12 Most Popular Dishes To Discover in the Caribbean
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Beyond the stunning scenery, another aspect of the Caribbean worth exploring is the vibrant cultural heritage, which includes its rich culinary scene.
With influences from various parts of the world, abundance in seafood, and creativity with spices from places like Grenada, the spice island, foodies are in for a treat when visiting the Caribbean. From fresh seafood delicacies to spicy jerk chicken, the Caribbean offers diverse flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Looking for the most popular dishes to sample when traveling across the Caribbean? These delicacies are a perfect way to explore the region’s creative culinary traditions.
Seafood – Barbados
Of course, you can have seafood anywhere in the Caribbean, but the scene is on another level in Barbados. This Caribbean destination is a seafood lover’s paradise.
One dish that stands out is cou-cou and flying fish. Cou-cou is made from cornmeal and okra and is often served with fried flying fish, a local delicacy that is both flavorful and nutritious.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Many restaurants in Barbados offer seafood pasta dishes featuring locally caught shrimp, lobster, or crab tossed with al dente pasta and a variety of sauces, from creamy garlic to tangy tomato.
Fish cutters are also worth sampling. These are fish sandwiches, typically made with fried fish filets served between two slices of salt bread or a bun, along with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
Read also: Caribbean Island Hopping Tips
Turtle Stew – Cayman Islands
Turtle stew, a traditional dish in the Cayman Islands, is rich in flavor and history. This is a dish reflecting the island’s historical ties to turtle harvesting. It is a stew made with tender pieces of turtle meat simmered in a savory broth with vegetables and seasonings. While it may not be for everyone, turtle stew is a true taste of Cayman Islands cuisine that you likely won’t find anywhere else.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
In recent years, turtle meat consumption on the island has significantly declined due to conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered turtle species. However, some restaurants still serve the delicacy to adventurous food enthusiasts.
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Ropa Vieja – Cuba
Ropa Vieja, which translates to “old clothes” in Spanish, is a classic Cuban dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. To prepare this savory stew, beef is slow-cooked until tender, then shredded and cooked again in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices until the flavors meld together. The dish is often served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal, whether enjoyed as a family dinner or as part of a special celebration.
Read also: Spectacular Caribbean Virgin Islands
Pom – Suriname
Pom is a unique Surinamese dish that combines elements of African, Indian, and Javanese cuisine to create a flavor-packed experience. This baked casserole is made with pomtayer (a type of giant tuber), chicken or salted cod, citrus juices, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a dish that is both tangy and sweet, with a texture that is both creamy and slightly chewy.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Pom is often served as a main course during special occasions and celebrations in Suriname, such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. It’s a beloved dish that showcases the diverse cultural influences and flavors of Surinamese cuisine.
Read also: Incredible Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean
Ackee and Saltfish – Jamaica
Few dishes stand out as distinctly as ackee and saltfish in the vibrant Jamaican food scene. Rooted in the island’s complex history of colonization, slavery, and migration, this dish is a perfect example of transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
The cooking process involves carefully desalting the fish, sautéing onions, peppers, and tomatoes, and gently folding the ackee fruit to blend in the flavors.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Ackee and saltfish is a breakfast dish in Jamaica and is often accompanied by fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, fried plantains, or breadfruit.
Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations
Doubles – Trinidad & Tobago
Doubles is a popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago. It consists of two pieces of fried flatbread (known as bara) filled with a spicy chickpea curry mixture. It’s a delicious and satisfying snack loved by the Trini people and visiting tourists.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
The chickpea curry, known locally as channa, is made with boiled chickpeas, onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers and is seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, turmeric, and curry powder. Doubles are commonly eaten for breakfast or as a quick and delicious snack throughout the day.
Read also: Top Caribbean Destinations For Sightseeing
Keshi Yena – Aruba
Keshi yena is one perfect dish showcasing the Aruban people’s culinary creativity. This hearty casserole is made with a shell of Edam or Gouda cheese stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced meat (typically chicken or beef), olives, raisins, capers, and spices such as cumin and paprika. Additional ingredients like tomatoes, prunes, or almonds are sometimes added for extra flavor and texture.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Keshi Yena is often served as a main course during special occasions in Aruba, such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings.
Read also: Spectacular Hiking Trails in the Caribbean
Jerk Chicken – Jamaica
For a good reason, jerk chicken is one of the most well-known Caribbean dishes. This flavorful dish is made by marinating chicken in a mix of fiery spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme. Once marinated, the chicken is cooked over a charcoal grill or in a smoker, imparting a smoky flavor and creating a deliciously charred exterior. It is not only a mouthwatering dish but also visually appealing.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
This dish is often served with traditional Jamaican accompaniments such as rice and peas, fried plantains, and a side of coleslaw or salad.
Read also: Insta-worthy Spots in the Caribbean
Pepperpot – Guyana
Pepperpot is a traditional Guyana dish known for its rich and flavorful stew made with meat, spices, and cassareep, a thick, dark sauce made from cassava. It’s a beloved part of Guyanese cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
To prepare pepperpot, the meat is first marinated in a mixture of cassareep, spices, and aromatics. Then, it is slow-cooked over low heat for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and succulent. The result is a thick stew often served with rice, bread, or roti.
Read also: Amazing Sunset Viewing Spots in the Caribbean
Porc Colombo – Guadeloupe
Porc Colombo is a traditional dish from Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island. It features pork cooked in a flavorful curry-like sauce seasoned with a blend of spices known as Colombo powder.
The dish has both Indian and Creole influences. Key ingredients in this dish include pork shoulder or pork belly, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, thyme, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and coconut milk, which combine to create a rich and flavorful stew.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Porc Colombo is often served with rice or traditional Caribbean side dishes such as fried plantains, yams, or breadfruit.
Read also: Hidden Gems in the Caribbean
Crab and Callaloo – Trinidad & Tobago
Crab and callaloo is a beloved dish in Trinidad and Tobago that highlights the region’s love of fresh seafood and leafy greens. This flavorful soup is made with crab meat, callaloo leaves, ochroes, and a blend of spices and is enjoyed throughout the country, especially during the crab season.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
This dish is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by provisions such as boiled cassava, sweet potatoes, or dumplings.
If you are a seafood fan, you should try this dish when visiting Trinidad and Tobago.
Read also: Family Vacation Destinations in the Caribbean
Sancocho – Dominican Republic
The origins of Sancocho can be traced back to the indigenous Taino people who inhabited the Dominican Republic before the arrival of European settlers. The Taino people developed the technique of slow-cooking meats and vegetables over an open flame.
To make this dish, various types of meat, such as chicken, beef, pork, and sometimes goat or seafood, are simmered together with different root vegetables, such as yuca (cassava), plantains, sweet potatoes, and corn. The stew is flavored with spices and seasonings, such as garlic, onions, cilantro, and oregano.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Sancocho is mainly served with rice, avocado slices, and crusty bread or arepas to soak up the delicious broth.
Read also: Amazing Romantic Getaways in the Caribbean
Caribbean
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Taste the World
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow Us
Travel Planning Resources
Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
