The islands of the Caribbean are a traveler’s paradise to the southeast of the United States, and they have also made a huge contribution to the culture, and especially food, of America. Gumbo and other Creole dishes are a sheer delight to eat, and they are perfect examples of Caribbean cuisine, which has become a staple on the American mainland. We often think of the Caribbean as one unified mass but, in fact, each island has its own traditions and customs. That’s why if you want to get the real flavor of the Caribbean, you should try these regional delicacies.
Fungee And Pepperpot
Fungee and pepperpot is the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda, a Caribbean nation with a rich history. It was once home to Lord Nelson’s dockyard but is now particularly renowned for its delicious dishes. Fungee and pepperpot aren’t what you might think: in fact, fungee is a spice paste made of cornmeal and okra, which is then mixed with the pepperpot of beef, pork, and vegetables, and boiled into a soup-like consistency. It looks, smells, and tastes delightful, and shows exactly what the best Caribbean cuisine is all about.
Porc-Colombo
Guadeloupe is part of the Lesser Antilles group of islands to the south of Antigua and Barbuda, but it has a very distinctive feel. It’s an island that has a Gallic tinge to it. In fact, it remains a French Overseas Department, making it officially part of the European Union. Guadeloupe is famed for the friendly welcome it gives to tourists, its stunning and varied national park, and for having possibly the Caribbean’s best dish, porc-colombo. The central ingredient, unsurprisingly, is pork. Cut into cubes, it’s boiled with eggplant, zucchini, onions, chilis, and garlic before the special ingredient is added: the aromatic and richly flavored colombo powder. This is a fiery dish, but one with a delightful and complex aftertaste as well. For more information about Guadeloupe, check out Caribbeans Best.
Goat Water
If you are lucky enough to be on the paradise isle of Montserrat, you will almost certainly be offered goat water. Don’t balk at this offer because what you’ll be served is something stunning that your taste buds will always remember fondly. It’s not watery at all, but a thick stew with tenderly cooked goat meat at its heart, which is typically served with freshly baked bread and white rice. The south of Montserrat is still recovering from the devastating volcanic eruption of 1995, and an exclusion zone remains in place there. The north is incredibly beautiful, however, and visiting tourists are helping to repair its economy as well as helping themselves to glorious goat water.
The Caribbean is as diverse as it is exciting, but they share many things in common: golden beaches, blue waters and an idyllic climate; a love of music and dancing; and above all a love of perfectly spiced food. You certainly won’t regret visiting the area or trying fungee and pepperpot, porc-colombo or goat water. These three dishes are representative of the real flavor of the Caribbean and are popular with locals and visitors alike. Remember, great traveling needs great food.
Still want a taste of the Caribbean but don’t want to leave the United States? Why not try your luck at an exciting Miami bar offering up the flavors of the Caribbean? While Miami is not technically in the Caribbean (it is considered the north border, but not part of it, geographically speaking), it does get much of its influence from the region. Don’t believe us? Check out any Cuban restaurant and order some Empanadas and a mojito then come tell us about real Caribbean food.