The Food of St. John, USVI
As a boat charter company in St. John, US Virgin Islands, we have had the pleasure of exploring the island's culinary offerings. The local cuisine is a blend of Caribbean, African, and European influences, making for a unique and flavorful experience. In this blog post, we will be discussing the best types of foods on St. John, stay tuned for future posts where we will cover more including some of our favorite restaurants.
Fresh Seafood
St. John is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, making fresh seafood a staple of the local cuisine. The seafood is often grilled or fried and served with a variety of sides, including rice, vegetables, and salads. The local catch includes mahi-mahi, snapper, tuna, and lobster. Many restaurants on the island offer a "catch of the day" option, ensuring the seafood is always fresh and flavorful. If you're a seafood lover, you won't be disappointed by the local offerings on St. John.
Caribbean-style BBQ
Another popular type of food on St. John is Caribbean-style BBQ. The slow-cooked meats are often marinated with a blend of spices, including garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers, giving the meat a unique flavor. Some of the most popular BBQ dishes on the island include jerk chicken, pork ribs, and beef brisket. The meat is often served with sides such as macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, Caribbean-style BBQ is a must-try.
Local Delicacies
St. John is known for its local delicacies, which are a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Some of the most popular local dishes include johnnycakes, conch fritters, and plantains. Johnnycakes are a type of fried bread that can be eaten as a snack or used as a sandwich substitute. Conch fritters are made from ground conch meat, mixed with flour, spices, and herbs, and then deep-fried. They are often served as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce. Plantains are a type of starchy fruit that can be boiled, fried, or baked. They are often served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes, such as tostones or mofongo. Local delicacies are a must-try for those looking to experience the true flavors of St. John.
Caribbean-style Curry
Curry is a popular dish in many cultures, and St. John's version is no exception. Caribbean-style curry is made with a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, giving it a unique flavor. The dish is often made with chicken or shrimp and is served with a side of rice or naan bread. It's a filling and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cool evening on the island.
Rum Cake
Rum cake is a dessert that is popular in many Caribbean countries, including St. John. It's made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and rum, giving it a rich and sweet flavor. The cake is often served with a side of whipped cream or ice cream, making it a perfect way to end a meal. Rum cake is a must-try when visiting St. John, and you can find it in many bakeries and restaurants on the island.
Bush Tea
Bush tea is a traditional Caribbean beverage that is made by steeping dried herbs in hot water. It's believed to have many health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. The tea is often served with a touch of honey or sugar to sweeten it up. If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy beverage option, bush tea is a great choice.
So there you have it, a sprinkling of some of our favorite things to eat in the Virgin Islands. However, we may need to write a couple of these because we haven’t even skimmed the surface here! We hope that this inspires you to hop on a charter and take a food tour one day soon. Feel free to book with IRC and we will take you to some of our favorite spots.
Happy eats!
-The IRC Team
