pot soup mix. Although if you’re Trini and Bajan, home made fried bakes may be a better option :-). Glad we can help!