Joanna James
A scintillating bucket-list destination that holds your senses exquisitely captive from touchdown, the Caribbean Islands have a vibrant variety of experiences to immerse in, which include its colourfully delectable culture-rich cuisine. Here are some local delicacies you can’t miss!
A heart-stirring land of crystal aquamarine cascades, cinematic Blue Mountain hikes, ocean swims with horses, and adrenaline-high crocodile safaris, Jamaica’s uniquely vibrant dishes are just as tropically warming and satisfyingly eye-catching. From golden brown saltfish fritters dipped in peppery chilli sauce and sweetly salty ackee and codfish curry garnished with spices to silky sweet potato pone with its silky-custard consistency and ‘sugar cake’ with its hot pink and white layers, Jamaica presents an array of complexly woven flavours to serenade your tastebuds. However, you can’t leave this Caribbean region without sampling its smoky, spice-dusted jerk chicken, its crispy outside encasing melt-in-the-mouth succulent flesh.
The Dominican Republic is full of wild adventures and heritage elegance, whether it's roaming colonial cities, plunging into jewel-toned limestone rock pools, marvelling at Larimar gem mines, or tiptoeing in stunning open water caves. Its close-knit community vibes necessitate dining together outdoors in arresting seascape settings, and one of its most iconic dishes is stomach-warming Sancocho; a tropical vegetable and meat stew that will have you fantasising about the next bowl as soon as you’re done!
If you find yourself in Trinidad or Tobago, picturesque havens for thrill-seekers of every calibre with their mysterious swamps, sand-swirled turquoise waters, wildlife-rich sanctuaries, charming old-world towns, and turtle-watching expeditions, don’t feel shy to try every dish it has to offer! However, if you crave something light, nutritious, and oh-so-tasty, you can’t go wrong with its Creole-style crab concoction accompanied by leafy callaloo garnished with scallions and spices. For the best inter-Caribbean flights, venture no further than the likes of InterCaribbean Airways.
From galloping beside the Atlantic and hunting for secret beaches to swimming with sea turtles and exploring wildly windswept caves, Barbados has something to charm every wanderlust-chaser, and its enticing cuisine is no exception! Whether it is Bajan conkies, a sweet potato, pumpkin, and cornmeal-based sweet treat, incredibly delectable guava cheese, swoon-worthy macaroni pie, or cinnamon-and-sugar dusted baked plantains, this stunning island will sweep you away with its creative concoctions. However, for an unforgettably authentic local favourite, try its flaky, tender grilled flying fish slathered in flavoursome Creole sauce. It’s paired with hearty cornmeal cou cou, infused with notes of breadfruit, okra, and plantains that will get you weak in the knees.
If you’re hyped to visit Antigua and Barbuda, with their famed national parks featuring otherworldly limestone ocean architecture, cinematic 4WD tours combining nature and heritage marvels, and transparent waters graced with stingray colonies, don’t forget to indulge your tastebuds with as many regional delicacies as possible! While you’ll get to savour the likes of subtly delicious sweet potato ducana, piquant conch chowder, and snackable tamarind balls, the decadent heartiness of spicy pepperpot stew with its tender meats and vegetables, served with okra-based fungee tasting like polenta, is unbeatable.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
