caribbean food and drink
Grenada
Trinidad & Tobago
a box a dead
A fast food meal of fried chicken and french fries.
food
5 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
abiu
Pouteria caimito, a tropical tree, and its fruit originally from South America. It will grow an average of 33 feet (10 m) high, and can grow as high as 116 feet (35 m) under good conditions. Its fruit’s shape varies from round to oval with a point. When ripe, it has smooth bright yellow skin and will have one to four ovate seeds. The inside of the fruit is translucent and white. It has a creamy and jelly-like texture and with a taste similar to the sapodilla
food
fruit
plant
11 comments
Dominica
St. Lucia
Trinidad & Tobago
accra
A fried batter made from a mix of flour, saltfish, onions, peppers and other spices
food
13 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Grenada
Guyana
achar
A condiment made from fruit (often mango), vinegar, peppers, salt and mustard oil
food
2 comments
Jamaica
Trinidad & Tobago
acid
Any hard liquor or alcoholic drink
food
Bahamas
Belize
Jamaica
St. Lucia
ackee
Blighia sapida; A fruit of the soapberry family native to West Africa that was introduced to the Caribbean. It is the national fruit of Jamaica, and features prominently in Jamaican cuisine where it is an ingredient in the the national dish 'ackee and saltfish'. The fruit changes in colour from yellowish-green to a reddish orange as it matures. When ripe, the pods open to reveal two to three fleshy white or cream coloured arils. The arils are the only edible part of the fruit. The fruit must be allowed to open fully before harvesting as unripe and unopened fruit is poisonous and may cause ackee poisoning or Jamaican Vomiting Sickness (toxic hypoglycemic syndrome).
food
plant
fruit
national symbol
123 comments
Jamaica
ackee and saltfish
A traditional food that is the national dish of Jamaica. It is typically prepared as a sautee of boiled ackee, saltfish, peppers, onions and other spices. It is usually accompanied by bread, breadfruit, boiled green bananas, or dumplings.
food
national symbol
3 comments
Jamaica
afu
Yam.
food
plant
Bahamas
agidi
A mean of cornmeal mush cooked in leaves.
food
Barbados
Dominica
Grenada
St. Lucia
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
agouti
Small rodents related to guinea pigs.
animal
food
9 comments
Grenada
akara
A fried batter made from a mix of flour, saltfish, onions, peppers and other spices
food
Bahamas
alligator pear
Avocado. Edible pear shaped or round fruit with an egg shaped seed. The flesh is green on the outside and turns yellow closer to the seed.
food
fruit
plant
8 comments
Grenada
Jamaica
Cayman Islands
Trinidad & Tobago
almond
The tree and fruit of Terminalia catappa. It is a large tree (up to 115ft in height), often grown for ornamental purposes and the shade provided by its broad leaves. Parts of the fruit are edible, including the inner seed which resembles almonds in shape and taste.
plant
food
fruit
32 comments
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
aloo
Potato
food
plant
5 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
aloo pie
A pastry filled with seasoned mashed potatoes and then fried. The dough consists of flour, water, salt, baking powder and if necessary some saffron for color. Seasonings and ingredients used in the mashed potatoes include salt, pepper, onion, cumin, garlic, occasionally green seasoning, and bandanya. The pastries are cut open before serving and garnished with a chutneys, pepper, or other sauces.
food
Martinique
amandes
The tree and fruit of Terminalia catappa. It is a large tree (up to 115ft in height), often grown for ornamental purposes and the shade provided by its broad leaves. Parts of the fruit are edible, including the inner seed which resembles almonds in shape and taste.
plant
food
fruit
Bahamas
Trinidad & Tobago
anady
The fruit and plant of Bixa orellana, commonly known as anatto. It is important for its seeds which are used to produce spices, and bright red/orange food colourings and dyes.
plant
food
4 comments
Haiti
ananas
Pineapple - a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries, named for resemblance to the pine cone.
plant
fruit
food
Trinidad & Tobago
anar
Pomegranate. Botanical name Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing between 5 and 8 m (16 and 26 ft) tall
fruit
food
7 comments
Jamaica
anatto
The fruit and plant of Bixa orellana, commonly known as anatto. It is important for its seeds which are used to produce spices, and bright red/orange food colourings and dyes.
