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The delicious tastes of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines don’t just stay in restaurants; they’re part of everyday life. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that this destination is such a popular one when it comes to experiencing authentic local food, drinks and culture and deep diving into history and tradition.
If you decide to embark on a culinary journey in Saint Vincent, you’ll find that abundance is at the heart of it all. The exotic flavors showcase Caribbean, African, and indigenous influences that are impossible to ignore. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, which we’ll delve into in this post, mostly relating to what you can expect from some of the food and drink favorites on local menus. Read on as we indulge (at least virtually) in some of the most scrumptious food and delicious drinks and desserts you can enjoy during your Saint Vincent vacation!
Picture: Sandals Saint Vincent can be just the right home base for a vacation centered around food and fun!
Traditional Saint Vincent cuisine
One of the best ways to get to know a destination is by taking a deep dive into its food and other cultural traditions. And when it comes to food, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a lot to offer. The origins of the various local dishes and the preparation methods used over the years are firmly rooted in the history of this destination and this is something you’ll understand best by experiencing it for yourself.
Traditional Saint Vincent cuisine has African, Caribbean, and indigenous Arawak influences. The colonial history of this island played a role in shaping the cuisine in some ways as well. These and other factors have resulted in a melting pot of flavors and cooking styles that come together in a memorable way.
Picture: Buccan restaurant at Sandals Saint Vincent offers family-style dining and a chance to experience the unique flavors of Saint Vincent. Read our post on the best restaurants at Sandals Saint Vincent to learn more!
While exploring Saint Vincent's food, it’ll be hard not to notice the fresh, bold island flavors. These are completely intentional and can vary based on the dish. Vincentians and Caribbean people overall take seasoning seriously, and thus a range of blends including local spices are used. Dishes can be both simple and more complicated, and the intricacy of it all is something to marvel at. Some of the local favorites you might want to try during your island getaway include callaloo soup, salt fish buljol, and pelau — any one of these dishes can be the perfect introduction to SVG’s culinary scene. We’ll list some more of our favorites below:
Roasted breadfruit and jackfish
Roasted breadfruit and jackfruit are probably one of the first things you’ll want to try once you get to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Depending on the day, you may be able to find this dish at some of the local eateries and marketplaces, beachside restaurants and at select resorts in SVG. You may also see it featured at some local events and festivals.
Though this dish is incredibly popular, it can be hard to predict just what to expect once introduced to this island delicacy. We’ll share some insight – this dish has African and Caribbean influences so (not surprisingly) the flavors really pop. It’s also as creative as it is tasty, and the use of traditional spices and other seasonings adds to its unique flavor. A true island classic, the preparation of roasted breadfruit and jackfish involves roasting slices of breadfruit until they’re crispy on the outside. Jackfish, a kind of fish that is salted and dried, is often served with the roasted breadfruit. Most of the time, you can find roasted breadfruit and jackfish being presented as a main course. It is hearty and best enjoyed warm.
Good to know: Feeling for something light and flavorful? Head to Imoro restaurant at the all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent. This restaurant is a fantastic option for healthy and delicious green bowls that can be customized to suit your taste.
Salt fish buljol
If you’ve never tried salt fish before then salt fish buljol can be a yummy introduction. This is a savory dish that is made with salted codfish, otherwise known as salt fish. The salt fish is first soaked to get rid of some of the salt, skinned and shredded, then sautéed with olive oil, garlic, onions, thyme, tomatoes, bell peppers, and various other seasonings. Sometimes hot peppers are used as well. Lime (or lemon) and black pepper add to the taste profile of this dish as well.
Salt fish buljol has African and European influences and it can be served either cold or at room temperature. This meal is most often served at breakfast time. It’s a brunch favorite as well and sometimes it is featured as a side dish for lunch or dinner. For a casual bite, you can enjoy salt fish buljol with bread, crackers, or fried plantains.
Good to know: Some recipes for salt fish buljol include ingredients like capers, olives, or chopped cucumbers which can add some interesting flavors.
Callaloo soup
Dasheen leaves, also known as taro leaves, are essential when it comes to making the Vincentian favorite, callaloo soup. Hearty, healthy and delicious, this is a rich and nutritious soup that is often served as a main course. Callaloo soup has been enjoyed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for many years and has root influences from African and the wider Caribbean.
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In terms of the ingredients, callaloo soup often includes coconut milk, okra, pumpkin, spinach and other vegetables, herbs, and spices. Sometimes this soup is made with crab, shrimp, salted meat, or fish. The great thing about callaloo soup is that it really can help you to appreciate the fresh local ingredients of SVG. With every bite, you’ll also get to embark on a culinary journey that is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the islands. A true comfort food, callaloo soup is best enjoyed hot alongside some local bread or dumplings.
