The Caribbean
Flavors: A vibrant explosion of bold flavors, Caribbean cuisine is a melting pot of influences. Expect the unexpected with dishes featuring tropical ingredients like coconut milk, plantains, and fresh seafood, all expertly seasoned with a fiery blend of spices including allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and cumin.
Traditions: Food is deeply woven into the fabric of Caribbean culture, often centered around family gatherings and festive celebrations. Staple dishes like rice and beans, often accompanied by fried plantains, are a common thread throughout the region. Street food vendors add a lively energy to festivals, while cultural celebrations highlight iconic dishes.
The Flavors of the Caribbean
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Diri ak Djon Djon
Black mushroom rice made with Haitian djon djon mushrooms, giving the dish its distinctive color and earthy flavor.
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Griot, Banan peze, Pikliz
Fried pork marinated in citrus and spices, often served with banan peze, & pikliz (spicy slaw).
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Soup Joumou
A pumpkin-based soup traditionally enjoyed on January 1st to celebrate Haiti’s independence.
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Bouyon
A hearty soup with meat, dumplings, plantains, and vegetables.
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Diri Ak Pwa Kolé (Rice and beans)
Diri Ak Pwa Kolé is a cornerstone of Haitian cuisine, offering a delicious and versatile base for a variety of meals.
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Poul nan sòs (Chicken sauce)
Marinated chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, creating a rich, comforting gravy perfect for serving with rice.
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Sos Pwa (A Hearty Bean Soup)
Creamy Haitian bean soup made from blended red or black beans, infused with garlic, thyme, and spices, traditionally poured over rice.
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Spicy, smoky, and flavorful grilled chicken
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Jamaican Oxtail Brown Stew
Oxtail slow-cooked in a rich, caramelized sauce with onions, carrots, and butter beans, seasoned with allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers for deep, bold flavors.
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Ackee and Saltfish
Jamaica’s national dish, combining salted cod and ackee fruit
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Trinidadian Pelau
A one-pot dish combining with seasoned chicken, rice, pigeon peas, and coconut milk, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
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Trinidadian Roti
Soft, flaky flatbread originating from Trinidad and Tobago