Exploring Saint John's: Local Cuisine, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Exploring Saint John's: Local Cuisine, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Saint John's, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, is not only known for its stunning beaches and rich history, but also for its diverse and vibrant cuisine. With influences from African, European, and Indigenous cultures, the local food scene in Saint John's offers a delightful blend of flavors and dishes that will satisfy any food lover's palate.

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine in Saint John's revolves around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and vegetables. The use of spices and herbs is also a prominent feature in many local dishes, adding an extra layer of depth and flavor. Common ingredients include:

• Fresh fish such as snapper, mahi-mahi, and grouper
• Lobster and shrimp
• Coconut milk
• Plantains
• Black-eyed peas
• Callaloo (a leafy green vegetable similar to spinach)
• Curry powder
• Allspice
• Scotch bonnet peppers

When dining in Saint John's, make sure to try some of the local specialties:

• Flyin' Fish: This is a popular dish that features fried or grilled flying fish, served with a spicy sauce and a side of plantains.
• Conch Fritters: Made from conch meat mixed with spices and deep-fried, these fritters are a tasty appetizer often served with a tangy dipping sauce.
• Pepperpot: A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and spices. It is typically simmered for several hours to develop a rich and flavorful broth.
• Ducana: A sweet potato dumpling often served as a side dish. It is made by grating sweet potatoes, mixing them with coconut and spices, and then wrapping the mixture in banana leaves before boiling or steaming.
• Souse: This is a refreshing dish made with pickled pork or chicken, marinated in a mixture of lime juice, onions, cucumber, and spices. It is commonly enjoyed as a weekend brunch or lunch option.

Restaurants

Saint John's has a variety of restaurants offering both local and international cuisines. Here are some popular dining options:

• Fred's Belgian Waffles & Ice Cream - A charming spot that serves delightful Belgian waffles and a wide range of ice cream flavors. Perfect for a sweet treat!
• Caribbean Taste Restaurant & Bar - Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at this cozy restaurant. Their menu includes traditional dishes like curry goat, jerk chicken, and fried plantains.
• Papa Zouk - Known for its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere and excellent seafood, Papa Zouk is a must-visit for seafood lovers. They offer an extensive menu featuring lobster, shrimp, and various fish preparations.
• Hemingway's Caribbean Cafe - Situated on the water's edge with beautiful views, this restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and international dishes. Don't miss their jerk chicken and fresh seafood options.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to recreate the flavors of Saint John's at home, here are two traditional recipes for you to try:

Flyin' Fish

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh flying fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, thyme leaves, paprika, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the flying fish fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the flying fish fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
5. Serve with a side of plantains and your favorite sauce.

Ducana

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated sweet potatoes
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the grated sweet potatoes, grated coconut, cornmeal, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and salt.
2. If using banana leaves, cut them into squares and briefly dip them in boiling water to soften.
3. Place the mixture onto the center of each banana leaf square, then fold the leaves to form packets.
4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the ducana packets.
5. Simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the ducana is cooked through and firm.
6. Remove from the water, unwrap the packets, and serve hot.