The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Saban Foods. If you manage to be in an Saban restaurant or you are visiting Saba, I recommend the following:
1. Black Pepper Squid
Black pepper and coriander are a good combination and are very popular. It’s exciting that it’s simple and the ingredients don’t take away from the natural flavour or texture of the natural octopus, but it really complements it. Squid with shrimp paste is seasoned with salt, and the most prominent flavours are coarse black pepper and crunchy, slightly wilted, diced spring onions. very delicious.
2. Green Curry
Green curry is a spicy dish with green chillies as the main ingredient, brought by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. The chillies are ground into a paste and mixed with ingredients such as prawn paste, lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, coriander and whole peppercorns. The paste is the core of any green curry and the base that determines the final flavour. Additional ingredients for green curries are very versatile. These often include proteins, meat or seafood and a variety of vegetables. Garnish with chopped green chillies when serving.
3. Phad Prik Sod
This is a dry curry that is often combined with green beans and fish, pork or tofu. Like other curries, this dish is based on a thick paste of various spices such as chillies, lemongrass, galangal and shallots. The paste is fried before other ingredients are added, and the dish is usually flavoured with fish sauce and palm sugar. Phat phrik is usually served with rice.
4. Phad Thai
This is a delicious concoction consisting of rice noodles, tofu, dried shrimp, bean sprouts and eggs. When prepared with meat, chicken and pork are the most popular choices. The taste is a complex combination of sweet, sour and salty with a balanced textural contrast. The tender rice noodles are also flavoured with sugar, tamarind, lime juice, and fish sauce; it is traditionally served with red chilli powder, white vinegar, sugar, fresh lime wedges and fish sauce as garnish, so that any consumer can garnish the meal according to their taste.
5. Soursop Ice Cream
Soursop ice cream is a Caribbean dessert that is especially popular in Saba. It is made from prepared sorrel, water, cornstarch, condensed milk, salt and a few drops of bitters. After churning the combination, refrigerate until the consistency is firm. This unique variety of ice cream can be enjoyed all year round.
6. Massaman Chicken
It is a fusion dish full of Indian flavours, especially with the use of hot spices. It has a mild sweetness with a deep warmth. Variations are everywhere, whether using different types of meat, adding additional ingredients or using different cooking methods. For example, some argue that the more traditional beef masaman curries should be cooked longer. Also, additional spices are often added, the choice of which depends on the recipe, but the most common are cardamom, cinnamon and star anise. Served with rice.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.