Antigua’s cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, British, and Caribbean flavors, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spicy stews. This Antigua Food & Drink Glossary covers must-try dishes, drinks, and dining experiences for food lovers visiting the island.
🍽️ Must-Try Antiguan Dishes
1. Fungee & Pepperpot
- What It Is: Antigua’s national dish—cornmeal-based fungee (similar to polenta) paired with a rich, slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew.
- Best Place to Try: Local eateries like Nicole’s Table (for authentic versions).
2. Ducana
- What It Is: Sweet potato dumpling wrapped in banana leaves, often steamed with coconut and spices.
- How It’s Served: Usually with saltfish or grilled meats.
3. Saltfish & Chop Up
- What It Is: Flaked salted cod sautéed with onions, peppers, and spinach, served with boiled plantains, eggplant, and dumplings.
- Best For: Breakfast or brunch.
4. Roti
- What It Is: Caribbean flatbread stuffed with curried chicken, goat, or vegetables.
- Where to Find: Roti King in St. John’s or beachside vendors.
5. Conch Fritters
- What It Is: Deep-fried dough balls filled with tender conch meat and spices.
- Best Paired With: A cold Wadadli beer.
6. Lobster (Seasonal: Aug-Mar)
- How It’s Prepared: Grilled, buttery, or Creole-style at beach shacks like Cloggy’s or The Cove.
7. Goat Water (Antiguan Stew)
- What It Is: A hearty goat meat stew with cloves, cinnamon, and breadfruit.
- Best For: A filling lunch.
8. Johnny Cakes
- What It Is: Fried dough biscuits, slightly sweet or savory.
- Perfect With: Cheese or saltfish.
9. Black Pineapple
- What It Is: Antigua’s famously sweet, low-acid pineapple.
- Where to Try: Fig Tree Drive fruit stands.
10. Breadfruit
- How It’s Served: Roasted, fried, or in salads.
🍹 Iconic Antiguan Drinks
11. Wadadli Beer
- What It Is: Antigua’s locally brewed lager.
- Best With: Spicy food or beachside lounging.
12. Rum Punch
- What’s In It: Rum, lime, sugar, nutmeg, and bitters.
- Where to Sip: Shirley Heights Lookout Bar (best sunset views).
13. Cavalier Rum
- What It Is: Antigua’s signature rum brand, aged in oak barrels.
- Try It At: Antigua Distillery tour in St. John’s.
14. Mauby
- What It Is: A bittersweet drink made from tree bark and spices.
- Taste Note: Acquired taste—like herbal root beer.
15. Sea Moss
- What It Is: A creamy, nutritious drink made from seaweed, milk, and spices.
- Best For: Energy boost.
🍴 Best Dining Experiences
16. Seafood Friday (English Harbour)
- What It Is: A weekly street food fest with grilled lobster, crab, and fish.
- Top Spot: The Dockyard Bar & Restaurant.
17. Sunday BBQ at Shirley Heights
- What to Expect: Live music, ribs, jerk chicken, and rum cocktails.
18. Beachfront Dining
- Best Restaurants:
- Sheer Rocks (luxury cliffside tapas).
- Catherine’s Café (French-Caribbean fusion).
19. Local Fish Fry (Nelson’s Dockyard)
- Must-Try: Grilled snapper with Creole sauce.
20. High Tea at Admiral’s Inn
- British-Inspired: Scones, finger sandwiches in a historic setting.
📌 Foodie Travel Tips
✔ Best Markets: St. John’s Public Market (fresh fruit, spices).
✔ Tipping: 10-15% standard in restaurants.
✔ Dietary Needs: Many places accommodate vegetarian/vegan requests.
✔ Food Tours: Book Nicole’s Table for cooking classes.
Antigua’s flavorful dishes, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks are as memorable as its beaches. Bookmark this guide to eat and drink like a local!
