Ah, the Caribbean! A paradise not only for its turquoise waters and golden beaches, but also for its incredible cuisine.
I have traveled a lot in my life, and I can certainly say that India is probably at the top of my list, both culturally and gastronomically.
However, since 2020, I have spent a lot of time in the Caribbean. That’s when we founded Pyratz, (yes, in the middle of the pandemic); since then, I’ve visited many Caribbean islands for business, but also for vacation when Pyratz closes at the end of every season and the whole team takes a few days of holidays.
Having spent years exploring the region for work and pleasure, I can confidently say that each island has its own unique flavors. If I had to pick the top spots for the most mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, though, these would be my favorites: Jamaica, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, and Guadeloupe.
In this article, I’m going to give you some insights about my five favorite Caribbean islands and the top dishes to try on each if you visit them.
My Favourite Caribbean Islands When It Comes To Food
Please do not consider the order of the islands as a ranking of which is the best. It’s just a list of my favorites, and all of them probably deserve to be the top pick!
Guadeloupe, A Great French-Caribbean Fusion Gastronomy
Located aproximately 200 kilometers (130 nautical miles) south-east of St Martin, Guadeloupe’s French-Creole gastronomic fusion is irresistible and is for sure on top of my list. I visited Guadeloupe a couple years ago and fell in love with the mix of African/Caribbean/French flavours in all the restaurants I tried.
Bokit (a fried sandwich stuffed with spicy meats or fish) is a must, and also the island is famous for their colombo (a Caribbean-style curry).
Since it’s a French territory, you can be sure that the culture of delicious pastries is also present!
Jamaica, The King of Bold Flavors
When it comes to bold, spicy, hearthy, and unforgettable dishes (some of them a bit heavy), Jamaica takes the crown. Jerk chicken (slow-cooked chicken over with a smoky flavour) is a must-try, but don’t miss out also to try a nice portion of ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish). Ackee and saltfish is a dish made with ackee, a tropical fruit, and salted fish, usually codfish. The name of the dish is very descriptive of its ingredients! You can find ackee and saltfish in any restaurant around Jamaica, so you will have plenty of chances to try it.
You will also find Jamaican dishes with an Asian twist, such as curry goat, similar to what is prepared in the Indian subcontinent, and festival bread, a fried sweet bread served as a side or for breakfast.
And of course, no trip to Jamaica is complete without sipping on a cold Red Stripe beer or some amazing Jamaican rum punch!
Dominican Republic, for Simple, Hearty & Flavorful Feast
Dominican Republic’s cuisine is all about comfort and simple food with a tropical twist.
La Bandera, a traditional lunch based on rice, beans, and stewed meat is a staple, but my personal favorite is mangú: mashed plantains with onions, that are served as a side dish and even for breakfast. If you are into heavy meat stews (not my thing), you should give a try to sancocho, a rich, meaty stew (with a lot of meat actually).
And like in many other islands in the Caribbean, let’s not forget the fresh seafood: grilled lobster on the beach? Yes please.
Also, if you have a sweet tooth, the desserts and sugary options are also very good in Dominican Republic, like sweet arepas or sweet beans (pictured above).
Grenada, The Island of The Spices
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle,” is a dream come true for food lovers who love spices. The island’s rich soil produces some of the world’s best spices, including turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa… and many other spices as well. These spices, of course, shine in many local dishes.
On my last visit to Grenada a couple years ago I tried oil down and lambi conchs.
Oil down is a hearty, one-pot stew with breadfruit and salted meat, as well as many of the spices that grow on the island. If you prefer something lighter, lambi conch is another option. It’s conch meat stewed in a spicy Creole sauce.
For dessert, the chocolate in Grenada is some of the purest I’ve ever tasted!
Saint Martin, One of the Culinary Hot-Spots of the Caribbean
Now, I might be biased because Saint Martin is home, but this island is also a foodie’s paradise in the Caribbean. With a mix of Caribbean, African, French, and Dutch influences, you’ll find everything from buttery croissants to spicy Creole dishes. The highlights of St Martin that you should not leave without trying are Johnny Cakes, conch fritters, or a proper French-style seafood platter.
If you want to feel like a local while on St Martin, you should definitely try the lolo’s: casual open-air restaurants that serve local good-priced food. Here we have a post talking about what is a lolo in St Martin and our favourite ones on the island.
If you are into fine-dining, you will find wonderful restaurants showcasing fresh and local products, French savoir-faire and Caribbean flavors. To name a few: La Villa Hibiscus, Ocean 82, Le Pressoir.
And here’s the best part: if you are into food and you visit St Martin, you don’t even have to stay on land to enjoy it! At Pyratz SXM, we offer luxury catamaran charters where you can savor delicious Caribbean dishes right on board while cruising our stunning waters. Imagine fresh grilled lobster, Caribbean rum cocktails, and tropical fruits as you sail into the sunset… That’s the Saint Martin experience we love to share.
Final Thoughts: Which Island Wins?
Honestly, it’s impossible to pick just one, plus this wasn’t a competition: each island brings something special to the table (literally!) and like with many things in life, food is always a bit subjective. Like I mentioned in the introduction, don’t take this list of islands as a competition about where the food is best, but as a list of 5 great destinations to visit if you are into food.
And remember that if you’re looking for a culinary adventure at the Caribbean, you know where to find us.
At Pyratz SXM, we combine the best of Saint Martin’s flavors with an unforgettable sailing experience.
Ready to taste the Caribbean in style? Book a charter with us and let’s make some delicious memories!