plant
food
Trinidad & Tobago
anchar
A condiment made from fruit (often mango), vinegar, peppers, salt and mustard oil
food
Haiti
anisette
An alcoholic beverage made by soaking anise leaves in rum and adding sugar for sweetening.
food
Puerto Rico
anon
An edible round, ovoid, or cone shaped fruit around 6-10 cm in diameter, with a lumpy skin. The skin colour changes from bright green to a pale whitish-green as the fruit ripens. The sweet flesh is white or very pale yellow, and has a custard-like texture. Hard , shiny brownish black seeds are spread throughout the insides.
food
plant
fruit
22 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Jamaica
apple
Otaheite apple; Pear shaped fruit with red skin and white flesh. Typically, they contain a single large seed. However, they may occasionally be seedless. The fruit is sweet and is usually eaten raw or used to make drinks.
food
plant
fruit
30 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Guyana
apple banana
A banana variety known for small sweet fruit.
food
plant
fruit
11 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Suriname
apra
A round fruit about the size of a tennis ball. It has a glossy leathery skin that is either green, purple, or some combination of the two colours. Inside is a purple and white milky flesh that exhibits a distinct star pattern. The fruit is sweet and eaten raw
food
plant
fruit
13 comments
Dominica
apricot
Round fruit between 5 and 9 inches in diameter. The fruit has rough brown skin and contains a single large seed. The flesh of unripe fruit is hard and becomes soft when fully ripened. The fruit is edible with tastes ranging from sour to sweet and reminiscent of apricots.
food
fruit
plant
4 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Puerto Rico
aprin
Ziziphus Mauritania; A small round berry about 3/4 inches in diameter. The fruit is green and turns yellow as it ripens. Ripe fruit may occasionally develop a rust brown colour and a cracked texture. The unripe fruit is firm and slightly acidic, and grows softer and mushier when it ripens. The berries have a single hard seed.
food
plant
11 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Belize
areba
A round flat bread made from grated cassava which has been repeatedly pressed to remove the juice. For meal preparation, slices are typically soaked in coconut milk and then fried. It is popularly served with fried fish.
food
5 comments
Jamaica
arnold
Pork - the flesh of swine.
food
Antigua & Barbuda
Grenada
Jamaica
asham
A desert snack made by shelling dry corn, parching it in a hot pot and then pounding it in a wooden mortar and sifting it until it is similar to sand. Salt or sugar can then be added to the brown mixture and it can be eaten dry or with water.
food
5 comments
Bahamas
Puerto Rico
avogado
Avocado. Edible pear shaped or round fruit with an egg shaped seed. The flesh is green on the outside and turns yellow closer to the seed.
food
fruit
plant
8 comments
Aruba
ayaca
A dish consisting of mixed meat stewed with capers, olives, raisins and prunes, wrapped in cornmeal, then wrapped in banana or plantain leaves and boiled.
food
3 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Grenada
Trinidad & Tobago
babash
An extremely potent overproof rum with a fearsome reputation. It is sold under-the-counter (illegally) and usually available during sugar harvest time.
food
8 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Barbados
US Virgin Islands
baccalow
Fish dried and salted for preservation. The fish is usually the Atlantic or Pacific cod, however, pollock and haddock are sometimes used. Preparation typically involves an initial step of soaking in water overnight or boiling to remove the excess salt.
food
9 comments
Belize
Guyana
Jamaica
bag juice
Commercially produced drinks or juice packaged in plastic bags.
food
11 comments
Bahamas
baggy
A homemade frozen pop popular with children. It is made by pouring mixed drinks into small transparent plastic bags, tying the bags to seal them, and freezing. They are normally consumed by sucking a small hole bitten in one corner of the bag.
food
2 comments
Barbados
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
bake
A fried bread typically made from baking powder leavened dough.
food
17 comments
Barbados
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
bakes
A fried bread typically made from baking powder leavened dough.
food
1 comments
Guyana
Montserrat
balanjay
Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
food
plant
fruit
11 comments
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
balay
To roll dough into a shape with a rolling pin
food
Bahamas
bald benny
A species of food fish
animal
food
Bahamas
balloon gut
Any of several types of spiny blowfish or pufferfish that inflate and expand their bodies when threatened.
animal
food
Belize
Jamaica
bammy
A round flat bread made from grated cassava which has been repeatedly pressed to remove the juice. For meal preparation, slices are typically soaked in coconut milk and then fried. It is popularly served with fried fish.
