The Bahamas
Seemingly a stone ’ s-throw from the Florida coast , the Bahamas are lush with unblemished beaches and tropical oases . The can ’ t-miss dish ? Conch , in whatever iteration you prefer . Conch salad is a light and refreshing ceviche , while conch fritters are a savory delicacy perfect for treating yourself .
Barbados
The gastronomic soul of the island is the flying fish — Barbados refers to itself as the “ Land of the Flying Fish .” The winged denizen of the sea is steamed and served with cou cou , a cornmealand-okra dish similar to polenta or grits . Finally , it ’ s topped with a buttery sauce comprising tomatoes , onions , lime juice and a medley of herbs .
Jamaica
Here , picturesque shores give way to sprawling rainforests dotted with magic waterfalls and coating mystical mountainsides . For much of that mountain range , the legendary Blue Mountain coffee is grown — an exceedingly smooth cup of joe that pairs well with banana fritters ( a sweet treat ) or the native fruit ackee and saltfish ( dried and salted cod paired with the ackee ) to create a complete breakfast .
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican food is the stuff of daydreams ; pernil is a hearty island staple . As the Boricua take on lechon ( or , Latin American-style roast pork ), pernil is a whole suckling pig , roasted skin-on with a heavy coating of marinade known as mojo ( minced garlic , oregano , oil , adobo seasoning and sazón ). The end result ? A decadent delight , whether as a stand-alone dish or an ingredient .
Saint Kitts and Nevis The pair of Saint Kitts & Nevis is a gem of a hidden paradise ; two tear-drops of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea . Clouds shroud its mountains , green vervet monkeys weave through its rainforests , and lobster … why , the surrounding ocean is simply rich with lobster . Its abundance in the sea is matched by its abundance on menus . Grilled lobster is a local favorite served in eateries coast to coast .
Saint Martin // Sint Maarten
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten are two sides of the same island — specifically , there ’ s the side that was colonized by the French ( Martin ) and the side that was colonized by the Dutch ( Maarten ). Spread across the isle are shared specialties : callaloo , johnnycakes and spareribs are top of mind . If there ’ s one thing you can ’ t miss , it ’ s guavaberry rum . The locally grown guavaberry plant imparts a woody , fruity , spicy , bittersweet flavor to the liquor that is wholly unique .
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a pair of islands comprising the southernmost country in the Caribbean — they ’ re spitting distance from Venezuela . With African , Indian and South American influences converging here , the streets ring out in calypso and spice mingles with the sea breeze . Street food is king : Doubles — a sandwich of chickpeas , coconut chutney and grated cucumber or kuchela smothered in sauces between two pieces of fried bread — is the most popular foodstuff . Pair it with chow — chopped mango or pineapple , smothered in black pepper , garlic , chadon-beni and lime juice — to relish the full flavors of the island while you ’ re on the go exploring it .
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