Antigua and Barbuda Food Guide
Content Information
Recently updatedFood Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Antigua and Barbuda's cuisine safely and confidently.
Tap water is generally safe
Tap water in hotels and resorts is generally safe. However, bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs. Ice in restaurants is typically made from purified water.
Choose busy, reputable vendors
Street food is generally safe, especially at popular local spots. Look for vendors with high turnover and fresh preparation.
Enjoy fresh local seafood
Seafood is extremely fresh in Antigua and Barbuda. Most catches are local and prepared the same day. Food safety standards are high.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegetarian options available, especially at resort restaurants. Look for provisions (vegetable medley), rice and peas, and local fruits. Traditional cuisine is meat/seafood heavy.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options are limited but growing. Resort areas and St. John's have some options. Traditional dishes often contain butter or meat stock.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYMany traditional Caribbean dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice-based, seafood, tropical fruits). Resort restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests.
Common Allergens
Shellfish and Seafood
HIGH PREVALENCELobster, conch, and fish are staples
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Coconut
HIGH PREVALENCECoconut widely used in desserts and cooking
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Gluten
MEDIUM PREVALENCEWheat flour used in dumplings and breads
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Antigua and Barbuda's food culture for travelers.
Fungee and Pepperpot
The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda. Fungee is a cornmeal and okra mixture boiled until thick and formed into a ball, similar to Italian polenta. Pepperpot is a hearty one-pot stew with spinach, eggplant, peas, and various meats (usually chicken, salted pork, and beef). Reflects the blending of African and Caribbean culinary traditions.
Ducana
Sweet potato dumpling made with grated sweet potatoes, coconut, sugar, flour, coconut milk, raisins, ginger, and nutmeg, wrapped in banana leaf and boiled. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday with saltfish. A West African-origin dish (similar to Ghanaian "Dokono") brought to the Caribbean during the slave trade.
Saltfish and Ducana
Classic combination of salted cod fish with ducana. The saltfish is typically prepared with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. This dish is synonymous with Good Friday celebrations in Antigua.
Conch Fritters
Crispy fried fritters made with conch meat, bell peppers, onions, and Caribbean spices. A popular appetizer and street food that showcases the island's fresh seafood.
Goat Water
Hearty soup of stewed goat meat flavored with onions, peppers, garlic, thyme, cloves, and hot pepper. Goes perfectly with local Antiguan wood oven bread or fried dumplings. A beloved comfort food.
Antigua Black Pineapple
The official fruit of Antigua and Barbuda, celebrated as the sweetest pineapple in the world. This locally grown black pineapple is smaller than regular varieties but exceptionally sweet with low acidity. A true taste of the island.
Barbuda Lobster
Barbuda is famous for its Caribbean spiny lobster, especially abundant during lobster season. Grilled, steamed, or in garlic butter, Barbuda lobster is considered some of the best in the Caribbean.
Seasoned Rice
Flavorful rice dish cooked with vegetables, peas, herbs, and spices. Sometimes includes coconut milk for richness. A staple side dish at most meals.
Fried Plantain
Ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized and golden. Sweet and savory side dish that accompanies many Caribbean meals.
Tamarind Balls
Traditional Caribbean confection made from tamarind pulp rolled in sugar. Sweet, sour, and tangy all at once. Popular local candy enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Antigua and Barbuda's diverse culinary traditions.
Jerk Chicken
Caribbean spiced chicken marinated with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme, then grilled over pimento wood.
Roti
Indian-influenced flatbread stuffed with curried vegetables, chicken, or goat. Popular lunch option throughout the islands.
Allergens:
Callaloo Soup
Thick soup made from callaloo leaves (similar to spinach), okra, coconut milk, and spices. Creamy and nutritious.
Johnny Cakes
Fried dough bread, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect breakfast item or side to stews.
Allergens:
Stuffed Crab Back
Land crab meat mixed with seasonings and breadcrumbs, stuffed back into the crab shell and baked.
Allergens:
Provision Medley
Mix of ground provisions (root vegetables) including yams, sweet potatoes, dasheen, and green bananas.
Coconut Bread
Sweet bread made with fresh coconut, perfect with butter or as a dessert.
Allergens:
Mango Chutney
Sweet and spicy condiment made from local mangoes, perfect accompaniment to grilled meats.
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua
Main island cuisine featuring fungee and pepperpot, conch dishes, and the famous Antigua Black Pineapple. Street food culture thrives in St. John's.
Signature Dishes:
Key Ingredients:
Barbuda
Known for exceptional lobster and pristine seafood. More rustic cooking style focused on grilled seafood and traditional preparations.
Signature Dishes:
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Antigua and Barbuda's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Pineapple Tart
Sweet tart made with Antigua Black Pineapple, showcasing the island's famous fruit in pastry form.
Sugar Cake
Traditional coconut candy made with grated coconut, sugar, and ginger. Pink and white colored confection.
Raspberry Stew
Sweet dessert drink made from sorrel (hibiscus), not actually raspberries. Served during Christmas season.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Antigua and Barbuda's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Antigua Rum
Premium Caribbean rum distilled locally. English Harbour Rum is the island's signature brand, known worldwide.
Rum Punch
Classic Caribbean cocktail with rum, fruit juices, grenadine, and nutmeg. The quintessential tropical drink.
Wadadli Beer
Local Antiguan beer named after the Arawak name for the island. Light lager perfect for the tropical climate.
Soft Beverages
Discover Antigua and Barbuda's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Sorrel Drink
Refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers, ginger, and spices. Deep red color, served especially at Christmas.
Mauby
Traditional Caribbean drink made from tree bark with a unique bittersweet flavor. An acquired taste.
Passion Fruit Juice
Fresh tropical juice from locally grown passion fruit. Sweet, tart, and incredibly refreshing.