The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Caymanian Foods. If you manage to be in an Caymanian restaurant or you are visiting Cayman Islands, I recommend the following:
1. Old Fashioned Fish Fry
Whole fish fried to perfection served on a bed of rice and beans and a side of plantains, mashed potatoes and fritters – a true taste of the Caribbean. Cod is preferred because it is a durable fish that retains its shape during cooking. Sea bass, haddock, snapper, carp, sea bass or haddock are also good choices.
2. Conch Soup
For decades, the clam has been a staple of Caymanian culture. In addition to being cooked in most Caymanian kitchens, the clam is also used as a home decoration and local fishermen use it as a signal horn. The shells can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; however, stewed snails are possibly the most traditional. Other snail dishes include snail fritters, snail soup, chopped snail, pickled snail, snail ceviche, grilled snail and more. Conch will always be considered a true Caymanian favourite.
3. Coconut Shrimp
Cayman abounds with succulent seafood dishes and one of the island’s favourites is coconut shrimp. Fried and covered in coconut shavings, it’s not a meal to be missed. Clam meat marinated with limes and sometimes other citrus fruits. Mix with onions, peppers and other seasonal ingredients – simply delicious!
4. Cayman Style Beef
The most tender beef you will ever taste. Cayman beef is a traditional Caymanian dish consisting of very tender strips of beef seasoned with onion, garlic, Scotch Bonnet chilli, salt and pepper. The meat is simmered for hours to absorb the delicious juices. Also known as goulash, this dish is especially popular during holidays such as Christmas.
5. Ackee
Ackee is at its best when it is fully ripe, oily, sweet and looks like scrambled eggs when cooked. The salted fish is fried with boiled aki, onion, chilli, tomato and lots of black pepper, creating a striking contrast of flavour, colour and texture, sweet and salty. In some cases, the dish is also served with rice and boiled plantains, often with bacon or fresh tomatoes.
6. Cassava Cake
The dark, moist and dense cassava cake comes from the Cayman Islands, where it is considered the unofficial national dish. This very sweet dessert is made with boiled coconut milk, margarine, vanilla, brown sugar, spices and grated tapioca. The cake should be firm enough to stand upright, but it will still move a little when you cut into it and the consistency will always be a little sticky. Alligator Heavy Cake should be served at room temperature and remains popular for birthdays, weddings and similar celebrations.
7. Conch Stew
This is a traditional seafood stew that originated in the Bahamas. It is usually made by combining large snails, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, lime juice, thyme, oil, flour, tomato puree, tomato puree, red pepper flakes and spices. When ready, serve the stew with lime wedges, johnnycakes or bread. This dish is one of the most popular winter comfort foods.
8. Jerk Chicken
Originating in Jamaica, this spicy dish, made with scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, is probably the most famous of Caribbean foods. With the smoke and delicious smell of jerk stalls dotted around the island, if you’re in the mood for some juicy meat with a kick, you won’t be disappointed.
9. Turtle Stew
It is the national dish of the Cayman Islands. It is a real delicacy and perhaps the most traditional dish among the older generation of Caymanians. Use breadfruit, tapioca, sweet potatoes, Caribbean squash, beans or white rice as a side dish. These days it is also served with potato salad or breadfruit and fried plantains, fresh vegetables and corn bread. All turtle meat in the Cayman Islands comes from Cayman Island turtle farms.
10. Johnny Cake
Small fried dumplings, Johnny Cakes make a great starter or side dish. These Caribbean delicacies are excellent on their own, with butter, jam or with sautéed fish. Enjoy these little delicacies at the George Town Yacht Club near the airport.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.