Top 5: Caribbean Islands for Foodies

It may be swimsuit season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on some awesome food while in the Caribbean. Here are the islands to hit for tried-and-true foodie experiences.

Jamaica

While you might think of Jamaican food and instantly think “jerk,” don’t stop just there. The island also has an awesome coffee culture. You’ll want to head inland to explore the mountainous coffee plantations, where history and heritage combine for a delicious brew.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago boasts a rich culinary history, where you’ll uncover loads of local specialties you can’t find elsewhere, from curried crab and dumplings to macaroni pie. If you stay on the beach long enough, you’re sure to run into a vendor selling “bake and shark,” a street food that’s fried flatbread stuffed with fried shark meat and topped with sauces of your choice.

Anguilla

Called the Caribbean’s culinary capital, Anguilla has a lot of restaurants for one small island: more than 100, and many featuring up-and-coming chefs. The culinary heritage traces its roots to Africa and several European countries.

Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos gets its claim to culinary fame from one primary dish: conch. You can find it cooked in just about any form, so if you don’t like fried conch, try it in chowder or salad. There’s no end to the ways you can enjoy your conch for dinner.

Puerto Rico

Just about every traveler that sets foot in Puerto Rico goes on to rave about its cuisine. The hearty, comfort food the island cooks best (expect an abundance of gumbo, rice and beans) is served in heaping portions, alongside the local beer and coffee.