The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Turks and Caicos Islander Foods. If you manage to be in an Turks and Caicos Islander restaurant or you are visiting Turks and Caicos Islands, I recommend the following:
1. Grouper from Opus
When fishermen are lucky enough to catch a good fish, you’ll find it at your local barbecue. If not grilled, it can be baked, stewed or stuffed. Although not as popular as snapper or clam, you can find grouper on most restaurant menus, best served with a light sauce, vegetables or rice.
2. Lobster Tail
Turks and Caicos has an open and closed lobster season (August to March each year) and if you’re lucky enough to be on the island during the open season, be sure to enjoy a fresh lobster, preferably with garlic and lemon. Grilled lobster tails in butter sauce are often the main attraction at local restaurants, and you’ll love the juiciness and flavour of this dish.
3. Lionfish
Cooking fish requires precise preparation, but if done right, it can be delicious. Plus, you’ll be happy to know that you’re helping to restore the balance of the Caribbean ecosystem. Authorities in the archipelago are encouraging chefs to include lionfish on their menus in an effort to protect marine life as the lionfish population is not native to these waters but has been increasing.
4. Conch Ceviche
Conch ceviche is a classic Caribbean-style ceviche with clam meat as the main ingredient. It usually consists of clam meat, tomatoes, red onions, scotch bonnet peppers for heat and some diced sweet mango. This ceviche is usually served with freshly squeezed lime and lime juice. The food should be served immediately after being sprinkled with salt and pepper and discarded.
5. Curried Conch
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, your clam craving is likely to come true, as there are a variety of ways to prepare this giant clam, including as a salad or steak. To prepare this dish, mince the clam meat and season it with chopped vegetables and other ingredients. Flour, eggs, milk and other spices are mixed together to form a batter, which is then fried in hot oil – crispy and delicious!
6. Snapper
Try the freshest snapper you’ve ever eaten on the island. Approaching the popularity of the local conch, crayfish are available at most local restaurants, usually whole, grilled and served with a delicious homemade sauce.
7. PeppaJoy Hot Sauce
If you’re looking for a local hot sauce to enjoy on the island and take home, PeppaJoy Hot Sauce is an excellent choice. The main ingredient in this blend is scotch bonnet pepper and you can buy a bottle at most supermarkets or shops on Providenciales. The brand has three flavours: Wild Wheeland, sparkling Blue Hills Breeze and Deadly Ghost, all created by Delano Handfield.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.