16 St. Lucian Food & Drinks To Try While On Vacation

A thoughts as soon as stretched can’t return to its authentic measurement—similar to somebody who’s had a style of island meals can’t return to life as standard. Removed from it. With only one chunk of native taste in locations like Saint Lucia, island getaways develop into one thing you want to do. As typically as time permits.

So, what’s it that retains you coming again for an additional chunk? For me, born and raised within the islands, it’s the love you possibly can style in each dish. Now certain, not each spot will hit the mark, however that’s why selecting the best place issues. And for those who ask me, which means going all-in on Saint Lucia at a resort the place the meals’s received taste, aptitude, and decisions that stretch from island bites to world favorites. However we’ll get to that. First, let’s dive into the must-try dishes and drinks calling your title in Saint Lucia.

Insider tip: In the event you keep at an all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in the most effective of Saint Lucian delicacies and a lot extra. Staying at any of the Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia offers you entry to all three of them, and this consists of 27 eating places!

On this article on the Sandals Weblog:

Why Saint Lucia & What to Expect
Six traditional Lucian main dishes
Five traditional Lucian side dishes
Four traditional Lucian snacks
Traditional Saint Lucian desert
Popular Lucian Drinks

FAQs about Saint Lucia food and drinks

Why Saint Lucia & What to Count on

Islands like Saint Lucia are excellent for vacationers craving one thing totally different on their dinner plate. The flavors listed here are rooted within the deep love locals have for his or her meals. And with all the thrill (and people irresistible island aromas!), you’ll really feel drawn in from the very first chunk.

The very best half? Saint Lucian delicacies is as straightforward to take pleasure in as it’s memorable.
On this Japanese Caribbean gem, look out for inexperienced figs and saltfish (the nationwide dish), lambi (conch), boullion (a hearty stew), callaloo soup, and loads of grilled seafood and Creole-style barbecue. Avenue meals is a giant hit too, particularly throughout occasions just like the Gros Islet Fish Fry. Many spots lean into farm-to-table eating, and also you’ll additionally discover a couple of locations providing I-TAL vegetarian dishes—plant powered and filled with Caribbean soul.

Cultural Influences

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There are a great deal of cultural influences packed into the end of many Saint Lucian dishes, together with British and French inspiration. And there’s a cause for that. Saint Lucia was famously seven instances British and 7 instances French. The true Helen of the West. Many dishes on this island are infused with herbs and spices like nutmeg and cloves, reflecting numerous culinary inspiration. There are additionally long-lost influences from the Amerindians, the island’s authentic inhabitants. The Amerindians had been recognized to reside off fruits, greens, and different homegrown meals. Nonetheless as we speak, a number of the island’s conventional dishes echo these historical culinary roots.

Six Conventional Saint Lucian Foremost Dishes

Alright, now that what to anticipate, let’s dive into the primary attraction: the meals! Listed below are a number of the hottest Saint Lucia meals and drinks that you would be able to attempt throughout your all-inclusive trip:

Inexperienced figs and saltfish

Inexperienced figs and saltfish is a kind of island meals you are taking a chunk of, then pause… and smile. Like a bit piece of Saint Lucia simply settled into your soul. It’s no marvel this dish is a real favourite. When made proper, it’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Because the nationwide dish of Saint Lucia, it brings collectively salted cod and inexperienced bananas, every cooked individually, then mixed in simply the proper stability. The inexperienced bananas are boiled, then sautéed with greens and spices, whereas the salted cod is often boiled a couple of instances to mellow out the salt, then stewed till tender with its personal mix of island flavors.

Good to know: Except for inexperienced figs and saltfish, inexperienced figs and backs is one other in style Saint Lucian dish that makes use of boiled inexperienced bananas. Inexperienced fig and backs consists of brown stewed hen backs, and it’s a generally served dish in Saint Lucia.

Boullion

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The comforting feeling of inexperienced figs and saltfish or backs? It’s the identical feeling with a heat bowl of boullion, particularly on a wet day. This isn’t only a tasty dish, it’s the type that tells you precisely the place you’re. Boullion is a hearty, flavorful soup served up in every kind of variations throughout Saint Lucia. Some eating places have it on choose days, however spots just like the Castries Market serve it up most weekdays.

