Turks and Caicos serve as a dreamy destination for those seeking an escape from reality. Apart from the breathtaking views, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and clear blue skies, Turks and Caicos are also known for their food. Trying new food and treating your palate with new flavors has to be one of the best things about traveling.
With endless unique seafood options, Turks and Caicos is a seafood lover’s paradise. Whether you are a foodie or not, there are some things that you absolutely can not miss out on. With that being said, we are presenting 10 popular dishes from Turks and Caicos that you must try on your vacation on the islands.
1. Conch Fritters
Let’s start the list with delicious conch fritters from the heavenly islands. If you have always wanted to try conch, Turks and Caicos is the right place for you. The islands offer a wide variety to cook the giant sea snail and they are extensively used for making salad or fritters. The conch fritters are prepared by adding conch with chopped vegetables, flour, egg, and milk. The batter is then fried in hot oil and the conch fritters are ready to serve.
2. Hominy Grits
Apart from seafood, Maize is also a widely consumed food in the islands. It is used to make hominy grits and breadcakes. For their preparation, the maize is dried and processed. The hominy grits make a great side dish to pair with seafood and other dishes.
3. Lobster
There’s no surprise that Lobsters are a famous dish in Turks and Caicos. The open Lobster season of lobster falls between August to March every year. Grilled lobster remains the main attraction at various local restaurants and cafes. Enjoy them with garlic lemon butter sauce and indulge yourself in a heavenly flavor-filled journey.
4. Boiled Fish and Grits
Boiled Fish and grits are some of the popular breakfast dishes in Turks and Caicos that can be eaten any time of the day. Usually, both these items are served separately, the boiled fish is served super hot in a bowl and the grits are served alongside to complete the dish. It is cooked with a lot of potatoes, spices, and fish and is said to be very energizing.
5. Johnny Cake
Johnny Cake is a popular side dish served with boiled fish. This combination is usually enjoyed at lunchtime. The Johnny Cake is a very easy recipe made with three simple ingredients, cornmeal, salt, and water. They are mixed to form a batter and then are fried in hot oil.
6. Crab and Rice
The combination of seafood and rice is a must-try in Turks and Caicos and this specific combo, of crab and rice, is actually one of the popular dishes in the islands. The blue crab is among the widely consumed seafood which is cooked to perfection in most of the islands. The savory crab is combined with rice grains to give you a flavorful twist served on a plate.
7. Conch Ceviche
Conch ceviche is also called conch salad. As mentioned before, conch is made and served in a variety of ways, and making a salad out of it, is one of them. Like sushi, conch ceviche is also kind of an acquired taste but it could easily become one of your favorite delicacies to enjoy on the island. To make this, the conch is cooked in citrus juice and mixed with veggies, pineapple, and some spices.
8. Coconut conch chowder
Another great way to discover the conch has been discovered by the locals of Turks and Caicos. The coconut conch chowder is one of the tastiest dishes of the island. It’s a great dish to treat yourself to after a sunny day. The creamy chowder is prepared with vegetables. conch meat, coconut milk, and a ton of spices.
9. Local Snapper
Fresh snappers are growing in popularity in Turks and Caicos just like conches. It is served at most of the cafes and restaurants and is served with a delicious homemade sauce, after being grilled whole. If you are confused about what to eat in Turks and Caicos, then go with local snapper because you can never go wrong with it.
10. Blackened or jerk meat
Blackened or jerk chicken or fish is among the popular dishes in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is prepared by marinating the meat or fish with spices and herbs, then it is dipped in melted butter and cooked in a hot pan.
Having these cuisines at vacation rental in Turks and Caicos is the perfect way to escape the everyday grind of life. There is no need to leave your family and home behind while you plan your next tropical getaway. You can kick back and enjoy the warm climate of the islands while still staying connected with the business community of your choice. Whether you are seeking peace and quiet or an adventure filled vacation, Turquoise Villa Rentals in Turks and Caicos can provide both of you. Renting a vacation rental in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Turks and Caicos gives you access to some of the most exotic beaches in the world and at the same time it allows you to escape into a fantasy world of your own.
