The Best Eastern Caribbean Food

Embarking on a cruise through the Eastern Caribbean promises aquamarine waters, palm-lined vistas and opportunities to indulge in the vibrant culinary traditions of the region. Many often ask: What is Caribbean food, specifically in these islands that include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the French West Indies? There's no simple answer because Caribbean cuisine varies widely, with each Caribbean island offering an exciting version of every dish.

You’ll find that these culinary traditions stem from a unique blend of West African, Middle Eastern and Latin American influences, which result in bold flavors and exciting fusions. From savory street food made with spicy seasonings to sweet plantains paired with coconut milk, the region’s popular Caribbean food dishes illustrate just how diverse Caribbean cultures are. Read on for a short list of some of our favorite traditional Caribbean dishes and where to get them.

1. Roti

Roti, an iconic dish adored throughout the Caribbean, stands as a testament to the region's rich food heritage. This roti Caribbean food staple has origins in India and has become an integral part of Caribbean food. Caribbean roti usually consists of a thin and flaky flatbread that holds a delicious filling, which often includes savory curried meats like chicken, goat or beef. Vegetarian options are also popular and are made with local vegetables and potatoes.

This dish is a highlight of authentic Caribbean food because it exemplifies how simple ingredients can come together for a savory dish bursting with flavor. You can opt to visit St. Lucia, the Virgin Islands or Dominica, you'll still find roti variations that reflect the local culinary traditions. You may even discover roti occasionally in Puerto Rican or Dominican Republic eateries, a testament to how the best Caribbean food transcends borders and embraces shared heritage across the region.

Where To Get It: During my travels, I have been able to try some of the best roti — like the delectable chicken version from Rada Roti, a 15-minute drive from the port in St. Lucia.

I watched as the chef carefully kneaded the dough and rolled it out into thin circles. It was then cooked on a hot, flat griddle until it puffed up and turned golden brown. The result was a deliciously flaky roti, filled with succulent curried chicken spiced just right.

2. Conch Fritters

Conch is one of the best foods to try in The Bahamas, similar to its popularity in foodie vacation destinations like Barbados and Antigua, where you can find it at beachside shacks. I've always loved conch and was excited to try conch fritters. Here's a fun fact: Conch is the national dish of The Bahamas and one of the most traditional Caribbean dishes, often topping any Caribbean food list of must-try meals. It features tenderized conch meat, which is mixed into a flavorful batter infused with a medley of local spice blends.

Some cooks also add diced tomatoes, onions, celery, bell peppers and aromatic ingredients before carefully shaping the mixture into bite-sized portions and frying them to golden, crispy perfection. They are often served with a zesty sauce that features lime juice, mayonnaise and a hint of hot sauce. This seafood delight showcases how the region’s cuisine incorporates fresh fish and shellfish to create mouthwatering dishes.

Where To Get It: I learned that conch fritters are called cracked conch by the Bahamians I met at Conch Hill restaurant, a 20-minute drive from the port in Nassau. I took my order to go and savored the delectable morsels while lounging on a white-sand beach. The combination of crispy conch and tangy dipping sauce made it a highlight for me among all the Caribbean foods I’ve tried.

3. Doubles

This mouthwatering dish is famous for its unique combination of ingredients. It consists of two soft, fried flatbreads known as bara that encase a filling of curried chickpeas. The channa is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, turmeric and garlic. Additional toppings such as tamarind chutney, hot pepper sauce and tangy cucumber chutney add contrasting flavors.

It's famous in Trinidad and Tobago, and you will also find this Caribbean dish in Grenada, St. Lucia and Barbados. Doubles are often considered a form of street food, and many locals rank it high on the list of popular Caribbean food, thanks to its satisfying balance of textures and tastes.

Where To Get It: I tried doubles at several places in Trinidad, and my favorite was Dass Doubles Factory for its amazing toppings. It's a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal in Port of Spain. The rhythmic sounds of the steel pan, the aroma of curry wafting through the air and the lively banter between customers and staff created an atmosphere I will not forget. It’s easy to see why doubles have become a staple among traditional Caribbean food options.

4. Saltfish Cakes

Another popular Caribbean food is the saltfish cake, also called balls or fritters, which is a savory snack made from salted codfish. The preparation usually begins with the rehydration and boiling of salted codfish to remove excess salt. The fish is then flaked and combined with onions, peppers, herbs and spices.

This mixture is transformed into small, round patties that are fried, resulting in a golden and crispy exterior with a moist filling bursting with the essence of the sea. You can find saltfish cakes in St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, Grenada and Nevis. As one of the more traditional dishes in the greater Caribbean cuisine, it’s easy to see why saltfish cakes continue to be a crowd-pleaser across the region.

Where To Get It: I was introduced to this Caribbean food by a tour guide when we stopped by the legendary Amory Bakery in Basseterre, St. Kitts, a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the port and an ideal spot to enjoy the treat. The crisp edges and soft interior offered the perfect representation of Caribbean cooking techniques, blending local ingredients with bold flavors and aromas.

5. Patties

This handheld pastry is a popular choice for a satisfying snack. Patties typically consist of a buttery and crumbly pastry shell with a savory filling. The filling options are diverse, ranging from seasoned ground meats such as chicken or pork to vegetarian options like spiced lentils and beans. There are also sweet iterations like guava and cream cheese, often considered delectable examples of Caribbean food desserts.

Patties can be found at bakeries, street-side stalls and markets. As a resident of the Virgin Islands, I call them by their local name, pâtés. These pastries are a great addition to any Caribbean food list, showcasing how one Caribbean dish can have many unique twists across different islands.

Where To Get It: My favorite spots near ship ports include Rosa's Booth in Fredericksted, a 10-minute drive from the port on St. Croix, and Kelvin's Kitchen in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas — they'll deliver the food to you when you call or text to order. These restaurants use fresh ingredient combinations that offer vibrant flavors, a reflection of the region’s culinary diversity.

Ready to sample some of these Eastern Caribbean delights? Look for the perfect Eastern Caribbean cruise to take you to the islands. From discovering Caribbean Jamaican food influences like jerk chicken to trying roti Caribbean food specialties, you’ll find yourself immersed in Caribbean culture.

Spoil yourself Caribbean-style and savor classic salt fish fritters or Haitian cuisine staples for the best food in the Caribbean. You’re sure to come across plenty of dishes that showcase the extraordinary depth of flavor defining Caribbean cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions: Quickfire Facts

• What is typical Caribbean food? Typical Caribbean food includes seafood, jerk chicken, ackee, pepperpot, goat stew and fried plantain.


• What are some popular Caribbean foods? Saltfish, callaloo, conch fritters, rice and peas, roti and flying fish are extremely popular foods in the Caribbean


• Is Caribbean food African? While Caribbean food isn’t strictly African, it has strong West African influences.


• What is the national dish of the Caribbean? No single dish represents the entire Caribbean region. Instead, different islands celebrate a wide range of culinary traditions across food groups.


• What are the six Caribbean food groups? The six Caribbean food groups are animal foods, fats and oils, fruits, legumes, staples and vegetables.


• What are the leading culinary influences of Caribbean food? Caribbean food integrates African, European, Latin American, Asian and Creole culinary traditions.


• What popular spices and seasonings are used in Caribbean food? Caribbean food is well-known for its various blends of allspice, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, jerk seasoning, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, salt, Scotch bonnet peppers and thyme.