You’ll discover every little thing from lamb and beef to pork or saltfish in boullion, together with island staples like candy potatoes, pumpkin, yam, and carrots. Lots of the Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia have native or Caribbean impressed eating places that serve up in style native dishes, together with boullion.

Smoked herring and breadfruit

This one’s a taste trio: smoked herring, tender breadfruit, and crisp cucumber salad. The herring is stewed down with island seasonings, and served with breadfruit that’s cooked excellent. Then comes the cucumber salad—a light-weight, cooling contact that brings all of it collectively. Pair it with an ice-cold native juice, and also you’ve received the complete island expertise on one plate.

Lambi

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Conch is liked all throughout the Caribbean, however in Saint Lucia, we name it lambi. Ask any native, and so they’ll inform you it’s a dish that brings individuals collectively, particularly when it’s achieved Creole fashion. And that’s the way it’s normally served right here. The conch meat will get seasoned with a complete heap of spices, then pan-fried till it’s tender and filled with taste.

I personally don’t eat conch, however many different individuals do! Each island has its personal take, however Saint Lucia’s model has that daring island taste, and simply the correct amount of kick. Not less than, that’s what the islanders will inform you! When made properly this dish might be value making an attempt, but when not, the feel might be fairly chewy and even robust. If you wish to attempt conch whereas in Saint Lucia, lean into the evaluations!

Insider Tip: We extremely suggest making an attempt the Pitons restaurant at Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia for a number of the most delicious Saint Lucian dishes. The menu at this Caribbean restaurant consists of choices like Lucian Lambi & Seafood Stew (highly-rated), Saint Lucia Boullion, Inexperienced Fig and Codfish Salad, Pan-Seared Snapper Fillet, Vegan Hen Roti, and extra!

Black pudding (Boudin)

Black pudding is a kind of dishes that sparks an actual debate. Some individuals can’t get sufficient of it, others want a bit convincing. One factor’s for certain; you possibly can undoubtedly attempt it whereas in Saint Lucia. There are many spots serving up their very own spin on this Caribbean traditional. It’s made with herbs, spices, pig’s blood (sure you learn proper), and generally rice, all packed right into a sausage-like roll.

Now, hardly unexpectedly, the components of this dish catch some individuals off guard. Very off guard. However ask round, and also you’ll hear locals who simply can’t get sufficient of it. In the event you actually need to attempt, keep on with the spots which are well-known and all the time busy. That’s normally how you’ve discovered the true factor.

Pepperpot

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Pepperpot is a kind of dishes that carries critical island weight. It’s wealthy, earthy, and the sort of factor you style as soon as and begin dreaming about methods to make at residence. The title would possibly make you suppose it’s spicy, however pepperpot isn’t all the time about warmth… it’s extra about depth of taste. Pimento peppers are sometimes used for that mellow island heat.

You’ll normally discover onions, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, orange peel, and cassareep within the pot, with a mixture of meats like cow foot, oxtail, turkey, beef, goat, or pork. Some individuals even add hen or lamb; all of it is determined by what’s obtainable. Nevertheless it’s made, pepperpot is normally served with do-it-yourself bread, and when you’ve had a bowl, you’ll perceive why it’s a staple all throughout the Caribbean.

5 Conventional Lucian Facet Dishes

Callaloo soup

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Callaloo soup is the sort of dish that wraps you up. It’s hearty, wholesome, and comforting. In Saint Lucia, this soup is made with leafy greens that simmer all the way down to create a wealthy, flavorful base. The soup normally consists of callaloo, okra, potatoes, garlic, and generally seafood or small cuts of meat. Some variations use coconut milk to mellow issues out and stability the spices. Whether or not you discover it at an area eatery or in a house kitchen, callaloo soup is a kind of quiet stars of Lucian delicacies. Fully value making an attempt, particularly for those who see it on the appetizer menu at your Saint Lucian all-inclusive resort!

Cow heel soup

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Cow heel soup has lengthy been recognized for its comforting taste, and a few even swear by it as a hangover treatment or aphrodisiac. It’s a hearty mixture of dumplings, carrots, yellow break up peas, okra, and tender cow heel, all simmered right into a wealthy, savory broth. You’ll normally discover it at locations just like the Castries Market, particularly round lunchtime. In the event you’re on island and within the temper for one thing with actual depth and native character, it’s properly value a attempt.

