Can You Handle Caribbean Food?

Are you a picky eater? Take this quiz to see if you can handle Caribbean food.

A friend of mine once told me that she traveled to Hong Kong for a few days. During that time, she was too nervous to try any local cuisine. So where did she eat? At the McDonalds. Every. Single. Day.

Don’t get me wrong, fast food can be tasty. But every day? If you only stick to what’s familiar when in a foreign country, your options are going to be very limited (not to mention the fact that fast food usually isn’t the healthiest…)

Caribbean food can mean all kinds of things. It’s a mixture of meat and produce typically found on the islands, cooked with spices and techniques from Africa, Europe, and elsewhere. So, while dishes vary from island to island, some meals are commonly found in all or almost all Caribbean countries.

Here are some examples of Caribbean cuisine that foreigners might turn their noses up at. For every meal you WOULD try, give yourself a point. Then, find out how you measure up by adding up your points. Can you handle Caribbean food? Let’s find out?

1. Bacalaitos (Codfish fritters)

These flat, fried fritters are common in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Think of them like a mashed-up seafood pancake.

2. Oxtail

Yes, this is an actual tail with a barbecue-like glaze over it. If you didn’t know what it was, you might just eat it and think it’s just a regular piece of beef.

3. Buss Up Shut

This dish might have a strange name that makes you think of insults, but it certainly won’t insult your taste buds. It’s essentially shredded roti bread. A staple in Trinidad and Tobago, most people say Buss Up Shut tastes better than it looks.

4. Plantain chips

Ok, this one isn’t a dish, but a common snack made from a favorite Caribbean ingredient: plantains. They are like potato chips, but without the potatoes. You can get them plain, with salt, and with spices.

5. Ackee and saltfish

A plate of Jamaican food. — (caribbeanfood.com)

It looks kind of like scrambled egg, but ackee is actually a fruit. Combined with saltfish, it’s Jamaica’s national dish, and a breakfast favorite.

6. Chicken foot soup

Chicken noodle soup is perfect for sick days, but this one provides a bit more…chicken. Don’t be surprised to see an actual chicken foot sticking out of your bowl.

7. Goat curry

This is basically goat stew with vegetables. It’s popular in Jamaica.

8. Tembleque

This is a delicious coconut custard that I can’t imagine anyone NOT liking. However, the Jell-O-like texture can put some people off.

How many points did you score?

6-8 You can DEFINITELY handle Caribbean food. In fact, I would say you like it. Why not take your next vacation there… or better yet…retire there?

4-7 You’re not opposed to trying new things, but can be a slightly picky eater at times. However, we’re sure you’ll find plenty to like in the Caribbean.

0-3 Hmm…well, there’s always McDonalds…

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#Caribbean cuisine #Caribbean culture #Caribbean food #Caribbean meals