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Food in the Caymans is as vibrant and colorful as the islands themselves. The chefs excel at the blending of spices, local produce, and seafood to create unique and flavorful cuisine. Some recipes are centuries old, having been passed down through generations. Others are modern spins on classic flavors. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, a casual beach lunch or luxury dining, you’ll find it in the Caymans.  Here are a few of the Cayman foods you’ll want to try:

Conch Soup

Conch (pronounced ‘conk’) is a type of sea snail that most recognize by its beautiful trumpet-shaped shell. However, few are familiar with its meat which has a milder flavor but is like that of clams and escargot. Cooks in the Caymans have taken advantage of this versatile seafood, which is tenderized before serving, using it in salads and stews. Conch soup is typically made with tomatoes, Cayman peppers, and spices. It’s Cayman’s version of chili and delicious paired with bread or fritters.  It’s perfect on a rainy day or when searching for comfort food. From November to April (the conch season), conch stew is on most menus. You can taste one of the best conch stews at Cracked Conch.

Johnny Cake

Johnny Cake is known by several names but most commonly, fritters. Regardless of the title, Johnny Cake is a cornmeal flatbread or a deep-fried cornbread dumpling. Johnny Cakes are great appetizers or side dishes. These Caribbean delicacies are tasty when served with butter or jam. They are also delicious with an entrée of sautéed fish. The George Town Yacht Club, located by the airport, can provide you with an initial taste upon arrival.

Jerk Chicken

Native to Jamaica, this spicy dish, made with scotch bonnet peppers (or Caribbean red peppers), spices such as nutmeg, allspice, and clove along with pineapple juice, is the most famous of the Caribbean foods. Chicken is marinated and then smoked on an open barbecue. You’ll smell this delicious jerk across the island and won’t be disappointed if you’re craving juicy meat with a kick.  Since the marinade is quite versatile, you may find variations with fish and vegetables too! Try it at Island Taste, and don’t forget to enjoy it with some of their delicious and freshly pressed juice.

Cayman Style Lobster

Lobster in the Caribbean is a delicacy and is believed to be the best of its kind. There are irresistible lobster dishes in risottos, pasta, and even lobster patties found all over the islands. One dish you need to try is Cayman style lobster tails served at Lobster Pot. This spicy, tender dish is cooked with spicy sauce and scotch bonnet peppers.

Cayman Style Beef

Cayman Style beef is among the most tender meat you’ll savor. The beef, or stewed beef, is slowly cooked then shredded and combined with hot spices, garlic, and onion.  It’s then left to simmer until it has absorbed the flavorful juices.  For some of the best Cayman Style Beef, be sure to try it at Vivine’s Kitchen or at Upstairs at Kaibo.

Fish + Fritters

An authentic Cayman taste, the fried fish is usually made from whole mahi-mahi, grouper, or snapper. The origins of this fish feast come from Cayman’s maritime past. The fish is soaked in salt, lime, and peppers. It is then fried with peppers, butter, onions, and spices for a crispy, delicious, old-style Caribbean dish. Fritters, or Johnny Cake, are always served as a side dish! The Cayman Cabana is a great beachside restaurant to try fish and fritters.

Coconut Shrimp

Succulent seafood dishes are aplenty in Cayman. Coconut shrimp is an island favorite. Shrimp is coated with shavings from coconut and spices, and then deep-fried. You may have had coconut shrimp before, but you haven’t really experienced the true joy until you’ve had it with just-caught shrimp and freshly shaved coconut.  There’s really no explanation for the tropical joy your tastebuds will savor when this combination is at its peak.   An eatery to try this tropical seafood feast is Ave restaurant.

Coconut Rundown

The Cayman Islands are infamous for fish fillets cooked in coconut milk with fresh herbs. Throughout Cayman, you’ll find many versions of fish rundown, each using a unique cooking style for creative flavors.  You’ll often find this served with dumplings and plantains for creamy versions; yams, pumpkin, or breadfruit for sweet variations; and scotch bonnets used for spicey flavor.  Peppers Bar and Grill is known for its mahi-mahi coconut rundown with roasted breadfruit and jerk fries. Or you can try lobster, scallops, mussels, or shrimp rundown at Calypso Grill.

Old Fashioned Fish Fry

A throwback to Caymanian’s seafaring past is the fish fry. A whole fish, typically mahi-mahi or snapper is breaded and pan-fried then served with rice and beans with plantains, mash, and fritters, or with coleslaw, fries and hot sauce. This is an authentic taste of the Caribbean and arguably the most popular.  For a generous portion of this classic, try it at Grape Tree Café.

Cassava Cake (Heavy Cake)

Native to Central and South America but widespread across the tropics, cassava is a root vegetable. It is a starchy vegetable like a potato but with a nutty flavor that can be shaved or dried and used as flour. In the United States, cassava flour is used for making tapioca. Cassava Cake was created centuries ago out of necessity. A lack of food resources forced the island inhabitants to get creative in their food recipes. This tasty dessert is made with coconut milk, spices (often vanilla and cinnamon), and sugar. It is all combined, resulting in a heavy cassava cake that is dense and sweet. To get a taste, visit the Grand Old House in South Sound.

Fish Tea

If you’re thinking that fish tea sounds very different from traditional steeped tea, you’re absolutely correct.  It’s really not a tea, but rather, a fish bouillon or broth that can take several hours to prepare.  Despite being labeled a soup by visitors, it is considered an extremely popular beverage by Caymanians. At the Heritage Kitchen, fish tea includes fish or fresh seafood, green bananas, vegetables (such as pumpkin, yam, or cassava), spices, fresh herbs, butter, and coconut milk.

Modern Caribbean

Seafood, prime meat, and produce are locally sourced and organically grown to provide the optimal ingredients for a tantalizing menu. Caribbean flavors combined with fresh products from land and ocean along with modern culinary skills bring an eclectic blend of tropical sweetness and savory spices for meal perfection. Try the Abacus at Camana Bay for a modern take on Caribbean classics. A bonus is that this restaurant has amazing architecture and botany unique to Camana Bay.

Ottoman Empire Inspired

Blending the flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia, and France, the Blue Cilantro is an east-meets-west fusion of cuisine. Tropical, spicy, delicate, and rich are among many of the options to select from in this upscale and elegant land-to-sea menu.

AAA Five Diamond Dining Immersion

Local seafood with an impressive wine list is what you’ll find at Blue, a signature restaurant in the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Resort.  For those who enjoy hands-on memories, this is one of the more unique experiences that can be offered. Not only will guests learn how to prep and cook menu selections under the guidance of Blue’s culinary team, but they will indulge in a five to seven-course Chef-tasting menu.

The Cayman Islands are vibrant and excel at the blending of spices and local seafood to create unique and flavorful cuisine. The recipes passed down through the centuries add a sense of culture, interest, and wonder.  Not only are the Cayman Islands a breathtaking tropical location, but they provide an excellent place for a corporate meeting or for exploring as a group travel incentive.

Planning a trip to a tropical paradise? Contact Gavel International for more information about corporate meetings and group incentive travel planning in the Cayman Islands.

Jim Bozzelli
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