For many travelers, the delicious cuisine of the French Caribbean is enough incentive to plan a perfect vacation getaway. In addition to the stunning sugary-sand beaches and the gleaming azure Caribbean Sea, the region of the French Caribbean is also known for its mouthwatering food. The islands of the French West Indies have inherited their motherland's love for food and cooking, producing succulent traditional French dishes as well as a blend of cuisine influenced by many other cultures.

Cultivation of Cuisine

The culture of the islands in the French Caribbean is rich with influences from people of many different nationalities, including Dutch, Spanish, African, Indian, Chinese, as well as French. This infusion of cultures lends a unique flare and a distinctive appeal to the recipes from islands such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Martin, making these islands popular destinations among travelers who appreciate a standout dining experience.

Because the islands are a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world, the famous cuisine of the French West Indies not only consists of authentic meals of French influence, but also innovative Caribbean dishes, such as Creole-style meat and seafood, that are specific to each of the individual islands in the French Caribbean.

Dining on Different Islands in the French Caribbean

Every island in the French West Indies serves its own specialty dish, so depending on what kind of food you're craving, you may want to find out what kind of recipes a specific island is known for. For instance, Martinique is considered by some to have the most traditional French flair in the Caribbean. Martinique's restaurants often feature an array of seafood dishes, such as lambi, which is conch, or blaff, a boiled fresh fish with oysters and fresh-water crayfish. This wonderful island is the perfect place to turn your vacation into a totally gastronomic experience.

Guadeloupe is known for a delicious spicy salad called froces d'avocat, which is made with avocados, cassava, and salted cod. And, for some of the best desserts in the Caribbean, vacationers may want to head to the French territory of St. Martin, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with tasty pastries, banana flamb, and many more specialty treats.

Sampling various foods complemented by French wine can be a great way to spend your vacation in the French Caribbean. And why not indulge in the rich culture and cuisine of these amazing islands? You're sure to have an unforgettable experience at local restaurants and eateries that feature such a wide spectrum of fare amid wonderful French West Indies vacation spots.