Known to some as a “foodie heaven” and to others as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are home to some of the most internationally-acclaimed dining spots in the region. Award-winning chefs – including more than a few celebrities – descend for the annual Cayman Cookout to give demonstrations, prepare tastings, and interact with diners. For those who like their food festivals equally barefoot yet without the luxury, the annual Taste of Cayman highlights Caymanian cuisine from classic conch chowder through farm-and-sea-to-table dining.
It isn’t just about festivals and glitzy restaurants, though. Scotch bonnet peppers dress up the day’s fish, snapper sits in luscious coconut milk, breadfruit and callaloo provide tropical starch and veg, and then there’s lionfish. This invasive pest is culled from the reef and practically melts on the tongue. Our personal favourite is a drink best served with a spoon -the mudslide, a Cayman original.
Barbados is considered the culinary capital of the Caribbean for a good reason reflecting the mix of cultures and influences that this beautiful idyllic island has experienced.
The result is a wide and diverse gastronomic scene full of flavours and influences that you can enjoy either in classy restaurants or casual food stalls before heading to the beach!
Flying fish is Barbados’s national dish and an icon of the island itself! This mouth-watering local delicacy is the Caribbean version of fish and chips, and you just can’t miss it.
Mexico is a feast for the senses: synonymous with mouth watering food. The three main influences on Mexican cuisine are: the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Spanish. The climate also means that there are many foods grown there (such as the avocados in guacamole) and fresh fruit that just taste so much better in Mexico.Take a food tour in Mexico City enjoying tacos and tostadas at local markets or visiting world acclaimed restaurants and Oaxaca sampling mole sauce ( made from fruits, nuts, chili peppers, and spices) and mezcal (like tequila but smokey)
Some of our fondest memories are enjoying some fresh fish ceviche on the coast watching the waves lapping on the beach. We love to start the day with chilaquiles for breakfast (fried corn tortillas, with eggs, sauce and cheese) and to snack on elote (corn on the cob with cream, cheese and chilli). For drinks why not elevate your cerveza to a michelada (with added lime, sauces and spices) or margarita to a mezcalita (which brings that smokey flavour!) Mexicans really do know how to create mouth watering dishes and it’s no surprise that they are now enjoyed all over the world – but there really is nothing as tasty as the real deal!
Islands like Saint Lucia are a great choice for travellers who want something a little different on their dinner plate, and it all starts with an immense love for local cuisine filtered down by the locals, to visitors on the island.
While in Saint Lucia, look out for items like green figs and saltfish, bouyon, cow heel soup, curried meats, grilled fish, lobster, or Pepperpot. A popular Caribbean dish, and one taste can lead to you wanting to figure out just how to make it yourself. The fish is fantastically fresh and locally caught. Visit the Castries market, quench your thirst naturally with coconut water or a Piton beer.
Or what about a Chocolate Tour from bean to bar and receive hands-on training from one of the experienced chocolatiers to create your own chocolate.