Known as the Spice Island, Grenada grows an abundance of their own spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, bay leaf, turmeric, thyme, and lemongrass. Upon entering this country, you’ll be welcomed by the fragrant smells of nutmeg.
In addition to the plentiful spices, there are also fruits and vegetables locally produced on the island including sweet potatoes, mangos, coconut, and breadfruit. Combine these spices with produces and you’ll get the main ingredients which make up Grenadian cuisine.
What can you expect from the cuisine in Grenada? Prepare your tastebuds for spicy stews, amazing seafood and dessert to satisfy the sweetest of sweet tooths.
Here’s how you can get to know Grenada through its foods:
Oil Down
This is the national dish in Grenada which means you can’t visit this island without trying it! This dish always makes an appearance at parties and festivals and is loved by locals.
Oil down is a stew made in one pot and includes chicken or fish, salted meat, dumplings, coconut milk, turmeric, vegetables (sweet potato, dasheen, callaloo) and breadfruit. It’s a dish usually cooked over an open coal fire and is sure to keep you full all day!
Cou Cou Pois
This side dish is made of cornflour and vegetables which are then cooked slowly until a smooth, stiff mixture is formed. You can eat it hot or cold and it is served with fish or chicken dishes. Some people even fry the cornmeal for a more crisp texture.
Fried Bake And Saltfish
Usually eaten for breakfast, this popular meal is best when the bake is fried until golden brown. Bake is a type of bread and it can be accompanied with an array of ingredients such as cheese, jam, and butter but it’s best with saltfish. The saltfish is prepared by being soaked first to remove excess salt and then pan-fried with tomato, onion, carrots, and seasoning to create a spicy taste.
Callaloo
Callaloo is made from the dasheen bush which grows abundantly in the Caribbean. This dish is often eaten as a soup although you can put it over rice and eat it with other dishes. Some Grenadians add pigtail or crab legs to give it a more unique flavor.
Lambie Souse
Lambie is the word used by locals for conch. Lambie souse involves conch that is cooked slowly along with onion, garlic, peppers, herbs, and lime juice.
Some locals add potatoes and dumplings. This meal is a must when trying fresh seafood on the island.
Pelau
This dish will definitely hit the spot and may induce a slight food-coma. Made of rice and chicken, this one-pot meal includes coconut milk, brown sugar, peas, carrots, celery, and red sweet peppers. Pelau is best when it’s cooked to a slightly sticky texture.
Crab Back
Seafood is golden in Grenada and land crabs are included, tasting just as fresh as those from the sea. Crab back can be found in Grenadian restaurants and includes local spices, lime juice and breadcrumbs sprinkled on top.
Roti
Grenada is a melting pot of cultures which is why you’ll find dishes like roti. This dish is Indian-influenced along with Caribbean spices which makes it a staple in the West Indies. Roti in Grenada is stuffed with curry meat (chicken, beef, goat), fish or vegetables.
Curry Goat
Grenada does curry goat a bit differently from surrounding Caribbean countries. They use herbs and spices grown on the island and the goat is first browned in sugar then cooked slowly with garlic, onions, pepper and of course, curry. Curry goat is normally served over rice.
Cocoa Balls
Did you know that Grenada has many cocoa plantations across the island? Chocolate is superb here which makes their cocoa balls a dessert worth every bite.
In addition to cocoa, these balls have cinnamon and bay leaf, giving them a distinct flavor.
Cocoa Tea
Another sweet treat involving Grenada’s cocoa is cocoa tea. This tea is made with cocoa balls, water, and milk and is served hot.
The cinnamon and bay leaf in the cocoa balls really give this drink a lovely and aromatic twist.
Coconut Drops
This dessert is made of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and coconut. The ingredients are then mixed until sticky and baked until golden brown. Locals love coconut drops and they’re perfect with tea.
Sweet Potato Pone
Sweet potato is a staple in Grenadian desserts. Pone is made using milk, sugar, grated coconut and spices (cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg). It is then baked in the over until it forms like cake.
Nutmeg Ice Cream
Grenada is the land of nutmeg, so it’s only right they would have nutmeg ice cream!
This ice cream is a must and will cool you down during hot Grenadian days.
Fudge
Handmade fudge is popular in Grenada and is made from local ingredients such as ginger, coconut, and nutmeg.
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