Top 10 Foods To Try in the Caribbean

Caribbean Food

By CoolestCarib.com.

A Caribbean Beach

Are you planning to visit the Caribbean? Well, you are in for a treat – literary! The group of islands that we call the Caribbean has an abundance of mesmerizing beaches, cities, cultures, and people and an abundance of treats to try. Some of them are pretty popular, and some will surprise you. Each island in the Caribbean has its specialty that you have to try – and that will be our topic of the day. We will share the top 10 foods to try in the Caribbean the next time you visit.

1. Jerk Chicken – Jamaica 

Ex-pats love Jamaica. Some are here for those must-see beaches in Jamaica, and some are here for the food. And, when it comes to food, one dish can be tasted everywhere – jerk chicken. It is a national dish in Jamaica, and, thus, it is one of those foods to try in the Caribbean. Jerk chicken is marinated in a mixture of spicy and sweet ingredients that will melt in your mouth. It is often served with rice and peas and, of course, beer.

Jerk chicken on the grill
When in the Caribbean – eat what locals eat.

2. Coucou and Flying Fish – Barbados 

Did you know that Barbados is often called the Land of Flying Fish? That is because of their same-named national dish – Coucou and flying fish. This fish is caught in the warm waters around the island, and it has a unique flavor. Most ex-pats swear that this fish tastes like nothing they have eaten before. So, if you ever find yourself in Barbados, be sure to try it. You can find it everywhere – cooks serve it on the beach, in markets, and in restaurants. There are two types of preparations – steaming and frying- and with both, you get the same side dish which consists of polenta-like cornmeal and various vegetables.

3. Fungee and Pepperpot – Antigua and Barbuda

The country of Antigua and Barbuda has become very popular not only among tourists but also among newcomers who decided to make this place home. Antigua and Aruba have many great things to offer – beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, friendly people, and a laid-back lifestyle.

So, if you too decide to move here, a great way to adapt is to try the local specialty. Thus, as soon as your international movers unload your belongings and you settle in, ask the locals where to try the best fungee and pepperpot – a type of bread, similar to polenta in texture, served with a rich stew of vegetables.

4. Crab & Callaloo – Trinidad & Tobago

This country which consists of two islands, is where you can try the best creole cuisine. Don’t miss out on the crab and callaloo dish if you find yourself here! It is one of those foods to try in the Caribbean as soon as you arrive. Locals make this dish by cooking the crab meat into a sauce called callaloo. This sauce is made of leafy green vegetables, lime, and plenty of spices. 

5. Mofongo – Puerto Rico

All people who have been to Puerto Rico claim that what they love the most about the island is the taste and smell of Mofongo. The recipe for Mofongo usually goes like this: green plantains that are mashed and seasoned with garlic, and then the pork rinds are added. You can eat it both as a side and main dish, and you can eat it any time you want. Locals usually have it for lunch. Moreover, for locals, Mofongo is more than a dish – it is a part of their history that they like to remember when they all gather over a meal. A restaurant in Puerto Rico well known for their Mofongos is Cafe Berlin in Old San Juan.

A Puerto Rican man.
Locals will be more than happy to advise you where to buy the best Mofongo.

6. La Bandera – Dominican Republic 

Dominicans claim they have the best version of Mofongo, but that is still not their national dish. So, if you want to try something really Dominican – try La Bandera. It is a ‘working-class’ type of lunch, but be sure that everyone here loves it. It consists of rice, beans, meat, and a seasoned salad. 

7. Conch Fritters – Bahamas

There are many reasons to visit the Bahamas – the best scenery, relaxation, and adventure. But another great reason to visit this mesmerizing place is its food. Of course, you can try all sorts of foods here and cuisines from all over the world because some of the best chefs ever are right here. But, it would be a shame to come to the Bahamas and not try their national dish – Conch Fritters. Conch is a type of a snail placed in a batter made of flour, coconut milk, onions, papers, celery, and various spices and then deep-fried.

8. Creole Bread – St. Lucia 

Creole Bread is a local treat that you can find in all family-owned bakeries across the romantic island of St. Lucia. This bread looks similar to a baguette, but its taste is quite different. Locals mix it with certain spices (sometimes even with coconut milk) and then bake it in a wood-fired oven. It is best to get this bread while still steaming and eat it while watching the St. Lucia’s sunset.

A woman sitting in a deck chair and watching the Caribbean sunset
Eating while watching the Caribbean sunset should be a thing on your bucket list.

9. Goat Water – Montserrat

Don’t let the name of this dish fool you. Goat Water is not a drink! It is a dish made of goat meat sprinkled with spices and herbs and then served with papaya and rice or bread. This dish is a staple on Montserrat Island, and it is often made during family celebrations or as a comfort meal.

10. Stewed Salt Fish with Dumplings – St Kitts & Nevis

The last of the exciting foods to try in the Caribbean on our list is salt fish and dumplings. Salt fish is stewed in an abundance of water and coconut milk, and then different vegetables and spices are added as a seasoning. Once everything is cooked, spicy dumplings, plantains, and breadfruit are added. This dish, too, is one of those things you can try in family restaurants. Make sure to give it a try – you will remember its taste forever.

More Caribbean info go to CoolestCarib.com

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Puerto Rican Favorite Recipe – Try My Upside Down Stuffed Chicken Mofongo!

By CoolestCarib.com

When you are from the Caribbean and especially from Puerto Rica, you will soon miss a stuffed mofongo.

It’s one of the most satisfying comfort street foods you will ever find.

Besides Puerto Rican grown, freshly brewed coffee, I miss a good stuffed mofongo the most when I’m not at home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

You can buy a stuffed mofongo on nearly any street corner in Old San Juan, whether you want a pork, beef, chicken, sea food or vegetarian version is up to you. All are equally tasty.

The classic stuffed mofongo is made with plantains and pork. However, since I’m missing my home in Puerto Rico now, it means I’m not there and couldn’t readily find plantains. Therefore I’m substituting it with nice organic Idaho potatoes. In fact, in Puerto Rico I’ve often had the option to get a potato or plantain stuffed mofongo, no worries.

Do note, the recipe is the same whether you use plantains or potatoes, there is just a bit of a difference in how you cook plantains.

*A note on potatoes, since they are one of the most laden-with-pesticides or GMO forms of food in the USA and the world, I choose organic potatoes whenever I can.

This recipe is for potatoes, how I made it, but you can also see the original recipe I followed here. Also, I made the mofongo upside down because that’s how I got to know it in Puerto Rico. For me, the filling part is supposed to be served inside a bowl that is made of potatoes or plantain. In other words, an edible bowl.

Lastly, I didn’t use pork cracklings because I don’t eat pork, but you can find it in the original recipe.

Here goes my version, prepare to have your taste buds dance the salsa! That is, the Puerto Rican salsa, of course!

Ingredients

  1. Lots of whole garlic cloves
  2. 2 onions
  3. 4.0 Large diced chicken breasts
  4. 1.0 Packet Sazón 
  5. Adobo seasoning or any of your favourite seasoning
  6. Chicken broth
  7. Organic potatoes
  8. Oil 
  9. Nonstick cooking spray

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