Explore the rich and diverse local cuisine of St. Lucia, featuring a mix of Creole, Indian, French, and British influences. From the national dish of Green Fig and Saltfish to exotic fruits and spices, discover the flavors that make St. Lucia a food lover’s paradise.
Local Cuisine in St. Lucia
St. Lucia offers an exciting mix of culinary influences, combining Creole, Indian, French, and British flavors to create a unique and delicious cuisine. Below are some of the local dishes and ingredients you should try:
Green Fig and Saltfish
This is the national dish of St. Lucia, consisting of boiled green bananas (referred to as "figs" in St. Lucia) and salted cod. It's a hearty dish spiced with peppers, onions, and various local herbs.
Roti
A flatbread stuffed with curried meat or vegetables, roti is a staple food influenced by Indian cuisine. It's often eaten as a quick snack or a full meal and is available at various eateries.
Callaloo
This is a thick, green leafy soup or stew made from the callaloo plant. The dish often includes crab, okra, and a variety of local spices.
Accra
Deep-fried fish cakes made with saltfish and a blend of local spices. They are a popular snack and can be found at many roadside stands and local eateries.
Breadfruit
Either roasted, fried, or boiled, breadfruit is a starchy fruit that serves as a side dish in many local meals.
Soups
Local soups like "San Coche" often feature an assortment of meat, vegetables, and provisions like yams and dasheen (a type of taro root).
Cocoa Tea
A traditional St. Lucian breakfast drink made from local cocoa, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened with condensed milk.
Local Seafood
Fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, and flying fish are often grilled, fried, or stewed, featuring prominently in local cuisine.
Fresh Fruits
St. Lucia boasts a variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and guavas, which are often served fresh or used in juices and desserts.
Local Beverages
Apart from the world-renowned St. Lucia rum, try local beers like Piton, or fresh coconut water for a non-alcoholic option.