Located in the Caribbean Sea, St Kitts and Nevis is a twin-island nation famous for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history.
With landmarks like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park and the volcanic Mount Liamuiga, St Kitts and Nevis attracts travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The islands are very small in size, with a population of less than 50,000 people. Originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, St Kitts and Nevis later became a colonial outpost, experiencing British and French ruling before gaining independence in 1983.
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Most Popular Dishes of St Kitts & Nevis
The cuisine of St Kitts and Nevis has been influenced by African, European, and indigenous traditions. Common ingredients include locally sourced seafood such as fish, lobster, and conch, as well as tropical fruits like guava and coconut.
The cuisine features bold flavors and spices, with dishes often prepared using traditional cooking methods such as stewing and grilling.
Salt Fish and Dumplings
Salt fish and dumplings is a classic Caribbean dish made with salted codfish and boiled dumplings. It is considered to be the national dish of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The salt fish is first soaked to remove excess salt, then it’s cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices until tender. Dumplings made from flour and water are boiled until fluffy and served alongside the salt fish.
This dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a favorite comfort food in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Conch Fritters (Battered Conch)
Conch fritters are made from diced conch meat, which is mixed with flour, eggs, onions, peppers, and spices. The mixture is formed into balls and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Conch fritters are enjoyed as a savory appetizer or snack, often served with a tangy dipping sauce. Similar dishes can be found throughout the Caribbean, such as Bahamian cracked conch.
Roti (Flatbread)
Roti is a popular flatbread originating from India, but widely enjoyed in Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is made from a thin dough which can be filled with various savory fillings such as curried meats, vegetables, or chickpeas, commonly eaten for lunch or dinner and served with chutney or hot sauce.
Goat Water (Goat Meat Stew)
Goat water is a stew made from goat meat, seasoned with herbs, spices, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
This dish gets its name from the method of cooking, which involves slowly simmering the ingredients until the goat meat is tender. Goat water is a popular comfort food enjoyed year-round, especially during festive occasions and celebrations.
Similar dishes can be found in other Caribbean nations, such as Jamaica’s goat curry.
Sugar Cake (Coconut Sweets)
Sugar cake is a sweet treat made from coconut, sugar, and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. These coconut treats are often colored with bright food coloring.
The ingredients are cooked together until thickened, then poured into molds to set. Once cooled, the sugar cakes are cut into squares and enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
Johnny Cakes (Bread Rolls)
Johnny cakes are a popular Caribbean bread made from flour, baking powder, salt, and water or milk. The dough is kneaded, flattened, and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior.
Johnny cakes are enjoyed as a versatile side dish to savory dishes, or as a sweet treat with jam or honey.
Pelau (One Pot Rice and Meat)
Pelau is a one-pot dish made with rice, meat (often chicken or pork), peas, and a variety of spices and seasonings. The ingredients are cooked together until the rice is tender, making a hearty and aromatic dish.
Pelau is a popular meal to serve for gatherings and celebrations, where it is often served alongside fried plantains or coleslaw.
Similar one-pot dishes can be found across the globe, for example South American Arroz Con Pollo or Afghan Kabuli Pualo, although exact ingredients and methods may vary somewhat.
Black Pudding (Blood Sausage)
Black pudding, also known as blood pudding, is a savory sausage made from pork blood, fat, and spices. The mixture is stuffed into casings and cooked until firm, resulting in a rich sausage.
Black pudding is often served as part of a hearty breakfast or as an appetizer or snack. Variations of black pudding can be found in various countries around the world, such as Britain and Germany.
Lobster
Lobster is a seafood delicacy enjoyed in Saint Kitts and Nevis, often grilled, steamed, or boiled and served with butter or a jerk sauce. Lobster is served on special occasions, prepared in a number of different ways, including grilled and boiled.
There are abundant lobsters in the sea surrounding Saint Kitts and Nevis, so freshly caught lobster can be found in restaurants across the islands.
Guava Cheese (Sweet Guava Paste)
Guava cheese is a sweet confection made from guava pulp and sugar, cooked until thickened and set into a firm jelly-like consistency. The guava cheese is then sliced into squares or bars and enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert.
Guava cheese is a popular treat in the Caribbean, where guavas are abundant. Guava-based desserts can be found in other countries, such as quince paste, a guava pie, in Argentina or Paraguay.