The Caribs and Arawaks add hot and mild chilies, allspice, roucou, and West-Indian bay leaves to smoked meat. They were the ones who trained the newcomers to this technique, which eventually earned them the name, Buccaneers. Europeans added thyme, pepper, and mustard. They planted Asian spices like cassia, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Africans added broadleaf thyme, which is today known as West-Indian thyme. Imagine the sumptuous possibilities with all these ingredients and spices added into the dishes.
Experiencing a variety of Caribbean flavors is an excellent way to get acquainted with the history of the place. Through various culinary elements, every meal is a multicultural experience. It all works together to create delicious dishes that include features introduced by colonizers.
Are you a SEAFOOD PERSON?
Do you love seafood? Then the cuisine in Antigua is perfect for you! Just like any island, the seafood is extensive. I am guessing you've tried lobsters, but I'm quite sure you haven't tasted fried red snapper, sunfish, or kingfish. You can try them all in Antigua. You must also try gambas prawns, lambi, and soudons clams. Interestingly, the preparation includes Creole traditions, using a lot of local spices and herbs. Some dishes even incorporate French features, but the combination of two different types of cuisine results in a dish that is distinct in taste.
Fried Red Snapper
Gambas Prawns
Beverages of Antigua and Barbuda
It's not a trip without cocktails. Like its neighbors in the Carribean, Antigua produces excellent rum-based drinks. The most common of all the drinks are rum punch, but not far behind are the daiquiris. While the perfect match to the sandy white beaches and turquoise seas of the Caribbean islands is a refreshing piña colada or strawberry daiquiri, you can expect a lot more of happy hour here - and that's a tip coming from the locals themselves. It's a cultural experience tasting recipes that feature fresh local ingredients and sipping liquors that bring significant bits of history to mind. Each toast is a welcoming treat to the taste buds.
Drink like a local in Antigua. The island is a great destination to taste stellar spirits and brews! Most of them come from two local places, the Antigua Distillery Limited and Antigua Brewery Limited. At the Antigua's distillery, you can taste national rums like Cavalier and English Harbour, while the Brewery has Wadadli and Wadadli Gold.
Raising a toast with all these authentic Caribbean drinks, while indulging in exquisite cuisine is quite an adventure for the tastebuds! I'd love to help you plan your trip, so click on the link below when you're ready to start planning.
Want to learn a little bit more about Antigua and Barbuda and all they have to offer to their visitors? Check out our amazing destination guide for Antigua and Barbuda (just click on the image below) to get some more ideas on what you can do on your vacation. Then, when you are ready to plan your trip to Antigua and Barbuda, we can help you every step of the way!
Antigua and Barbuda