Pelau
Pelau is a favorite of many islands of the Caribbean including Saint Vincent. This is a one-pot wonder that features several ingredients that you’d ordinarily enjoy separately. With pelau, these ingredients are cooked together in the same pot to achieve the desired result. Pelau is made with ingredients like chicken, beef or pork cooked with rice, pigeon peas, vegetables, coconut milk, and other herbs spices, and seasonings.
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When it comes to the taste, let’s put it simply: encountering a perfectly made pelau might just have you craving it repeatedly throughout your entire vacation. This dish has African and Caribbean influences, and it is quite filing. While in Saint Vincent, it can be worthwhile to find the best spots to enjoy some hot and delicious pelau. Many of the local restaurants in Kingstown (capital) serve pelau and other island favorites.
Fish blaff
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Fish blaff can be a great introduction to the vibrant world of St. Vincent cuisine. Much like most of the cuisine on this island, this fish stew has strong African and Caribbean influences. When made well, this dish is truly scrumptious. Some of the ingredients used in fish bluff include onions, garlic, lime, seasoning peppers, hot peppers and various herbs and spices.
The most enjoyable part of a good bowl of fish blaff is probably the gravy. Serving this dish with ducana or breadfruit is a great way to indulge and appreciate the flavors of this stew that come together in the most wonderful way. Fish blaff is often served at lunch or dinnertime but it can be enjoyed at any time of day. Eat it while it’s warm for the best taste!
Pig’s feet souse
Pig’s feet souse is a popular Caribbean dish that is enjoyed in several islands including Saint Vincent. This local favorite is made with pickled pig’s feet that are seasoned with onions, scotch bonnet peppers (or regular seasoning peppers), vinegar, salt, garlic, black pepper, thyme, other spices. Lime or lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are also incorporated in this recipe. This dish has Caribbean influences, and it is usually served cold either as an appetizer or a snack. Pig’s feet souse has a tangy and spicy flavor and it is often featured at festive occasions and special gatherings. Sometimes you can find this dish at local restaurants in select areas in SVG, including Kingstown.
Insider Tip: There are lots of amazing things to do in Saint Vincent that can add to your food-filled vacation. From scuba diving and snorkeling to rekindling the flame of love at adults-only resorts like Sandals all-inclusive resorts, you’re bound to have a super memorable vacation on this island!
Saint Vincent desserts and side dishes
Picture: Dessert cravings lead straight to Blum cafe at the Sandals Saint Vincent all-inclusive resort for delicious island-inspired treats!
Saint Vincent not only boasts some unique and mouthwatering main course items but also offers amazing side dishes and delectable desserts. You can kick start your explorations on this island by taste testing sides like fried breadfruit and madongo dumplings -- these can be the perfect accompaniment to some of the popular main course items. These and other flavorful options make it possible to enjoy a taste of Vincy in every bite.
Still on the quest to savor the traditional, you can explore some of the best island deserts while in SVG. Ending your meal with any one of this island’s desserts can really seal the deal when it comes to having the ultimate Vincentian culinary experience. Desserts in this destination range from sweet to savory and they offer a noticeable contrast between the main course items.
There are many options of desserts on this island. Most are made with local ingredients and some with unexpected ingredients that yield unexpected yet impressive results. While in SVG, look out for dessert items like black cake, banana fritters and even ducana, which we’ll share more about below.
Ducana
Sweet and starchy, ducana is a traditional dessert made in Saint Vincent. Ingredients like grated sweet potato and coconut as well as brown sugar and spices bring the flavors together. To make ducana, all the ingredients are mixed together until the texture becomes soft and cakelike. Sometimes flour is also included in the preparation of this dessert. Once the initial stages of preparation are complete, the ducana is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or steamed.
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Ducana has both African and Caribbean influences. Some describe this dessert as a dense dumpling and its sweetness sets it apart. If you decide to make ducana yourself, don’t forget to add cinnamon and nutmeg as these really make the flavors shine through. Also, you’ll need to clean and trim the banana leaves before use. Ducana can make for a wonderful island-inspired side dish and it is sometimes served with salt fish or meat. Ducana is best enjoyed warm. It is typically served during festive occasions and celebrations.
Madongo dumplings / Arrowroot dumplings
Manongo dumplings have a Caribbean influence, and they are loved by both locals and visitors to Saint Vincent. The preparation of these dumplings usually involves frying or boiling. The preparation process for these is similar to the basic Caribbean version of dumplings, with slight variations. The main difference is in the ingredient listing which includes arrowroot, flour, water, salt, and occasionally sugar and spices. Also, you'll need to stretch the dough out just like you would with fried bakes.
Manongo dumplings are relatively easy to make. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack. The great thing about these dumplings is that they can be adapted to individual preferences, whether that be sweet or savory. These dumplings can be served with a wide range of dishes including soup or stew, fish, with gravy for a snack or quick meal, or with jam or syrup, coconut sauce, or even with a scoop of ice cream!
