Good food is part and parcel of the joys of Saint Martin. As a melting pot of 120 different nationalities, the island’s wealth resides in its diversity and its characteristic singularity. Prepare to embark on a culinary voyage around a flavorful world where local specialties are served alongside international dishes.
For the locals, the melting pot of peoples has always been the heart and soul of their culture, and their sense of togetherness comes naturally with their principles of hospitality and sharing. Indeed, the very substance of a world is illustrated in its cuisine; it’s where paths and local traditions cross. The West Indies benefit from an exceptional climate that is conducive to a diversity of produce that’s rich in flavor and color. Saint Martin offers the ideal backdrop to its world-famous cuisine. It allows top chefs to shine with their undisputed inventiveness. You’re in the right place if you want to immerse yourself in the island’s culture, foster ancient legacies, and rediscover French traditions along the way.
Where to Buy Local Fine Foods on Saint Martin
At Marigot market, you’ll find all the ingredients used in the island’s renowned dishes. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, freshly caught fish is sold in the market stalls along with lobsters, shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood. You’ll also find tropical fruit and vegetables such as cassavas, scallions, chayotes, passion fruits, guavas, papayas, cashew nuts, Malay apples, Spanish limes, guavaberries, mangoes, plantains, and coconuts. There are also spices galore to give your cooking a Caribbean flavor, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry, allspice, nutmeg, Cayenne pepper, and vanilla. These are all sold loose. You can purchase just the amount you want.
This temple of local produce is also the place to find the entire range of infused rums. These flavored rums are subtle blends made with fruit and spices. At Busco’s in Grand Case, you’ll also find a huge selection of spices packed in travel-size sachets, as well as a wide range of infused rums with amazing flavors that go perfectly with the dishes of Saint Martin. This specialist shop also dispenses expert advice on matching flavors and using spices in the right proportions.
Specialties of Saint Martin Cuisine
- Planter’s punch
- Guavaberry rum
- Pork ribs Saint Martin-style
- Cod accras
- Creole-style fish stock
- Shredded salt cod in vinegar
- Crab and rice
- Beef patties
- Conch stew
- Mutton soup
- Johnny/journey cakes
- Sweet-potato cake
These traditional dishes of Saint Martin can be enjoyed in the many restaurants on the island. To immerse yourself in the local culture and the island’s cuisine, you can learn to cook journey cake, a Caribbean classic that’s typically eaten on Saint Martin.
To sample a revisited gourmet blend of French culinary art and West Indian flavor, the best restaurants of Grand Case will be your guides. They have their hearts set on letting you discover these gems in an enchanting setting. You’ll enjoy a mixed marriage of fine food and wine that will leave you feeling connected to the island and its people. You’ll discover a whole wealth of dishes, Saint Martin style, in a harmony of flavors and aromas.
Dig in!