The following highlights some of the popular Traditional American Virgin Islander Foods. If you manage to be in an American Virgin Islander restaurant or you are visiting US Virgin Islands, I recommend the following:
1. Salt Fish
This usually applies to dried cod, boneless cod and salt cod. It is eaten in a variety of ways, including soups, crackers and casseroles. In the Virgin Islands, saltfish salad is traditionally served on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. It features salted fish with potatoes, onions, hard-boiled eggs and is served with an oil and vinegar vinaigrette.
2. Pates
Think empanadas, but this version is richer and tastier than any other recipe. This popular Caribbean snack can be filled with marinated beef, pork, chicken or fish. Its soft and tasty dough is usually made by locals on the street. Because of its shape, it’s perfect for a picnic or after a day relaxing by the sea.
3. Callaloo Soup
This fun soup is a delicious Caribbean dish made with chopped taro leaves, chopped pumpkin, onion, celery, paprika, cayenne, coconut milk and a selection of herbs to refresh the palate. This delicious soup is rich in vitamins and is typical of several Caribbean islands. Try it at Gladys Café as an appetizer or starter and get ready to enjoy this blend of flavours.
4. Jerk
Jerk is used to refer to pork that is slow-roasted over a fire of peppercorns. Today, the main ingredient is usually chicken, pork or beef. Jerk refers to a unique Jamaican cooking method in which pork, chicken, beef, seafood and even fruits and vegetables are cooked over an open fire or grill. The main ingredient in a true jerky is a unique seasoning: a blend of onion, chives, thyme, allspice, cayenne, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon, which is the perfect combination of Caribbean flavours: hot, spicy and sweet.
5. Curried Goat
Goat curry is a Caribbean dish consisting of minced goat meat, onion, paprika, garlic, curry powder, dal and various spices. Simmer the stew until the meat is tender and the peas are cooked. Lamb curry is best enjoyed with white rice. The dish originated in Trinidad and Tobago and spread throughout the Caribbean islands.
6. Conch
Caribbean cuisine is known worldwide for its unique taste experiences, flavour combinations and explosive ingredients. A typical dish called caracol (or lambí) is one of them. Known as the king of snails, caracol is a type of sea snail that is common in the Caribbean islands and has a taste similar to that of clams. This coastal dish is an aphrodisiac and can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as fried, stewed with garlic, curried or spiced soup, or served in the shell on toast with white wine.
7. Johnnycake
A delicious and simple Johnny Cake is as popular in the Caribbean as crisps are in the United States. Originating in West Indian culture, these versatile treats can be enjoyed as a snack or included in breakfast, lunch or dinner. In Virgin Islands homes and restaurants, these beloved fried flour treats are often accompanied by traditional favourites such as broth, gravy, grilled chicken, fish casserole, curry and many other Italian delicacies.
8. Rice and Beans
Also known as ‘rice and peas’, this common traditional dish is made of rice and beans. It is very popular in the Virgin Islands and is often flavoured with various herbs and spices. The family eats this classic vegetable dish every night. It is usually made with dal, ham or other cured meat, onions, tomatoes, herbs and even pumpkins.
9. Roti
It is a flaky, burrito-like flatbread that looks a bit like pate. Rotis originated in India and has retained the flavour of spicy and aromatic curry paste in this part of the world. Curried meat, seafood or chickpeas and vegetables fill the thin roti dough, while a spicy, chilli-infused sauce gives it a special kick. In the restaurants scattered around the island, you can find delicious meats grilled over a variety of campfires.
10. Fungi
This typical Caribbean island dish has nothing to do with mushrooms. When you describe this dish, you think of Caribbean-style polenta, but it’s made with cornmeal. Smooth and creamy, this dishy sponge cake is an adornment to any five-star restaurant or local neighbourhood. A Caribbean classic, served with fried fish, chicken or beef.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.