Antigua and Barbuda Fun Facts - Food
Antigua and Barbuda cuisine is a flavorful blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, featuring fresh seafood, hearty stews, and unique dishes like saltfish and fungee, a cornmeal dish often paired with salt-cured cod.
Here are some fun facts about the food of Antigua and Barbuda:
- National Dish:
Saltfish and fungee is considered the national dish, featuring salt-cured cod cooked with spices and served with a cornmeal dish called fungee.
- Fungee:
This cornmeal dish, often made with okra, is a staple in Antiguan cuisine and is particularly enjoyed with saltfish or pepperpot (a stew).
- Antiguan Black Pineapple:
This small, sweet pineapple is native to Antigua and is known for its sweetness and tender core.
- Souse:
During Carnival, souse, a spicy soup made with pig's feet, knuckles, and tails, is a popular street food.
- Black Pudding:
Also known as blood sausage, this well-seasoned sausage made with rice, meat, and blood is a local favorite.
- Provisions:
Many meals include "provisions," which are root vegetables or starchy items like potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, or eddo.
- Tamarind Balls:
Tamarind, a fruit that grows in abundance in Antigua, is used to make sweet tamarind balls, a popular treat.
- Saffron Rice:
This dish, made with saffron, rice, and various spices, is a popular side dish in the region and can be prepared with chicken, salt beef, pork, or fish.
- Roast Corn:
In the countryside, locals roast fresh corn on makeshift grills, often sold in the husk.
- Culinary Influences:
The cuisine reflects a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful dining experience.
- "Eat Like a Local" Map:
Visitors can follow a map that highlights local food spots during Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, allowing them to experience authentic Antiguan cuisine.
- Independence Food Fair:
During late October to early November, the Independence Food Fair showcases a variety of local foods, including sweet treats like tamarind balls, sugar cake, peanut brittle, and local fruit juices.