The Virgin Islands offer a whirlwind of picturesque beach landscapes and fun and exciting things to do. Meanwhile, if you find yourself famished after your activities, be sure to step out and try some dishes that infuse local culture and regional influences in the most delicious of ways.
Virgin Islands food perhaps isn't widely known throughout the rest of the world, but the islands boast a rich and delicious culinary tradition. Whether you choose St. John, St. Croix, or St Thomas local food, you’ll definitely find yourself craving more later on. The following guide introduces you to traditional dishes of the USVI that are sure to whet your appetite. Bon Appétit!
Here are several of the best entrees and snacks in the Virgin Islands foods to enjoy.
Fish & Fungi is the unofficial U.S. Virgin Islands national dish and a main staple of the islands. It is the epitome of Virgin Islands fare, and its creation dates back to Danish rule when salt herring and cornmeal were commonly used as a foundation for other dishes. Fungi (pronounced foon-gee) is a tender, polenta-like dumpling prepared from salted cornmeal mixed with shortening and water. Scoops of Fungi are usually served with generous portions of fish filets or meat, and they’re among the most delicious of the Virgin Islands foods.
Delicious and simple, Johnny cakes are as popular in the Caribbean as French fries are in the United States. Originating in West Indian culture, these versatile treats can be enjoyed as a snack or included with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ubiquitous in the homes and restaurants of the Virgin Islands, this well-loved, flour-based, and deep-fried treat often accompanies traditional cuisines such as buljol, souse, BBQ chicken, pot fish, curried dishes, and a number of other island favorites. Once you’re done, you can return to Seagrape—your luxury villa rental—to watch the sunset.
Although Fish & Fungi is considered the national dish of the Virgin Islands, one flavorful sea snail is widely embraced, too. That would be the conch, and it appears on the menu of nearly every restaurant that serves local cuisine. In other words, whether you’re looking for St. John, St. Croix, or St. Thomas cuisine, this island favorite will make a great choice. Fishermen harvest fresh conch (pronounced conk), and people consider conch fritters, which are battered and fried conch balls, an island favorite. This finger food is usually served up and enjoyed with a spicy and creamy, ketchup-based sauce or creole remoulade.
See full recipe here - https://www.browneyedbaker.com/conch-fritters-recipe/
Another popular Virgin Island food that is snacked on beside the conch is pates. Similar to Spanish empanadas, pates (pronounced pah tays) are light fare and one of the most common foods consumed in the USVI. Visitors and locals alike enjoy these deep-fried pastries with their crispy, crunchy, doughy goodness. Pates come stuffed with ingredients such as different types of meats, conch or whelk, salt fish, scotch bonnet peppers, and vegetables and spices. Be sure to look for this food in the Virgin Islands!
Rotis are burrito-like, flaky flatbread wraps that are somewhat similar to pates. Rotis originated in India and has held on to that part of the world’s flair for spicy, fragrant curry sauces. Curried meats, seafood, or chickpeas and veggies on the inside plump up a roti’s flaky dough, while chili-laden chutney spices things up a bit. However, local wisdom is that if you visit a roti shop that doesn’t offer “doubles,” you should head to the door. US Virgin Islands cuisine customs should be honored, after all. You can find delicious Rotis with varying levels of heat in restaurants scattered across the blue water islands.
The USVI offers an array of one-of-a-kind experiences for your taste buds. Still, no food group is as traditional on the islands as seafood. One popular dish of the sea that is a must-have is tasty pot fish. Much like how lobsters are caught in traps, pot fish are reef fish that are caught in pots. Popular reef dwellers that find their way to plates include red snapper, yellowtail, doctorfish tang, butterfish, triggerfish, blue runners, and more. They are served in a variety of ways, which often include leaving the fish head on the body. This US Virgin Island food is often used when preparing Fish & Fungi, also.
What would a vacation in a tropical paradise be like without a food scene that features great seafood. The USVI has no shortage of hulking crustaceans you can pile up on your plate while dining out. Indulge in various types of lobsters, fresh catches of the day, and more, while enjoying live music at beachfront restaurants.
Nothing hits the spot like hearty Caribbean soups and stews. The USVI offers a variety of options, from the classic cow heel soup to the tasty, gumbo-like callaloo.
Cow Heel Soup is a hearty soup that uses – you guessed it – the heel of a cow. Considered comfort food, this soup usually features filling vegetables such as okra, potatoes, and carrots. It is also flavored with herbs, spices, flour dumplings, and the main event – tender and gelatinous cow heel marbled with pieces of beef. It’s the chicken soup variation of the Caribbean! This is one of several Virgin Island recipes you’ll want to take home with you. This is a highlight for the soup category as some of the best food in the Virgin Islands. After you finish, you can stop by your luxury villa vacation rental—Royal Palm—and take a load off on your balcony.