Banana fritters
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Banana fritters are a popular choice if you want a quick bite that’s completely island inspired. This dish includes the use of ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and spices. All the ingredients are mixed and then fried until golden brown. Banana fritters can make for a great snack or side dish, and they are usually served hot.
Fried breadfruit
Breadfruit is classified as a ground provision in the Caribbean. Not many people know that it’s actually a fruit as it has a very starchy texture. There are lots of ways to make breadfruit and each method can result in a delicious outcome. It is possible to roast the breadfruit, bake it, boil it, or fry it, and the latter is one of the most popular options.
In terms of the taste, breadfruit has a very subtle sweetness. For the fried breadfruit dish the main ingredient, which is the breadfruit, is sliced and then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside. It is important not to overcook the breadfruit for the center to remain tender and delicious. Breadfruit can either be ripe or green for this recipe. The only ingredients necessary for this dish are vegetable oil, seasonings and spices. Fried breadfruit can be served as a side dish or snack and can also be served with dipping sauces for added flavor. Most traditional breadfruit recipes that you will come across in Saint Vincent are Caribbean-inspired.
Black cake
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The name black cake can be vague when you hear it for the first time, but the taste certainly isn’t. This is a rich and delicious cake that is made with fruits infused with rum for the ultimate flavor impact. Dark and irresistible, this special fruit cake is most often served on special occasions and holidays. Although it is possible to make special orders for black cake year-round, you’re most likely to see this cake if you visit Saint Vincent around Christmastime.
There is a lot of work that goes into making black cake including soaking fruits ahead of time to infuse them with flavor. Fruits for this recipe can be soaked for weeks or months ahead of making the cake. Black cake is often featured at weddings. This cake is a huge part of Caribbean tradition, and it is best served as a dessert.
Good to know: If you want to try breadfruit, you might want to attend the Breadfruit Festival in Saint Vincent. This food-focused event showcases different ways to prepare meals using breadfruit. During Heritage Month held annually in March, you can also find some authentic dishes on offer.
Saint Vincent drinks and cocktails
Picture: Cocktails from the Three Jewels Bar at Sandals Saint Vincent.
Saint Vincent's vibrant food scene is perfectly complemented by a range of refreshing and flavorful drinks and cocktails. The drinks and cocktails of this island are just as captivating, if not more so, than the food. Many of the local drinks and cocktails in SVG enhance the taste of the various meal options. There are also many wonderful options that can be enjoyed as a standalone.
When exploring the drinks and cocktails in Saint Vincent you might want to start with simple options like rum punch or a local beer. You can work your way up to experiencing some of the island's locally produced rum, like Rum Sunset. This and other drinks available on this island really showcase the history, culture, and the vibrancy of the food and culinary scene on this island.
As vibrant, unique and delicious as the various drink and cocktail options on this island tend to be, we had a hard time coming up with just a few favorites. Somehow, we managed to narrow it down and these are some of the ones you can look forward to trying on your next vacation!
Rum punch
Rum punch is a Caribbean classic that won't be hard to find while in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. There are many ways to prepare this drink but the basic combination of local rum, fruit juices and a hint of spices always seems to do the trick. This drink can be a great addition to any vacation, and it is often offered as a welcome drink at some resorts or just as a refreshing option to enjoy while exploring the best beaches in Saint Vincent.
Sweet and tropical, a well-made glass of rum punch in Saint Vincent can be addictive. The most common fruit juices used in rum punches on this island include pineapple juice, orange juice and lime juice. Other ingredients include sugar or syrup (sweeten to taste), a dash of Angostura bitters (optional), nutmeg (grated or ground) and slices of tropical fruits like pineapple, orange, or lime for garnish. This cocktail is best served chilled, so throw in some ice cubes for the best result!
Expert Tip: To make a Saint Vincent style rum punch, combine rum, fruit juice, sugar or syrup, a dash of bitters and a pinch of nutmeg in a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Shake or stir well. Fill your preferred glass with ice cubes. Pour the mixture into your glass over ice. Garnish your cocktail with fruit slices or a lime wedge, and you’re done!
Hairoun beer
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Hairoun beer made our list of best Caribbean beers as it is one of the most refreshing beer options to reach for while in the Caribbean. This beer is the national beer of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Smooth and light, it is not at all hard to find this beer while in SVG; you can get it at most local supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and resorts. Hairoun beer is worth trying if you want to taste an authentic local beer. It is best served chilled and can be paired with most meals, preferably beachside.
Good to know: The amazing food and breathtaking beaches and landscapes go hand in hand in Saint Vincent. To love one is to love the other and you’ll certainly be able to indulge in the best of it all from the best all-inclusive resorts in Saint Vincent!