Fried plantains

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Fried plantains are a staple throughout the Caribbean, and in Saint Lucia, they’re simply as liked. Candy, golden, and simply the correct amount of crisp on the sides, these are the sort of bites that disappear quick as soon as they hit the plate.

Try to make fried plantains at residence and so they’ll probably burn earlier than you even get an opportunity to show round. (If , .) It’s a bit Saint Lucian kitchen joke, however the reality is, when you’ve received the cling of it, frying plantains is a breeze. Golden brown is essential!

Throughout your Saint Lucia trip, you received’t want to fret about whipping these up. Most spots serve them both as a part of a meal or as a tasty aspect on their very own.

Pemmie

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My Saint Lucian mother loves pemmie, and he or she’ll purchase it virtually wherever she sees it. This Looshan dish has a means of exhibiting up largely for particular events although, like Creole Heritage Month in October (Jounen Kweyol). There are a couple of key components that convey it collectively, together with cornmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar, and dry coconut. Take into account these the Saint Lucian pemmie necessities.

Although pemmie has its followers, the method of constructing it may be a bit complicated. First, the pumpkin is cooked and mashed till gentle. Then it’s combined with the opposite components to type a thick, aromatic batter. The combination is spooned onto sterilized banana leaves, that are evenly heated first to maintain them from tearing. Every sq. is wrapped up and tied with banana straw and thread, sort of like wrapping a Christmas reward—tight and tidy so nothing comes unfastened. Then the pemmie is gently boiled. When it’s prepared, the leaf turns brown and the within is agency, candy, and filled with island taste.

Cassava Bread

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Plas Kassav is the best way to go for all issues cassava in Saint Lucia. This roadside store close to Canaries is actually one-of-a-kind, and serves up quite a lot of cassava bread. However even earlier than we get there, what precisely is cassava bread?

By our personal definition (sure, straight from the Sandals dictionary!), this dish is extra than simply meals, it’s a complete expertise. You’ll discover flavors like chocolate, cherry, and even saltfish cassava. At Plas Kassav, recent cassava bread is baked each day, and it’s a must-try.

Whether or not you’ve received a candy tooth otherwise you’re after one thing savory, you possibly can pattern a unique type day by day of your keep. Or, make it straightforward and cease by in your solution to or from the airport—good for a primary or closing style of Saint Lucia.

4 Conventional Lucian Snacks

Accra

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Accra is bite-sized and straightforward to make, particularly for those who decide up a bathtub of it from an area grocery store in Saint Lucia. However for those who’re not planning to cook dinner in your journey (and actually, why would you?), the true transfer is to discover a spot that prepares this native delicacy excellent.

Often known as fish cake or saltfish fritters, accra is made with salted cod, chopped greens, and spices. The components are combined after which deep-fried till golden and crisp. Accra is greatest loved whereas nonetheless heat. You’ll discover it at meals shacks, native occasions, or proper on the roadside. Take a chunk, and also you’ll perceive why it’s a favourite throughout the island.

Breadfruit

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There are a lot of methods to organize breadfruit, and nearly all of them end in one thing scrumptious. You’ll be able to roast it, bake it, boil it, or fry it, and it’s even generally dried and floor into flour to be used in different dishes. “Surprising” might be a great way to explain it, since what you see doesn’t all the time match what you get within the closing dish—however by some means, it all the time works out for the most effective.

In Saint Lucia, breadfruit is taken into account a floor provision, although it’s technically a fruit. It’s starchy, with a mildly candy taste. Breadfruit balls (deep-fried) are one of the vital in style methods to cook dinner breadfruit or just boiled and chopped breadfruit as a aspect. Both possibility you go for, there’s actually no going unsuitable.

Bakes

You don’t want many components to make Saint Lucian bakes, simply flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and yeast. When you mix every little thing, it simply takes a little bit of rolling and deep frying to get to golden brown perfection.

You received’t need to make these your self in Saint Lucia—most meals distributors promote bakes recent all through the day. And for those who’re heading to the Gros Islet Friday evening road celebration, that’s among the best locations to seize a scorching bake and pair it with grilled sausage or barbequed hen. Bakes are additionally actually good full of cheese or absolutely anything you’d put in a sandwich.

