FortuneTable of Contents Show
Want to try new foods? Look no further than some of the Best Caribbean food! Caribbean cuisine is known for its robust flavors and spices. Caribbean cuisine celebrates many cultures and influences, from jerk chicken to black cake. These delectable meals have something for everyone, from seafood to meat lovers.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best Caribbean foods to satisfy your taste buds. So get ready to eat the best Caribbean food and quench your hunger.
20 Best Caribbean food to try out
1. Jerk Chicken
Jamaicans enjoy jerk chicken, a cuisine known for its spicy and smokey taste. Chicken pieces are marinated in allspice, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The chicken is then roasted over an open flame until crispy.
Jerk chicken is all about the marinade. Scotch bonnet peppers which is one of the hottest peppers in the world, lend the meal its fire. If you can’t tolerate the heat, use jalapenos or habaneros instead of Scotch bonnet peppers.
Rice, peas, plantains, and coleslaw are good side dishes to serve with jerk chicken. Jerk chicken is sometimes served with festival, a cornmeal-based fried bread.
Jerk chicken is a must-try recipe that will become a favorite whether you’re in the Caribbean or preparing it at home.
2. Rice & Peas
Caribbean rice and peas are a mainstay in many homes. Rice, kidney beans, herbs, and spices are cooked in coconut milk to make this simple but tasty recipe. This Caribbean cuisine is easy to create at home and is a must-try for visitors.
The dish starts with cooking kidney beans until tender. The beans are combined with coconut milk, thyme, scallions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Simmering thickens and creamifies the mixture. The rice is added to the pot and cooked until soft and fluffy. The meal is rich, creamy, and savory.
Rice and peas are versatile and can be served with many meals. It goes well with grilled seafood, meats, & vegetables and it’s delicious on its own too. To spice up rice and peas, some people add hot sauce.
Add rice and peas to your Caribbean food bucket list if you haven’t already. You won’t be disappointed!
3. Conch Fritters
In the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, conch fritters are a favorite. This Caribbean cuisine includes conch, a sea slug prevalent in Caribbean waters. Conch fritters are a tasty way to eat this seafood delicacy.
Diced conch is mixed with a batter of flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, garlic, onion, thyme, and scallions to make fritters. The batter is then spooned into hot oil and cooked till crispy.
The fritter is savory and crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. As an appetizer, conch fritters are frequently served with tartar or spicy sauce.
Conch fritters can be enjoyed without traveling to the Caribbean, you can make this at home or at a restaurant that serve Caribbean dishes.
4. Callaloo
This is a popular Caribbean meal, especially in Jamaica, Trinidad, & Tobago. Callaloo leaves, comparable to spinach and other components, add flavor to this classic dish.
The leaves are washed and cut coarsely to make the exquisite dish. Coconut milk, onions, garlic, scallions, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and chopped leaves are cooked together. The combination is cooked until the leaves are soft and the flavors have blended.
Callaloo can be eaten as a soup, stew, or side dish with rice, peas, or dumplings. It’s adaptable and can be made with salted meat, crab, or shrimp.
The callaloo leaves are rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and minerals. Coconut milk also adds healthy fats and makes the dish more nutritious.
5. Doubles
To make this delightful snack, two slices of bara flatbread are filled with curried chickpeas and topped with chutneys, sauces, and spices.
The bara is fried till golden brown and crispy to form doubles. The dish’s trademark “double” is created by scooping curried channa filling onto one bara slice and topping it with another. The doubles are then topped with hot pepper sauce, tamarind chutney, cucumber chutney, and slaw, a sour, pickled vegetable.
Doubles taste great and can easily fill you up. Roadside vendors and food trucks across Trinidad sell them. They’re also a favorite late-night snack after a night out.
6. Ackee and Saltfish
Caribbean islanders and tourists love ackee and saltfish. Jamaica’s national cuisine is also famous in Caribbean nations like Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Bahamas.
West African ackee was brought to the Caribbean during the slave trade. Its buttery, somewhat sweet flavor makes it a famous vegetarian scrambled egg alternative. On the other hand, saltfish is dried and salted cod used in Caribbean cooking.
The saltfish is soaked overnight to make ackee and saltfish. Boiling and flaking the fish follows. The ackee is then cooked separately in a pot with onions, tomatoes, and spices like thyme and scallions. After cooking the ackee, it is mixed with saltfish and boiled.
Ackee and saltfish are often served for breakfast with fried dumplings, plantains, or breadfruit. Easter and Christmas are great times to eat them.
7. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are popular in England, but the Caribbean also enjoys them. Local flavors and ingredients give Caribbean fish and chips a distinct twist on the classic British meal.
Red snapper, mahi-mahi, and other fresh fish are used to make fish and chips in the Caribbean. Flour, cornmeal, and spices like paprika and cumin are first used to batter the fish and it is then fried. The deep-fried fish has a nice crunch from the batter.
