Caribbean Food You Must Try: A Guide to Caribbean Cuisine

No visit to the Caribbean is complete without sampling some of its colourful flavours. The use of local and fresh ingredients make Caribbean food a delight on the senses.

But what is Caribbean food?

Blending unique spices, fresh herbs and fish caught on the very same day; that’s Caribbean food. A delightful fusion of European, African and Cajun. Caribbean cuisine (or West Indies) is a winning mix of many different cultures. If you’re going on a Caribbean holiday or even cooking at home don’t miss these Caribbean delicacies….

• Flying fish & Cou Cou- The national dish of Barbados
• Jerk- The fiery flavour of Jamaica
• Pepperpot- A tempting and hearty stew
• Roti- A traditional snack to be packed as you please
• Plantain- Delicious fried snack or side
• Breadfruit- Rich source of Protein and a gluten-free carbohydrate
• Rice and Peas- Simple & delicious
• Callaloo- A leafy green dish
• Rum Punch- packs a punch

 

Flying fish and Cou Cou

If you're visiting Barbados don’t leave without trying their national dish. Cou Cou is closely compared to Polenta; cornmeal and okra are mixed with water and local spices to create a mash type paste. The flying fish is steamed with light Bajan seasoning. The Bajans are proud of their national dish, it appears on their coins for a reason! This is Caribbean food not to miss!

Flying Fish, Barbados

Jerk

When thinking of Caribbean food no doubt spicy Jerk springs to mind. A fiery spice, Jerk is the signature flavour of Jamaica. It refers to a style of cooking where meat is dry or wet marinated with a hot spice mixture. Here’s a simple recipe to create authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning:

• 1 tbsp allspice
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ginger
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 (or 2) habanero peppers or scotch bonnet
• 1/2 tsp ground thyme
• 2 spring onions
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime to taste

Jerk Chicken

Caribbean Pepperpot Stew

One pot to feed the family. A simple stew made with aubergine, okra, squash and potatoes slow cooked with a meat. In Antigua and Barbuda Fungi and Pepper pot is considered their national dish; cornmeal dumplings are added to the stew for a richer consistency. Don’t miss this heart-warming dish for that taste of Caribbean cuisine.

Pepperpot Stew, Antigua

Roti

Chewy pancakes filled to the brim with tasty curry stew. Made with flour these tempting treats are often compared to tortillas. Popular throughout the islands, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago where they are filled with ‘Channa’ (chick pea curry).

Caribbean Roti

Plantain

Looks like a banana but certainly doesn’t taste like one. This staple is devoured all over the Caribbean, it is fried or cooked as a delicious side or snack. Plantain is much starchier than bananas but has a sweet flavour which is perfect alongside any Caribbean food. Ways to cook Plantain:

• Pan fry with oil, cinnamon and vanilla
• Oven bake in coconut milk
• Mashed & fried to make ‘fritters’
• Leave to ripen for a sweeter taste

Caribbean Plantain

Breadfruit

Almost a super food, breadfruit is high in Protein and excellent alongside fresh fish. This starchy fruit is eaten throughout the Caribbean and served as a side or snack. Similar to plantain it is much too starchy to be eaten as a fruit so is usually boiled, roasted or fried in to chips.

Breadfruit, Caribbean

Rice and Peas

Anyone who is nervous about trying foreign food will love rice and peas. Simple and comforting Rice ‘n’ peas is a popular dish all over the Caribbean. With no two dishes the same every family thinks they have the best recipe. The rice is boiled with coconut milk giving it a fluffy sweet texture. Best served with chicken with a kick to complement its sweet flavour. How its made: Kidney beans (or similar) + coconut milk + rice. Cooked with onion, garlic, thyme and salt.

Caribbean Rice and Peas

Callaloo

Often confused, Callaloo is the name of the dish and the ingredient. Callallo is a leafy stew made with Callaloo (a leafy vegetable); it’s the Caribbean's version of pesto! Leafy greens (you can use spinach) are boiled with peppers, onion and okra then served as a side dish with seafood or meat.

Callaloo

Rum Punch

Ok technically not food but definitely not to be missed. This delicious cocktail can really pack a punch, pardon the pun. The Caribbean has perfect conditions for the sugar cane industry. Particularly in Barbados where Mount Gay Rum is distilled! You can experience tours of the distilleries or investigate the traditional 'rum shops'. Here is how to make Rum Punch:

• 25ml of sour (lime juice)
• 50ml of sweet (sugar syrup)
• 75ml of strong (rum)
• 100ml of 'weak' (orange juice, pineapple juice or water)
• A dash of bitters (Angostura or grenadine)
• A sprinkle of Nutmeg.
• Serve with plenty of ice

Rum Punch, Barbados

We love Caribbean food and these are just some of the many delicious dishes to be discovered in this paradise part of the world. Why not tell us your favourite and any other dishes that cannot be missed!