food
Jamaica
banana fig
A dried banana
food
Haiti
Jamaica
St. Vincent
US Virgin Islands
banana fritters
A fried meal item made from a batter consisting primarily of ripe bananas (usually overripe) and flour.
food
Dominica
Haiti
banane pese
A dish of twice fried green plantain. Slices or chunks of plantain are slow fried, then pressed flat and fried again. The slices are optionally dipped in salt water before the second frying.
food
Trinidad & Tobago
bandanya
Mexican Coriander. Eryngium foetidum is a tropical perennial and annual herb in the family Apiaceae used for seasoning and marinating food.
plant
food
11 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
banga
Is a yellowish-green drupe 2.5-5 cm in diameter, containing a single, dark brown, nut-like seed 2.5-5 cm diameter, which is very tough to break. The inside is a dry white filling that has a vaguely sweet taste when eaten. Found on a species of palm native to tropical regions of the Americas, from southern
fruit
food
41 comments
Barbados
Guyana
banga mary
A popular food fish
food
2 comments
Haiti
bannan
Plantains
food
fruit
plant
3 comments
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
bara
The bread is a quick bread made of flour, baking powder, salt and ground turmeric, which gives the bread its yellow color. It is flattened to a thin round disk about four or five inches in diameter and fried until golden brown.
food
1 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
barbadine
The Giant Granadilla, it is the largest of the passionfruits, plants of the genus Passiflora. It is a perennial native of Tropical America, having smooth, cordate, ovate or acuminate leaves; petioles bearing from 4 to 6 glands; an emetic and narcotic root; scented flowers; and a large, oblong fruit, containing numerous seeds, imbedded in a subacid edible pulp.
fruit
food
5 comments
Bahamas
barefoot rice
Plain white rice.
food
Jamaica
barra
Barracuda. A ray-finned fish known for its large size and fearsome appearance
animal
food
Bahamas
barry
Barracuda. A ray-finned fish known for its large size and fearsome appearance
animal
food
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
belna
Rolling pin - a cylindrical wooden cooking instrument used to flatten and shape dough.
food
4 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
benne balls
A brittle candy made from sugar and sesame seeds.
food
1 comments
Bahamas
benny cake
A brittle candy made from sugar and sesame seeds.
food
1 comments
US Virgin Islands
benye
A yeast risen, fried, banana fritter often served as a breakfast item.
food
Haiti
beregene
Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
food
plant
fruit
Puerto Rico
berenjena
Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
fruit
plant
food
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
bhagi
Aramanth - an edible green leafy vegetable resembling spinach. It is typically prepared by steaming, often with saltfish
plant
food
12 comments
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
bhaigan
Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
plant
food
fruit
3 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
bhandhania
Mexican Coriander. Eryngium foetidum is a tropical perennial and annual herb in the family Apiaceae used for seasoning and marinating food.
plant
food
Puerto Rico
biandas
Any starchy agricultural product used as food. Examples include, but are not limited to, yams, potatoes, bananas, cassava, pumpkins, and breadfruit.
food
1 comments
Barbados
Jamaica
bickle
Food.
food
1 comments
Bahamas
big john
A bitter white cassava used for making bread.
food
2 comments
Bahamas
big sour
Seville orange; A thick skinned sour orange used for making beverages and marmalade.
food
plant
1 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
bilimbi
The fruit and tree of Averrhoa bilimbi. A relative of the carambola or star fruit, the tree produces an edible, green, five pomed, cucumber like fruit.
food
fruit
plant
15 comments
Belize
bime
Garifuna sweet sticky rice
food
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
bird pepper
A small, but hot chili pepper used for cooking. The peppers range in colour from green to red.
food
plant
6 comments
Bahamas
bitter george
Bitter cassava used to make bread after the poisonous juices have been squeezed out.
food
Bahamas
bitter orange
Seville orange; A thick skinned sour orange used for making beverages and marmalade.
food
plant
fruit
4 comments
Barbados
Dominica
Guyana
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
Trinidad & Tobago
US Virgin Islands
black cake
Rich dark cakes popular around Christmas. A primary ingredients is dried fruit that has been steeped or soaked in rum or wine for long periods of time (sometimes years). The dried fruit is usually some combination of raisins, prunes, cherries, and candied fruit peel. The cakes get their dark colour from browning or burnt sugar.
