The diversity of the indigenous cuisine of the Caribbean island of Grenada is every gourmet’s dream. After all, there’s a reason they call it the Spice Island. Almost everything grows on the island’s fertile soil or can be trapped in its waters. This diversity of available ingredients, coupled with the island’s cultural and historical diversity, creates a highly eclectic food culture.
From restaurants to Granada hotels, markets and street food, there is something for all tastes and cravings. Roti is available anywhere, and buying roti from a street vendor is practically a must for all travelers. Try their national dish, oildown, a breadfruit-based stew that is tossed whole in the pot with a broth mix of coconut milk, saffron, water, and seasonings. Hotels and restaurants in Grenada always offer interesting soups on their menus, such as callaloo and pumpkin. Fruits abound, such as the pointed soursop and the star-shaped carambola. Due to the island’s size, beef is in short supply and pork is only served on special occasions, so be prepared for more exotic meats like goat or even iguana. Don’t worry, fish is plentiful, as is chicken. Jerk chicken, salt cod, and conch steak are popular entrees, and you’ll find mace, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves used liberally in local dishes. Wash it all down with various fruit juices, coconut milk, cocoa tea made with local beans and spices, or rum punch served with nutmeg. For dessert, try a variety of fresh fruits, their sweet potato pudding, or, a true local delicacy, nutmeg ice cream. Truly, this island is a foodie’s delight.
Listed below are some food-related attractions and experiences on Spice Island that foodies simply can’t miss. Whether available throughout the island, including in many Grenada hotels, or found exclusively in specialty stores, the island’s food products are truly unique and unforgettable.
River Antoine Rum Distillery
A visit to Rivers Rum will amaze you as you see rum production as it has been done for centuries. This privately owned distillery is the oldest operating water-powered distillery, not only on the island, but in the entire Caribbean. Rivers Rum is possibly the strongest and finest white rum you will find anywhere in the Caribbean, as well as being the most famous. Visitors should be sure to purchase a few bottles to take home or enjoy at Grenada hotels.
Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Plant
The Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Plant is one of the largest nutmeg processing factories on the island. During the tour, you can watch the workers sort, sort, and pack the nutmeg. At the end of your tour, visit the ‘Nutmeg World’ shop for local spices, clothing and other items to remember your tour, including a local jute bag personalized with the words of your choice!
the chocolate company
Grenada Chocolate Company is a must for all chocolate lovers. First, tour a real cacao plantation and see the plants that produce the bean of the gods. Get acquainted with the process of making the finest chocolates in the Caribbean, from the fermentation and drying of freshly harvested organically grown cocoa beans, to the creation of cocoa powder and cocoa bars. The chocolates are produced in small batches, focusing on quality over quantity. Visitors are sure to be in for a treat, as these chocolates won the Silver Medal of the 2008 and 2011 Academy of Chocolate Awards in the Best Dark Chocolate Bar category. This delicious sweet has been declared by the London Guardian as “probably the best chocolate in the world”.
