The cuisine of Grenada: 10 things we love

The cuisine of Grenada: 10 things we love

The Spice Isle

Grenada is famous for its homegrown spices, so much so that it is known as the Spice Isle. Nutmeg and mace are the two biggest that they produce, but also expect to find cinnamon, bay leaf, and turmeric amongst others. Walking through Grenada’s street markets you’ll find plenty of stalls selling packets of fresh spices that are used daily in Grenadian cooking. You also find sweet products like nutmeg jelly and jam.

Rum punch

Like other Caribbean islands Grenada is a big producer of rum that is often used to make delicious rum cocktails and punches. To make the perfect punch you should remember the phrase “one part sour (lime juice), two parts sweet (grenadine or sugar syrup), three parts strong (rum) and four parts weak (a mix of fruit juices)”.

Oil down

Grenada’s national dish finds its roots in slavery, a one-pot meal usually combining pigs’ tails, chicken, fish, and vegetables local to Grenada like callaloo and breadfruit. This stew-like dish was made using up ingredients that plantation slaves could easily get their hands. You can make this dish vegan by simply omitting the meat and fish and adding more of the plentiful spices and fresh vegetable produce Grenada has to offer.

Cocoa

Grenada takes pride in its cocoa production, with six chocolate producers on the island. A popular way to take this is as cocoa tea by adding a cocoa ball which is made of ground raw cocoa nibs mixed with bay leaf, nutmeg and cinnamon to milk and sweetened to your taste. In powder form the cocoa is also perfect for cakes and brownies.

Spicemas

Spicemas is Grenada’s annual carnival held in August. Over four days the island celebrates its heritage with Soca music, panorama, and street food. The unique Jab Jab on Monday is where masqueraders cover themselves in black oil or charcoal to represent devils, which is what slaveowners in the region used to refer to enslaved Africans as.

Fruit

You can find fruit growing in abundance in Grenada so expect to have fresh fruit juices wherever you go. Sorrel juice, which is similar in colour and in tartness to cranberry, and golden apple juice, which is sourer than our version of apple juice, are some different options to try when you’re there. You can also get hold of fresh coconut water, perfect for a long hot day.

Landscape and soil

More than just being picturesque, the importance of Grenada’s landscape has a big impact on the cuisine. Rich, volcanic soil means that the island is great for growing fresh produce and the spices that the island is known for, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing fruit punch or rum cocktail in front on one of Grenada’s beautiful waterfalls.

Tania log

Tania is a root vegetable, similar to a yam, that is a staple for Grenadians. It's popular to eat it for breakfast as a porridge-like dish combined with nutmeg and cinnamon, sugar and milk (use coconut if you want a vegan version).

Callaloo

Similar to spinach, callaloo is a leafy green plant that is readily available and cheap, which helps explain why callaloo soup was a staple for enslaved Africans on the island and its popularity carries through to today. Usually made with a combination of pumpkin, okra and spices, it makes a fantastic vegan dish, but you could also add meat or crab should you wish.

Sea moss

A great natural multivitamin, sea moss is high in iodine, potassium, calcium and other vitamins. In Grenada its common to find it in in shops and at markets in gel form which you can then add to smoothies, tania log and most other dishes to provide additional nutrients without affecting the overall flavour.

Where to eat in Grenada

Dexter’s

If you’re driving past, you could easily miss the sign on the side of the road for Dexter’s. Follow the winding pathway and you’ll reach Dexter’s own home that is also his restaurant. Once welcomed into his cosy living room it feels like you’re having dinner round a friend’s house. Dexter’s serves five courses; three set starters, a main with a choice of protein and a choice of dessert to end.
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Aquarium

Restaurant views don’t get much better than Aquarium’s. This open restaurant blurs indoor and outdoor dining and looks directly out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea on Magazine Beach. Enjoy some of the best locally sourced seafood like curried conch and lobster thermidor that Grenada has to offer all while taking in the exquisite coastline and sea breeze. aquariumgrenada.com

Dodgy Dock

Within True Blue Bay Resort is an oceanfront restaurant, Dodgy Dock. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’re able to experience the true flavours of Grenada as well as international favourites. If you go on a Thursday night you can experience the chocolate themed menu, an innovative way of showcasing Grenada’s quality cocoa. truebluebay.com/restaurant/dodgy-dock-restaurant-and-bar

Home Hospitality

Let Chef Kennedy welcome you into his home for this authentic cooking experience. Learn how to make Grenada’s national dish, oil down, and enjoy it on Chef Kennedy’s balcony which looks out over his expansive garden. You’ll also get a tour of the garden where he grows everything from bananas and passionfruit to cinnamon trees and herbs. Home Hospitality is a true family affair with Chef Kennedy’s wife, Nikoyan, and daughter, Ariel working alongside him. hhgnd.com

Where to stay in Grenada

True Blue Bay Resort

This vibrant waterfront resort on the south coast of Grenada offers rooms, suites and villas to suit all needs. This family-owned climate-smart resort has an onsite restaurant, yoga studio and spa, as well as offering water sports and diving experiences. All rooms feature colourful Caribbean-inspired décor and sustainable furnishings. The Cocoa Pod and Waterfront suites provide beautiful views of the bay and tropical gardens, with balconies perfect for enjoying a morning coffee on. When booking you also have the option to go all-inclusive for complete piece of mind.

Rates start from £108 per person per night, check availability at booking.com or truebluebay.com.

Silversands Beach House

The newest resort in the Silversands collection has just 28 canopied accommodations on the shores of Portici Beach. This secluded spot offers a peaceful, romantic Caribbean getaway with a fine dining restaurant and outdoor wellness room onsite. Choose between an ocean view room or suite, island view king room or a beachfront junior suite, each with a private canopied terrace. Staying at Beach House also gives you access to the amenities at Silversands’ main resort in the popular Grand Anse area. Another beachfront property, this site has several restaurants and a spa that Beach House guests can use.

Rates start from £350.19 a night, check availability at booking.com or silversandscollection.com/resorts/beach-house.