food
4 comments
Jamaica
black mango
A small, highly desired mango cultivar. The fruit is mostly green even when ripe - with some black spots. Occasionally some ripe fruit may have blushes of yellow. The skin is good tasting so they are often eaten without peeling.
food
fruit
plant
1 comments
Barbados
Dominica
Guyana
black pudding
Sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
food
2 comments
Jamaica
blackie
A small, highly desired mango cultivar. The fruit is mostly green even when ripe - with some black spots. Occasionally some ripe fruit may have blushes of yellow. The skin is good tasting so they are often eaten without peeling.
food
fruit
plant
Grenada
bladdaw
Large, round flat, dumplings
food
Guyana
Jamaica
blim blim
The fruit and tree of Averrhoa bilimbi. A relative of the carambola or star fruit, the tree produces an edible, green, five pomed, cucumber like fruit.
food
fruit
plant
19 comments
Barbados
Guyana
Trinidad & Tobago
blood puddin
Sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
food
6 comments
Jamaica
blue draws
A dessert item similar to bread pudding that is made from any combination of cassava, coco, sweet potato, or cornmeal along with flour, sugar and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The mixture is traditionally wrapped in leaves (banana or taro) or cloth and then boiled until cooked.
food
2 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
blue food
Any starchy agricultural product used as food. Examples include, but are not limited to, yams, potatoes, bananas, cassava, pumpkins, and breadfruit.
food
Grenada
bluggoe
A type of plaintain.
food
fruit
2 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
bodi
Green Beans, also known as String Beans, are the unripe fruits of any kind of bean, especially the common bean.
food
Suriname
boeah nona
An edible round, ovoid, or cone shaped fruit around 6-10 cm in diameter, with a lumpy skin. The skin colour changes from bright green to a pale whitish-green as the fruit ripens. The sweet flesh is white or very pale yellow, and has a custard-like texture. Hard , shiny brownish black seeds are spread throughout the insides.
food
plant
Bahamas
boil fish
A dish of whitefish boiled with potatoes and spices.
food
St. Lucia
bois pain
Tree and fruit native to the Pacific Islands and Malaysia that was brought to the West Indies in the 18th century. The fruit is large with a rough green skin with small hexagonal markings. Some varieties have a spiky exterior. The flesh is white, cream coloured or yellow and has a high starch content. It is eaten boiled, roasted, or fried as a staple food.
plant
food
Jamaica
bombay
A popular mango cultivar valued for pleasant taste.
food
fruit
plant
Guyana
bora
Green Beans, also known as String Beans, are the unripe fruits of any kind of bean, especially the common bean.
food
6 comments
Guadeloupe
boudin
Sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
food
Martinique
boudin creole
Sausage made by cooking blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
food
Guyana
boulanger
Eggplant. A species of nightshade grown for its edible fruit.
food
plant
fruit
Jamaica
box lunch
A fast food meal of fried chicken and french fries.
food
Jamaica
boxfood
A fast food meal of fried chicken and french fries.
food
Jamaica
boyo
A dessert item similar to bread pudding that is made from any combination of cassava, coco, sweet potato, or cornmeal along with flour, sugar and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The mixture is traditionally wrapped in leaves (banana or taro) or cloth and then boiled until cooked.
food
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
St. Kitts & Nevis
Cayman Islands
St. Lucia
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
US Virgin Islands
breadfruit
Tree and fruit native to the Pacific Islands and Malaysia that was brought to the West Indies in the 18th century. The fruit is large with a rough green skin with small hexagonal markings. Some varieties have a spiky exterior. The flesh is white, cream coloured or yellow and has a high starch content. It is eaten boiled, roasted, or fried as a staple food.
food
plant
fruit
29 comments
Guyana
St. Lucia
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent
breadnut
Seeded breadfruit
food
6 comments
Jamaica
breshe
Tree and fruit native to the Pacific Islands and Malaysia that was brought to the West Indies in the 18th century. The fruit is large with a rough green skin with small hexagonal markings. Some varieties have a spiky exterior. The flesh is white, cream coloured or yellow and has a high starch content. It is eaten boiled, roasted, or fried as a staple food.
plant
food
1 comments
Grenada
broadie
Large, round flat, dumplings
food