The side dishes distinguish Caribbean fish and chips from the British variant. Caribbean fish and chips are usually served with plantain chips or yuca fries. These sides compliment the fish nicely with their unique texture and flavor.
Local sauces and seasonings make Caribbean fish and chips unique. Caribbean eateries sell fish and chips with handmade sauces like tamarind, mango chutney, or scotch bonnet pepper spicy sauce. This Caribbean cuisine is known for its robust, spicy flavors, which these sauces enhance.
Try the Caribbean’s fish and chips next time you’re there. Its fresh fish, crispy coating, and various sides and sauces will please your taste buds and introduce you to the Caribbean’s dynamic culinary scene.
8. Roti
Roti is one of my favorite Caribbean food. It was brought to the Caribbean by Indian immigrants and has become a staple.
Roti is made from flour, water, and oil flatbread baked on a griddle until tender. It can be stuffed with curried vegetables, chicken, or goat meat or eaten alone.
Trinidadian-style roti is one of the Caribbean’s most popular dishes and is usually filled with Potatoes, chickpeas, and curry chicken or goat meat. The roti is wrapped around the filling and folded like a burrito.
Dhalpuri is another favorite roti. Stuffing the roti with ground split peas, cumin, and garlic gives it a unique taste and texture. Dhalpuri roti with curried meat or veggies is a local and tourist favorite.
9. Goat Curry
For several years, Caribbeans have savored goat curry, from family dinners to celebrations, it’s a filling and tasty dish.
This curry dish is made using goat meat. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon are used in the marinade to give the meat a rich flavor. Onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, spices, and herbs are used to make the curry sauce.
Goat curry is versatile and can be made to your liking. Some want their curry spicy, while others enjoy it mildly. Use more or fewer chile peppers or milder curry powder to modify the spiciness.
This Caribbean food often includes goat curry with rice and peas. Coconut milk, thyme, and other herbs give the rice a deep, fragrant flavor. The dish’s sweetness and texture come from kidney bean peas.
Goat curry can be eaten with roti, fried plantains, steaming vegetables, and rice and peas. These side dishes pair well with the curry sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.
10. Black Cake
Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, and Barbados are known for black cake, also called Christmas cake. It’s a rich, luscious holiday cake that may be eaten all year round.
Molasses and dark rum in the recipe give the cake its dark color. The cake contains chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and dried fruits, including raisins, currants, and prunes. These components absorb rum flavor and produce a rich, fruity flavor by soaking it for weeks or months.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are added to flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and spices to make the cake batter. The cake’s flavor and texture come from the soaked fruit and almonds.
People also read: Top 10 Hot Springs in Tuscany
11. Pepperpot
Pepperpot is a Caribbean dish, specifically from Guyana. This hearty stew simmers for hours with meats, vegetables, and spices. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cold weather.
Pepperpot’s main ingredient is cassareep, a thick cassava root syrup. Cassareep is essential to this dish because of its unique, slightly sweet taste. Pepperpot is also made with beef, pork, oxtail, and vegetables like yams, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
It takes time to make pepperpot, but it’s worth it. The meats are browned in a large pot before adding the vegetables, spices, and cassareep. The stew is then simmered for several hours to blend the flavors and make the meats tender.
Pepperpot, served with rice or bread, is filling and satisfying. Since it can be made and reheated, it’s perfect for parties. Pepperpot’s flavors improve over time so that leftovers can be enjoyed for several days.
12. Souse
Caribbean countries enjoy souse, a traditional dish made with pickled meat, onions, peppers, and spices perfect as a tasty lunch or snack.
Pickled pork or chicken, boiled until tender, is the main ingredient in souse. It’s marinated in vinegar, lime juice, and seasonings. The meat is then served cold with pickled onions, cucumbers, and peppers.
Souse has a tangy, sour, and spicy taste from the peppers. The cool, refreshing vegetables and spicy meat make a satisfying and flavorful meal on a hot day.
13. Bajan Fish Cakes
Barbados is known for its fish cakes. These small, fried balls of spiced fish and dough are a popular snack or appetizer in the local cuisine.
Fresh fish plus a blend of spices that complement the fish flavor are used to make these great Bajan fish cakes. The most common fish used in the recipe is salt cod, which is soaked in water to remove salt before being flaked and mixed with flour, onions, garlic, and spices like thyme, black pepper, and scallions.
The mixture is made into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a savory, flavorful snack that can be eaten throughout the day.
14. Pelau
Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries love Pelau. It’s a flavorful rice dish made with meat or seafood in one pot. Pelau, with its African, Indian, and European flavors, is an excellent example of the Caribbean’s diverse culture.
Pelau starts with tender, seasoned meat or seafood. Chicken, beef, and goat are common meats used for pelau, while shrimp and fish are seafood options. After removing the meat or seafood from the pot, sauté onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes to flavor the rice.
After the vegetables are cooked, the rice is added and mixed in. Adding coconut milk to the dish makes it creamy and nutty. After simmering, the rice absorbs all the flavors from the meat and vegetables.
