The opportunity to experience the various meals and local cuisines of the several islands and ports of call is one of the most exciting aspects of any Caribbean cruise. There are lots of things to do in St. Martin, but you’ll want to make time to sample a wide range of exquisite cuisine. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best foods to try in St. Martins.
It won’t take long for you to understand why people travel from all over the world to visit the island and feast on local specialties influenced by a blend of French and Creole cuisine. A sailing vacation in this sought-after tourist location allows you to enjoy all kinds of scrumptious local food and flavors, with Dutch-influenced Sint Maarten on the southern end and French-influenced St. Martin on the north side. It’s no surprise that Saint Martin is known as the “gourmet capital of the Caribbean.”
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a self-proclaimed BBQ master, a hot sauce connoisseur, or someone with a sweet appetite, St. Martin offers something for everyone. We have compiled a list of the 10 best foods to try in St. Martins below.
Take a look at our list of 10 best foods to try in St. Martins:
1. Crab Backs
This is crab like you’ve never had before! Freshly caught blue crab is de-shelled and seasoned to perfection with onions, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce in this Caribbean island favorite. The crab meat is then returned to its original shell and placed under the broiler with a breadcrumb coating.
2. Conch and Dumplings
This must-try recipe is fiery and spicy, with a distinct Caribbean flavor. The local conch (a huge sea snail) is seasoned with herbs and spices before being cooked in a pressure cooker until it’s tender and luscious. Depending on the chef, the conch is served with light and fluffy dumplings cooked with or without cornmeal. A flavorful gravy is served on top to complete the dish.
3. Callaloo
It’s fun to say, but much more enjoyable to eat. Fresh greens like kale, spinach, and, of course, callaloo, a spinach-like vegetable, are used to make this hearty soup. Pork, onions, and okra are also used in the soup. Thyme, pepper, and spicy peppers are used to season the thick soup.
4. Codfish Fritters
Saltfish, commonly known as cod, may be found all across the Caribbean. On several islands, it’s served as a delectable fried fish fritter, with each island having its unique version of the famous delicacy. The fish is sautéed and blended with chopped onion, celery, green pepper, thyme, tomato, and spicy sauce on the island of St. Martin. After that, it’s mixed with flour, milk, and egg yolk before being deep-fried in hot corn oil.
5. French Pastries
Treat yourself to the delectable croissants, quiches, pastries, and desserts prepared fresh every day by a true French chef on the other side of the island. Sarafina’s, in particular, is a popular hangout for those looking to indulge in something sweet.
6. Johnny Cakes
Johnnycakes, which are sometimes mistaken for pancakes, are remarkably similar to American pancakes except that they are baked with cornmeal. Residents of St. Martin love Johnnycakes so much that they eat them for breakfast, brunch, and supper as a side dish. They’re also known as journey cakes since they’re smaller than their American counterparts and are slowly cooked in maize oil before being served with honey, butter, syrup, or jam.
7. Guavaberry Liqueur
Nothing beats St. Martin’s Guavaberry when you need something cool and refreshing to wash down all those delicious Caribbean dishes. The official drink of both the French and Dutch sides of the island, this refreshing beverage is a must-try. It’s created from the island’s little guavaberry fruits, which are utilized in a range of mixed beverages and cocktails.
8. Locri
Locri, a simple yet tasty dish made with rice, chicken, a variety of veggies, and plenty of seasonings, is another popular and traditional St. Martin cuisine. It’s everything cooked in one pot to let the flavors to blend completely, resulting in a delicious and unique taste of St. Martin cuisine. Consider it a cross between a stir-fry and a Spanish paella.
9. Whelk Soup
Whelks are saltwater mollusks that are smaller than conch yet big enough to eat. They may be used in a variety of cuisines, but whelk soup is a popular meal on St. Martin. Whelks are commonly cooked in coconut milk or added to a stew of vegetables and spices, although soup recipes vary. The snail gives the soup a beautiful taste and creates a unique and delightful experience.
10. St. Martin Spare Ribs
Many of the barbecue shacks (known as lolos) dotted across the island provide some of the greatest spare ribs you’ll ever have. The ribs are expertly grilled on the grill until the flesh is fall-off-the-bone tender, then slathered with a sweet, spicy, and flavorful barbecue sauce. Because they are frequently traditional family recipes passed down from generation to generation, the sauce recipes at the various lolos may differ significantly.
There are so many delicious native foods to select from on St. Martins. Some of the best foods to try in St. Martins are mentioned above. We hope you find this article helpful. If you have any queries, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
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