So far as island holidays go, a vacation in Antigua is a reduce above the remainder. What makes it so are the sorts of experiences you possibly can anticipate finding there, its wealthy tradition, and the tantalizing native delicacies that you just in all probability gained’t have the ability to get sufficient of.
Uncover Sandals Grande Antigua, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort nestled on the pristine white sands of Dickenson Bay. Famend because the “World’s Most Romantic Resort,” it provides 11 various eating choices .*
In Antigua, there are tasty hints of many different locations within the meals that’s served up at native eating places. As is the norm in most Caribbean islands, there’s a West African affect in lots of native dishes, and different extra shocking inspiration from locations like China, India, Syria, Lebanon, and even Jamaica. There are additionally Spanish and British influences in Antigua meals.
All of this implies you’re about to have the time of your life happening a culinary journey in Antigua. Useful trace: you possibly can’t go mistaken with recent native seafood or jerk hen, and ‘fungie’ simply could shock you!
4 conventional Antiguan foremost dishes
Saltfish and Fungie
Don’t let the title throw you off, that is the nationwide dish of Antigua and it has nothing to do with mildew or mushrooms. Antiguan fungie is made with cornmeal and okra paste that’s shaped into balls; the mixed components are then sautéed. Salt fish is often stewed and added as a facet, and for no matter cause, these two dishes completely complement each other. Saltfish and fungie are mostly eaten for breakfast and dinner in each Antigua and sister island Barbuda.
Like to strive quite a lot of dishes whereas in Antigua? All-inclusive resort Sandals Grande Antigua is positioned on a stunning seashore and provides 11 connoisseur eating places.
Jerk hen
Picture credit score: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
Jerk hen virtually instantly brings about ideas of Jamaica, and that is considered one of many issues that first gained reputation in Jamaica and unfold throughout the opposite islands. Jerk hen entails an intricate preparation course of; generally dry rubs are finished for flavoring, and spicy selfmade sauces are added in. Jerk hen is one thing you’ll find nearly wherever in Antigua, and your probabilities of satisfaction are excessive as most individuals observe the sluggish cooking course of leading to a young and scrumptious meal.
Conch
Picture credit score: MevZup/Shutterstock.com
Trip goers desirous to strive one thing new will benefit from the conch and all the assorted ways in which it may be ready. Conch is obtainable at numerous roadside stops and native eating places in Antigua. Attempt conch chowder, conch fritters, conch salad, and even conch curries whereas on the island. Of all of the preparation strategies, conch fritters are the most well-liked, and you’ll count on these to be deep-fried to perfection. Conch fritters are an amazing snack or a facet dish.
Goat water / Mannish water
Picture credit score: Fanfo/Shutterstock.com
That is possible one of many strangest names for a meals merchandise you’ve ever heard, however goat water is an actual factor and it’s tremendously well-liked within the Caribbean. The very first thing you need to know is that this dish is thought-about an aphrodisiac. It’s a gentle soup cooked up with nearly any piece of goat meat imaginable, together with bones. Herbs and spices like cinnamon and clove are added in, and generally dumplings, yams, potatoes, and extra. Goat water is often eaten round breakfast-time, and it’s supplied by some native eating places. Take note, that this dish may be very filling!
Two conventional Antiguan facet dishes
Ducana
Picture credit score: Julia Bogdanova/Shutterstock.com
With regards to Antigua and Barbuda’s meals, Ducana is nearly as conventional because it will get. Ducana is a candy potato dumpling or pudding that’s liked by most who strive it. Chances are high, you’ll like it too! Ducana is made with grated candy potatoes, grated coconut, sugar, flour, coconut milk, raisins, ginger, nutmeg, and quite a lot of different seasonings and components. Generally pumpkin is included. All of the components are positioned right into a banana leaf and boiled in water. This dish tends to be a bit of on the candy facet, and for that cause is mixed with savory selections like stewed saltfish.
Roti
Picture credit score: EQRoy/Shutterstock.com
If you happen to can’t resolve what to eat whereas on the go in Antigua, simply know that you may’t go mistaken with roti. This dish which is mainly a wrap crammed with hen, beef, pork, seafood, or greens is well-liked throughout the Caribbean, and in Antigua, you possibly can add curried sauce to your roti. Roti can both be a facet to a full meal, a snack, or perhaps a entire meal relying on how large it’s, and whether or not sides like recent salad are included.
4 conventional Antiguan snacks
Antigua Black pineapple
Picture credit score: JohnHancockPhoto/Shutterstock.com
Pineapple is a favourite for many individuals world wide, however not many have skilled the black pineapple of Antigua. The shortened title for this model of the fruit is the Antiguan Black, and it is called the sweetest pineapple on the earth. It may be powerful to inform when this fruit is ripe, because the inexperienced tint stays it doesn’t matter what stage of ripeness it’s at, so that you’ll must ask an skilled native for recommendation earlier than you dig in. The Antiguan Black can be much less acidic than different pineapples, and the core tends to be extra tender. As soon as you discover the right Antigua Black Pineapple, slice it, chill it, and luxuriate in!