Coleslaw, fried plantains, or a green salad are good side dishes to accompany Pelau. Some pelau recipes include beans like pigeon peas or kidney beans for flavor and texture.
Pelau may look like a simple rice dish, but it’s full of bold flavors and textures that satisfy any food lover. It can also be made vegan or vegetarian. Pelau is a Caribbean staple that visitors must try.
15. Grilled Lobster
In the Caribbean and all around the world, grilled lobster is a delicious seafood enjoyed by most tourists. Grilled lobster is one of the best seafood dishes in the Caribbean, especially for Weddings and Christmas.
Grilled lobster is made by cooking fresh lobster over an open flame or on a grill until tender and juicy. Rice, vegetables, and bread are usually served with grilled lobster. In the Caribbean, grilled lobster is served with Plantains and lime juice.
Using fresh, high-quality lobster makes the grilled lobster taste delicious. The lobster should be alive and cooked right away to keep it fresh. Lobster can also be served with garlic butter or spicy pepper sauce after cooking.
16. Johnny Cakes
Johnny cakes are a Caribbean staple also called journey cakes. Flour, salt, and water are mixed to make these flat cakes on a hot grill.
Johnny cakes are great because they’re versatile. They can be served either as a sweet treat with butter and jam or as a side dish with stews, soups, or curries. Some people use them to make sandwiches or replace bread.
Johnny cakes are simple to make. The basic recipe is flour, salt, and water, but some add sugar or baking powder for flavor or fluffiness. After mixing, the dough is rolled into small circles and cooked on a hot grill or skillet.
Johnny cakes are delicious and versatile, perfect as a snack or a hearty meal. Try them and see why they’re one of the most popular Caribbean food.
17. Fried Plantains
In the Caribbean, fried plantains are quite popular. These tasty treats can be eaten either as a snack, side dish, or dessert. Similar to bananas, plantains are starchy but less sweet. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior when cooked.
Fried plantains are made with ripe yellow or black plantains. The riper the plantain, the sweeter it is. Slicing the plantain 1/4 inch thick is the first step. Add plantain slices to hot oil. Fry the plantains on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the plantains from the oil to drain on a paper towel.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cumin can be added to fried plantains for a savory taste. They can also be dipped in honey mustard or spicy aioli. Some people add salt to their fried plantains for a salty-sweet flavor.
18. Tostones
Tostones, fried green plantains, are a popular Caribbean food in Latin America. Slicing green plantains and frying them twice makes them crispy and golden brown. Tostones are usually served with garlic sauce or mayonnaise as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
They are made by choosing the right green plantains. The plantains should be firm and green, not yellow or black. After cutting the plantain lengthwise, the skin is peeled off. After slicing into half-inch rounds, the flesh is fried in hot oil until golden.
The plantain rounds are drained on paper towels after frying. They are then flattened with a tostone or plate until about a quarter inch thick. Tostones are fried again in hot oil after flattening.
Tostones can be topped with guacamole, garlic sauce, or mayonnaise. They can also be served as a side dish with rice and beans or as an appetizer with ceviche or other seafood.
19. Red snapper
Red snapper is a lean fish that is low in calories and protein. It also contains vitamin B12 and selenium, which support blood cell health and the immune system.
Grilling or frying whole red snapper is a popular Caribbean preparation. Garlic, thyme, and scallions give the fish a flavorful and aromatic taste. The fish’s crispy skin adds crunch, while its flaky, moist meat is delicious.
Red snapper is also marinated in lime juice, garlic, and Caribbean spices and grilled in the Caribbean style. This dish is usually served with rice and beans or a fresh salad, making it a light and healthy meal.
20. Ceviche
Ceviche is a popular Latin American dish that has spread worldwide. The Raw fish or shellfish is marinated in citrus juices, usually lime or lemon, to make the seafood salad. Citrus juice cooks the seafood, giving it a distinct taste and texture.
Many ceviche recipes use red snapper, but shrimp, octopus, and scallops can also be used. Red snapper, a mild-tasting white fish with firm flesh, goes well with the ceviche marinade.
Ceviche is made by cutting red snapper into small pieces and marinating it in lime or lemon juice with diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and other seasonings. The fish is marinated for at least 30 minutes to cook and flavor it with acid.
Ceviche is a light lunch or appetizer that’s perfect for warm weather. In many countries, ceviche is served with corn chips or crackers to scoop up the marinated fish.
Conclusion: Best Caribbean Food
In conclusion, the Caribbean has a variety of flavors and dishes to satisfy any foodie. Caribbean food has something for everyone, from spicy jerk chicken to savory goat curry and sweet black cake.
The Caribbean’s spices and flavors will stay with you whether you eat street food or at a fancy restaurant. So next time you’re in the mood for some flavorful and unique cuisine, try the best Caribbean food you lay your hands on and discover a new world of delicious flavors.
Fortune