The best festivals to try Saint Vincent food and drinks
In Saint Vincent, the best food explorations tend to happen during cultural events and on special occasions. These events often feature vendors offering traditional Vincentian dishes and street food, making it a great opportunity for culinary exploration.
There are quite a few annual festivals that showcase the island's flavors including Vincy Mas (carnival). At this and other local festivities, you're likely to find the best versions of local dishes and a variety of drinks to sample. For most events, vendors will set up booths or stalls from which patrons can purchase food and drinks. Each vendor will typically have a different menu and offerings, but these tend to center around a similar theme. What may vary is the taste of these dishes, so you’ll need to have a keen sense of smell or some invaluable local tips to guide you in the right direction.
Good to know: In addition to the various cultural events in Saint Vincent, you can indulge in some of the finest Saint Vincent cuisine at select restaurants, bars, roadside shops, and all-inclusive resorts on the island.
Vincy Mas
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Vincy Mas ranks high on the list of Caribbean festivals. Taking place from late June to early July, this event offers lots to do for carnival enthusiasts including sampling the best island cuisine. As the young and the young at heart parade through the streets of the city in colorful costumes or sit on the sidelines to watch, there will be plenty of opportunities in between to stop by the street vendors to try some of the local dishes and street food.
While attending Vincy Mas, the festive atmosphere and catchy island beats will certainly beckon you to explore more and overall indulge in the freedom and lightheartedness of the moment. Held annually, Vincy Mas is one of those local events that will give you a glimpse of local culture and cuisine in the islands.
Good to know: Saint Vincent has some of the best Soca musicians which certainly adds to a vacation on this island that is centered around carnival or overall just entertainment.
Independence Day
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Independence Day on most islands is a time to celebrate all things local. This means that at this time of year, you can expect that Saint Vincent’s cuisine, among other things that bring pride to this nation, will be brought to the forefront. Independence Day in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines takes place on October 27th annually. This marks the day that the country officially became free from the rule of the United Kingdom.
There are quite a few significant traditions that go along with Independence Day in Saint Vincent, and this includes the hosting of cultural exhibitions, events, and other celebrations. This day is a national holiday, and many locals and visitors partake in the festivities. At most events happening on and around this day you’ll find all sorts of local cuisine being featured. For this reason, this can be a great time to try traditional dishes and desserts. While you take in the cultural and culinary offerings on Independence Day, you’ll also be learning more about all the things that make Saint Vincent and the Grenadines such an amazing destination.
Heritage Month
Lovers of Saint Vincent cuisine won't want to miss out on a chance to visit this island during Heritage Month held in October. This is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the best food, drinks, music and entertainment on the island. During Heritage Month a number of events and activities get underway, many of which feature vibrant cultural displays and exhibitions as well as captivating local performances. This spans an entire month, and traditional food is at the center of it all. At some events held during Heritage Month you'll even find live culinary demonstrations -- this can be a great time to learn about Vincentian cooking techniques. Heritage Month has an aim of helping to promote and preserve Vincentian culture and it does so with the support of both locals and visitors to the island.
Fisherman's Day
There are many cultural events that are food-focused in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Fisherman’s Day is one of them. This is a lively celebration that focuses on this island’s maritime heritage. Fishing is an important industry in Saint Vincent and the main intention of this annual event is to spotlight its benefits to the island’s economy and culture.
Fisherman’s Day presents an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to take part in various local activities including fishing competitions and boat races. This is a wonderful time to enjoy some of the amazing seafood that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is known for. During the Fisherman's Day event you can expect to come across various food stalls, most of which will be seafood-focused. Expect fresh and delicious seafood of the finest variety.
Expert Tip: The best time to travel to Saint Vincent is between the months of December and April. This is the peak season to go to this destination. During peak season, you can explore some of the best attractions of Saint Vincent and go sailing in the Grenadines too!
The best Saint Vincent food & drinks for an unforgettable vacation
At this point, it’s crystal clear that Saint Vincent & The Grenadines has much more to offer than just sun, sea and sand. Though that would be more than enough for any beach vacation, the possibility of sampling so many amazing meals and drinks makes a vacation prospect to this island that much more appealing!
While exploring the best food and drinks in Saint Vincent – everything from hearty stews to seafood delicacies – you’ll also be able to get a taste of the island's tropical and laid-back essence. There are so many new and wonderful things to sample on this island that you just need to ensure that you have enough time (and space) to try it all! While exploring the culinary scene in SVG, we do recommend savoring those things that you love as much as possible to make the most of your time in the islands!
Insider Tip: Want to have easy access to the best Caribbean dishes throughout your vacation? There are 11 restaurants at Sandals Saint Vincent including the lively, family-style Buccan. This resort also has multiple bars including swim-up bars so there’s always something to indulge in!
Picture: At the beachside Sandals Saint Vincent, the views are always tropical, and just about everything you need for your vacation is included with your stay!
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