Not -To-Miss Foods In The Caribbean

The Caribbean is well known for its sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, but did you know about the tasty cuisine? It should come as no surprise that in the Caribbean the food is colorful and the flavorful ingredients from the islands make for amazing dishes.

If you’ve been to the Caribbean or are planning your first trip there, have a look at this small selection of classic regional meals. Hopefully they will inspire you to try them when you’re visiting next or even better you might want to try some of these dishes at home to recreate that vacation feeling.

Cuban Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja originated in the Canary Islands (Spain) and arrived in Cuba through the Canarian immigrants. While the original version contained leftovers, later it became a shredded meat dish in sauce. Usually the Cuban dish consists of shredded beef, marinated with peppers and onions, but there are other variations of this famous delicacy. It is a favorite dish of most Cubans and is considered the country’s national dish.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jerk is a Jamaican style of cooking where meat marinates with a hot spice mixture. Jerk seasoning is applied to pork and chicken, but these days can be applied to fish, beef and even sausage. The two main ingredients of the jerk seasoning are allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, an extremely hot type of pepper used throughout the Caribbean.

Roasted Breadfruit and Fried Jackfish

Breadfruit has its name derived from the texture of the cooked fruit, which has a flavor similar to freshly baked bread. Breadfruit is used to make sweet and savory dishes, but can also be made into flour, making it a great option for people on the lookout for gluten free options. Roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish is the national dish of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Coconut Water

This may not be a full dish, but there is nothing more refreshing or emblematic of the tropics than fresh coconut water. Not only is it hydrating, it is also fat free. And let’s face it; there is nothing more relaxing than having a drink right out of a coconut, now is there?

Tikin Xic

Tikin Xic is a Mexican dish that means ‘dry fish’. This is a personal favorite that I learned how to prepare during a cooking class in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The ingredients are black grouper, red onion, tomato, green tomato, bell peppers, epazote and Mexican rice. First the vegetables are cut and the fish is marinated. Then the vegetables and fish are wrapped in banana leaves to seal in all the moisture and flavors. Next the parcel of banana leaves is cooked on a wooden fire in the ground until ready. Trust me, you will love this delicious dish.

What are some other foods you’ve tried in the Caribbean?

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