Insider tip: Planning to take a look at the Gros Islet Avenue Occasion? Sandals Grande St. Lucian is barely 5 minutes from the motion, and because it’s all-inclusive , you possibly can sip on bottomless cocktails earlier than heading out.

Avocado balls

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Avocado balls are a kind of snacks you simply need to attempt whereas in Saint Lucia. They’re particularly in style round Creole Day, which is well known on the finish of October, however you would possibly spot them in your plate at native eating places throughout different instances of the 12 months too.

Avocado balls are made utilizing mashed avocados and processed cassava within the type of farine. A little bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavour. These are sometimes served as a aspect or snack, and when you’ve had one, you’ll perceive why locals love them.

Conventional Saint Lucian Deserts

Banana bread

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Whether or not it’s do-it-yourself or store-bought, banana bread is a best choice for dessert in Saint Lucia. Additionally known as banana cake, it’s normally made with mashed bananas, spices, and generally nuts as the primary components. Banana bread is seen as a more healthy various to conventional cake, however even with out that label, it does a terrific job of satisfying a candy tooth. You’ll discover it bought in bakeries, grocery shops, and generally in easy plastic wrap at roadside stands.

Common Lucian Drinks

Rum punch

Rum punch is a favourite for a lot of guests to Saint Lucia. Those that take pleasure in it typically say there’s one thing about the best way it’s combined within the islands that makes it additional good. Possibly it’s the number of flavorful native rums in every recipe, or the recent juices and Caribbean spices—however for no matter cause, it tends to be a standout underneath the solar.

Cocoa tea

Scorching bakes and cocoa tea are the consolation duo of Saint Lucia however even by itself, cocoa tea stands sturdy. Consider it because the Caribbean model of scorching chocolate, solely lighter and fewer candy. It’s normally made with grated cocoa sticks, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and generally a bit milk. It’s not overly creamy, however has a wealthy, earthy taste. Locals typically take pleasure in it within the morning to start out the day proper.

Piton beer

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Have your self an ice-cold beer whereas lounging on a seaside in Saint Lucia, and likelihood is, it’ll be a Piton. Piton beer is the preferred native model, a crisp pilsner that’s straightforward to drink and liked by locals and guests alike. Named after the Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains—the island’s most well-known landmarks—Piton is offered nearly all over the place. And sure, for those who’re planning to hike the peaks, that is the beer you’ll need ready for you on the finish.

Insider tip: Need to expertise extra Saint Lucian meals and drinks? Keep at certainly one of Sandals’ three resorts in Saint Lucia. You’ll get entry to all three properties—together with 27 eating places, leisure, land and water sports activities, and bottomless drinks.

Better of Saint Lucia Food & Drinks Await

Image: Get pleasure from family-style eating at Sandals Regency La Toc’s Buccan restaurant throughout your Saint Lucia trip, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a number of the island’s favourite dishes.

In the event you’re heading to Saint Lucia, come hungry. You’re in for greater than only a meal. You’re in simply the proper place to take pleasure in a number of the Caribbean’s greatest flavors, so why maintain again?

FAQs about meals & drinks in Saint Lucia

What’s Saint Lucia’s nationwide dish?

The nationwide dish of Saint Lucia is inexperienced figs and saltfish which is also referred to as inexperienced bananas and salted cod.

What are the preferred meals in Saint Lucia?

Inexperienced figs and saltfish, grilled fish, lambi, boullion, stewed meats, and different delicacies are in style dishes in Saint Lucia. Inexperienced figs and saltfish because the nationwide dish of the island, takes the highest spot.

What is a well-liked drink in Saint Lucia?

Something chilly will do on this often-humid island, however so far as drinks go, rum tends to be favored in Saint Lucia. You’ll encounter many small rum outlets as you navigate the island, however whether or not you select a rum store, or an precise bar, rum punch is a well-liked alternative.

What’s the greatest native beer in Saint Lucia?

Piton is the native beer in Saint Lucia, which is a pilsner beer that’s named after the world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains on the island.

Image: Planning a visit to Saint Lucia? Our Overwater Butler Bungalow places you proper over the turquoise waters, serving up gorgeous views and the island’s greatest flavors—all included!