Cayman’s cuisine is a melting pot of flavors from all over the world. It’s influenced by African, Indian, European, Asian and other cultures. Seafood is a defining ingredient of Caribbean cuisine. You’ll find it in countless dishes, from conch soup to coconut shrimp.
Fish Tea
The Caribbean is a culinary paradise, and Cayman has been dubbed “The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” With a plethora of fantastic local delicacies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The cuisine combines a variety of spices and fresh seafood to create dishes that are unique and delicious. A wide array of Caribbean delicacies and dishes are available in most restaurants and Grand Cayman restaurants on the water.
One of the most well-known local foods in the Caribbean is fish tea. The spicy soup is similar to a fish bouillon and can take hours to prepare. Made with yam, pumpkin, cassava, green bananas, and a fresh seafood catch, it’s seasoned with butter and coconut milk. Another Caribbean favorite is conch stew, a hearty family dish that’s slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots and dumplings. The blackboard emblazoned with the words “Pat’s Kitchen” alerts you to this popular eatery on Cayman Brac. Goat water, kabritu on islands like Bonaire and Aruba, or mannish water on the Cayman Islands is a thin clove-scented stew often served with rice. This traditional dish has a complex blend of vegetables, spices and herbs seasoned with coconut milk. It’s a staple in many homes and a must-try on any Caribbean trip.
Turtle Stew
Turtle stew is a classic Caribbean dish that’s enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. You can find it at many restaurants, but it’s also a tasty treat you can make at home. This stew consists of fresh fish or salt beef cooked with coconut milk, cassava, sweet potatoes and green bananas. It’s traditionally served with a side of plantains or a salad like coleslaw and is a popular Caymanian dish. It’s a traditional Caribbean recipe, and it’s easy to make. Soak the meat in cold water for 2+ hours before cooking it on low heat until tender. You can also simmer the meat for a couple of hours with a bay leaf, a little cayenne pepper and salt. The best way to cook turtle is battered and fried, but you can also try it in a thick, meaty soup. A simple turtle soup recipe is available here, and if you need help finding turtle meat, boneless veal shoulder works equally well.
Fruit Cake
The Cayman Islands are a Caribbean haven with an abundance of unique flavors. This is particularly apparent in the food scene, where locals and visitors can access fresh and sustainable ingredients to create dishes with a touch of the island’s natural beauty. Unlike many other cakes, fruit cake has a heavy fruit content and requires special handling and baking methods to ensure successful results. It’s a perfect option for holidays and weddings but can also be enjoyed throughout the year as a light, sweet treat. A traditional fruit cake in the Cayman Islands is a dense spice cake made of raisins, currants, prunes and dates that are soaked in rum and baked. This process can take several months, but tasting this centuries-old tradition is worth the effort!
Adding citrus zest to the batter brightens the cake’s interior flavor and tempers its sweetness. Topping the cake with toasted walnuts adds some needed crunch and a nutty aroma. Add chopped dried apricots, pears or apples if you’d like to spruce up this classic recipe.
Heavy Cake
Heavy cake, or cassava cake, is a traditional Caribbean dessert popular in the Cayman Islands for centuries. It is a dense, sugary treat made with coconut milk, margarine, vanilla, and spices. This dish is often served at special occasions and celebrations. The earliest recipe for the heavy cake was created by cooks who had to find creative ways to use foods available on the island. They used a variety of starches, including grated cassava, yam, sweet potato, soaked and grated corn, green pawpaw, and breadfruit. In addition, this classic dish is usually flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. It is also very delicious when topped with coconut milk and powdered sugar.
Although many people think of this delicious dessert as a Christmas staple, it is eaten year-round in the Cayman Islands. You can find it in most stores and restaurants.
This is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed with fruit or with ice cream. You can also make it at home with a few simple ingredients. It’s a great dessert to try during your vacation in the Cayman Islands. You can enjoy it at one of the many restaurants specializing in Cayman cuisine or a local bakery. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, consider visiting one of the food festivals in the area.