Johnny Truffles
Picture credit score: Nadir Keklik/Shutterstock.com
No Caribbean menu is full with out some Johnny Truffles, and this bread-like delight which is cooked on a griddle is usually used as a sandwich, and served with fillings together with cheese, saltfish, or different components. Johnny desserts in Antigua are made with cornmeal, sugar, salt, milk, or water. Attempt just a few of those along with your breakfast or as a facet with a lightweight lunch.
Tamarind Balls
Picture credit score: selinofoto/Shutterstock.com
Who can resist the candy and bitter attract of tamarind balls? These too are stated to have originated from Jamaica, and they’re extremely well-liked right now. These are primarily snacks made with tamarind pulp, which can be generally spiced up or simply rolled in sugar. Take some dwelling with you to share with pals or household.
Shawarma
Picture credit score: Dzmitry Held/Shutterstock.com
Shawarma is a global favourite, and it’s tremendous well-liked in Antigua a lot due to immigrants from Syria and Lebanon who launched it to the island. Numerous meats are cooked on a vertical rotisserie or spit and served with sides together with pita bread or salad. There are many meat selections to your shawarma in Antigua together with lamb or mutton, hen, turkey, beef, or veal.
4 conventional Antiguan desserts
Coconut Sugar Cake
Picture credit score: from my viewpoint/Shutterstock.com
A tasty deal with if there ever was one, the title of this dessert lets you recognize what to anticipate if you chunk into it – coconut and sugar, with a zing of ginger. These sugar desserts are fairly to have a look at with designs created with meals coloring, and also you would possibly simply have a tough time convincing your youngsters to simply eat it and get it over with.
Fudge
Picture credit score: Anna_Pustynnikova/Shutterstock.com
Made with sugar, butter and milk, fudge is a straightforward Caribbean staple that receives a little bit of a twist relying on the island on which it’s being cooked up. In Antigua, coconut milk is often added in, and there are numerous flavors of fudge together with tamarind, pineapple, and ponche kuba. Convey some dwelling as a memento when you don’t end all of them earlier than your return!
Peanut Brittle
Picture credit score: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
If you happen to’re vacationing with youngsters and making an attempt to get them to be extra open-minded to genuine Antiguan meals, you can begin with one thing like peanut brittle, which is a straightforward dessert that features caramelized sugar and peanuts. You’ll discover it being bought within the type of bars or chunks at most native markets.
Antiguan Bread Pudding
Picture credit score: Monarexx/Shutterstock.com
This British-inspired dessert is one thing of a consolation meals, and in Antigua it’s something however mundane. Elements embody cubed white bread, eggs, milk, spices together with nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, and a spicy rum sauce topping.
In style Antiguan drinks
Sipping Rum
Picture credit score: Jake Hukee/Shutterstock.com
You’ll have fairly just a few alternatives to style native rums whereas in Antigua, and probably the greatest instances to do that is throughout an interactive rum-tasting tour of the Antigua Distillery. Go alongside for a possibility to sip on one thing buzz-worthy in paradise.
Rum Punch
Picture credit score: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
The Caribbean and rum punch go hand in hand, and Antigua is likely one of the islands the place a well-made rum punch could very nicely change into your greatest buddy. You will discover rum punch at most eating places and bars, which isn’t shocking because it’s really easy to make. All you’ll want is a few native rum, lime juice and cane sugar. Generally nutmeg and different components are added in to spice issues up.
Insider tip: Talking of spicing issues up, Sandals Grande Antigua provides 11 connoisseur eating places, and seven bars (together with swim-up bars!). Friends can eat and drink as a lot as they need throughout their keep. It’s all included, at all times limitless!
Wadadli Beer
Picture credit score: Chris Allan/Shutterstock.com
Although some historians dispute this, Wadadli is claimed to have been the title given to Antigua by the primary settlers to the island. However, Antigua’s hottest beer goes by that title, and its candy, gentle taste will possible win you over, significantly on a scorching day by the seashore!
FAQ’s about Antiguan meals and drinks
What sort of meals is served in Antigua?
You will get every kind of meals in Antigua, from nationwide dishes like fungie and saltfish, to Center Japanese delicacies, Chinese language meals, and different diverse meals selections. Domestically talking, recent fish, seasoned rice and jerk hen are high selections.
What’s the hottest drink in Antigua?
Rum is well-liked in Antigua, and also you’ll discover out why after making an attempt the native rum punch!
Is meals costly in Antigua?
Meals in all fairness priced in Antigua – at a mean native restaurant you possibly can count on to pay round $10 to $20 per particular person for a meal. Wish to get pleasure from connoisseur meals at its best proper at your resort? Think about going all-inclusive at Sandals Grande Antigua.
Escape to Sandals Grande Antigua—ebook your romantic getaway right now!