Callaloo is the national dish of St. Croix. This popular Caribbean stew has West African roots and has a taste similar to New Orleans gumbo. It has a base derived from chicken broth deliciously littered with leaves from the dasheen plant or some other healthy green such as spinach. Cooks often stir in meat, okra, hot and black peppers, and thyme to make Callalo flavorful. Callaloo is often served over a ball of fungi, and it is sometimes paired with boiled plantains or salt fish.
While not strictly USVI national dishes, many restaurants on the islands feature delicious soups of the day made from fresh, local ingredients. From upscale eateries like the Goat Soup & Whiskey in St. Croix, known for its clam chowder and other alternating soups, to humble roadside pop-up stands, you’ll discover a delightful selection of brothy delights.
Sweet endings are a delight after a good meal or paired with coffee after a day of fun at a beautiful beach. Be sure to try out these sinfully good desserts.
No meal is complete without a dessert, and the Virgin Islands never disappoint when it comes to sweets. Insulin-revving sweets are typically made with homegrown tropical fruits and rum made at Cruzan distilleries.
One stand out dessert is Red Grout, a signature treat that is traditionally served on Transfer Day, a holiday that commemorates the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the U.S. Don’t let the odd name fool you, though, because Red Grout is a decadent confection that blends guava, tapioca and the sweetest of other ingredients. This St Thomas traditional food is also enjoyed in St. John and St. Croix.
Sometimes, the best Virgin Island dishes are also the most simplistic. You can find fresh Danish ice cream throughout the USVI. To make this, they take fresh fruit and cream, then they churn out a sugary masterpiece! This traditional St Thomas food has spread out to the other islands as well. Try some at:
Other traditional USVI desserts include key lime pie, dum bread, coconut tarts, banana fritters, and rum cake.
Whether you want some liquid fuel to rev things up for a beach outing or you simply want to quench your thirst with a cold brewski, here are some alcoholic beverages to enjoy during your vacation.
Mutiny Island Vodka is a unique vodka that is specific to the Virgin Islands. Grabbing a Mutiny Island Vodka, especially when visiting one of the restaurants in St. Croix, is always a good choice. Distilled from breadfruit, this is an environmentally conscious alcohol. Breadfruit was chosen because it’s plentiful across the islands. Additionally, breadfruit naturally removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore, go ahead and toss back a few! Afterward, head back to your luxurious villa rental, Mimosa, to unwind even more.
Another thing to reach for if you’re looking for St Croix Virgin Islands food is some delicious Cruzan Rum. Distilled on St. Croix, this smooth-sipping rum has been made in the U.S. Virgin Islands since 1760. In fact, it’s like the USVI national dish, just for alcohol. Not only is this a local favorite, but it’s also considered one of the best rums in the world. The original flavor, Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, can be used in pina coladas, daiquiris, Cruzan Aged Dark & Soda, and the sweet and creamy signature drink of the USVI: The Painkiller.
St John Island food goes great with locally made craft beer from St. John Brewers. They make their beer in a wide variety of styles, so you know that at least one of them will make your heart sing. St. John Brewers dates back to 2004, and they cycle their beers in and out. If you want to feel no pain, select their 9.6% ABV Bourbon Barrel Aged Frozen Cistern Winter Ale. On the opposite end of the spectrum is their 4% ABV Single Blonde. No matter which one you choose, you can taste the island roots of St John in every drink.
If your stomach starts to growl during your activities, be sure to step into one of these restaurants for a fill-up. You won’t be disappointed because they all infuse local culture and regional influences into each of their dishes in the most delicious of ways.
If you’re trying to figure out where to eat in St John, look no further than Extra Virgin Bistro. Their three-course tasting menu is made with all locally sourced ingredients. Notably, they grow all their herbs on-site. For $100, you’ll be treated to an appetizer course, salad course, and entrée course. They also have a few house-crafted cocktails, including the Extra Virgin Bistro Martini and the East End.
Head to Lime Out on the beach when it’s time to find things to do in St Johns Virgin Islands. You can try their eight taco choices and pair them with the perfect cocktail. This might sound like a simple combination, but the team at Lime Out has created fantastic tacos that are far superior to any tacos you may have had at home. Stop by Lime Out to sample their Ceviche Taco, Spiced Tuna Taco, Vegan Taco, and more!
La Tapa has been serving food in the U.S. Virgin Islands since 1996. Their current location is in Wharfside Landing, where they continue to serve St John food to locals and tourists alike. Their options include Small Plates, Large Plates, and Desserts. Their menu is filled with seafood, rib eye steaks, pasta, and chicken, which means they’ve got something for everyone.
We hope our list of food in the Virgin Islands helps you think about eating your way through the tasty and satisfying culinary delights of the sunny islands. After all, you’re on vacation! It simply makes good sense to enjoy Virgin Island foods to the fullest.
Are you mulling over a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands? Head over to The Hills Saint John for information about the unique and pristine experiences that start in Cruz Bay in St. John, USVI.
