Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on July 7, 2022
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the countries in the Caribbean that conjures images of the perfect island paradise. The white powdery sands, clear azure waters, and endless blue skies make Antigua and Barbuda one of the most picturesque and stimulating places in the Caribbean. There are many resorts, such as Jumby Bay Island in Antigua, that attract many visitors wanting a tranquil break from reality. Additionally, the ‘Land of 365 Beaches’ has a rich tradition and fascinating culture, making it a wonderful place that will touch your heart and imagination. All these reasons make this twin-island nation a popular destination among tourists.
Retirees and people interested in owning a second home and passport in the Caribbean are also drawn to Antigua and Barbuda due to its second citizenship program. Antigua’s second citizenship program is one of the most well-known second passport routes globally. It was established in 2013 and since then, it has been appealing to foreigners from different parts of the world.
Antigua and Barbuda’s second passport program has one of the quickest processing times in the Caribbean. You can get your passport within six months if your application is successful.
Once you have your Antigua and Barbados passport, you can enjoy visa-free travel to over 130 countries. Also, you will hold lifetime dual citizenship and won’t be subjected to or pay lower capital gains, estate, inheritance, and wealth taxes.
Now let´s explore Antigua and Barbuda’s culture through food. Whether you are going on vacation, retiring, or staying temporarily or permanently in Antigua and Barbuda, you can gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and history through its local cuisine.
Below are the seven local dishes and treats you have to try when you are in Antigua and Barbuda:
1. Fungee and pepperpot
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Fungee and pepperpot, the country’s national dish, is considered by many as Antigua and Barbuda’s version of a thick beef stew served with mashed potatoes.
Fungee is a bread ball made of cornmeal and okra. It has a similar texture and taste as polenta.
Pepperpot is a one-pot stew made of cassareep with pork, beef, or fish. The unique yet complementary combination of flavors and textures creates a tasty and filling dish, perfect for breakfast or dinner.
2. Goat water
Also known as mannish water, goat water is a popular dish not only in Antigua and Barbuda but in the entire Caribbean.
Goat water is a thin, brown soup with goat meat, onions, tomatoes, flour, breadfruit, and herbs, such as cinnamon and clove. Potatoes, yams, and dumplings are also sometimes added for extra flavor and texture.
Although the soup is thin, the ingredients make it a hearty, filling dish, which is why it is a popular option for breakfast.
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3. Ducana
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Ducana is a Caribbean dish similar to tamales and often served as a side. It is a type of dumpling made of grated sweet potatoes and coconut, coconut milk, flour, sugar, ginger, nutmeg, raisins, and other seasonings. Sometimes, pumpkin is also added.
These ingredients are then placed into a banana leaf and boiled in water.
Once cooked, the combination of these ingredients creates sweet and savory flavors that won’t fail to delight your palate.
As a side dish, ducana is served with stewed or salted fish. It can also be consumed cold or as a snack.
4. Conch
Conch is one of the types of seafood you should indulge in Antigua and Barbuda.
Sourced from the country’s own warm waters, the conch in Antigua and Barbuda is versatile, sweet, and with a texture somewhere between squids and clams.
Because of its versatility, you can enjoy conches in a variety of dishes. These include conch fritters, conch chowder, conch curries, conch salad, and conch ceviche.
Conch fritters are a local favorite among these dishes since they are great as snacks and side dishes.
The best thing about trying conches is you can find them at roadside stops and restaurants all over the country.
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5. Pork chops with bananas and bacon
This local dish is a favorite of all meat lovers living in or visiting Antigua and Barbuda.
As its name implies, this dish consists of grilled or barbecued pork chops paired with bacon-wrapped grilled banana chunks.
The pork chops are seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, and cumin. The banana chunks are drizzled with lemon juice for additional flavor and skewered so they cook easily.
Both are then grilled or barbecued.
6. Antiguan butter bread
This baked treat is a staple of Antigua and Barbuda cuisine. It is a soft, buttery loaf of bread that does not need butter for additional flavor.
Antiguan butter bread is a must-have for breakfast, and is served with cheese. However, many locals enjoy this bread throughout the day with sardines and salami.
You can buy Antiguan butter bread in most bakeries in Antigua.
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7. Antigua black pineapple
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If you’re craving something fresh and refreshing in Antigua and Barbuda, you won’t go wrong with indulging in the local black pineapple, which is considered the sweetest variety of this fruit in the world.
The Antiguan black pineapple is low in acidity. It has a crisp texture, golden-yellow flesh, and a tender, edible core.
When you buy this fresh, tasty treat, slice and chill it first before serving it.
Whether you are flying to Antigua and Barbuda for a temporary or permanent stay, immerse yourself in the country’s culture and tradition by indulging in these tasty dishes and delicacies.
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