Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in St. Lucia

St. Lucia boasts breathtaking white sand beaches and stunning rainforest trails, making it a true gem of the Caribbean. This island, rich in colonial history, attracts countless visitors each year. Here, the fusion of French, native, and African cultures has given rise to an exciting lifestyle and a vibrant, spicy cuisine featuring unique St. Lucian dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.

In the bustling cruise ship port of St. Lucia, you'll also discover international cuisine, including Asian and North American favorites. However, indulging in local “creole” dishes is a must. The fresh Caribbean seafood, the island's abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables, and the exotic spices brought in from around the world combine to create a culinary experience that should be at the top of your list of things to do in St. Lucia.

Here are the top 10 dishes that stand out as the finest food in St. Lucia.

1. Bouyon

Prepared in large pots and enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations, bouyon is a delightful soup that every visitor to this enchanting island should try. This hearty stew, featuring chunks of sweet potato, pumpkin, or yam, along with ham hocks or slices of pork, is both satisfying and comforting. When ordering bouyon in St. Lucia, you can request the hot sauce on the side, as locals love to spice things up with scotch bonnets, known to be among the hottest peppers in the world!

2. Lambi

Like many Caribbean islands, St. Lucia has a strong affinity for conch, a shellfish that offers a nice, tender piece of meat perfect for various cooking methods. Here, conch is prepared in the creole style, heavily spiced and pan-fried to create a unique St. Lucian dish called lambi. Most restaurants in tourist areas and along the waterfront serve this delicious dish, and despite its unusual name, it often has visitors coming back for more.

3. Fresh Lobster

You can thank the local divers who venture into the depths of St. Lucia’s coves each morning for the fresh lobster served at lunchtime in the island's restaurants. With their large, juicy tails filled with tender meat, these St. Lucia lobsters are a sought-after delicacy prepared in various styles, from steaming to sushi, and they consistently receive high praise.

4. Callaloo Soup

The African influence on St. Lucian cuisine shines through in dishes like callaloo soup, a creamy broth made with coconut milk, packed with spinach (callaloo) and vegetables like okra, potatoes, and garlic. There are many variations of this beloved local dish throughout the island, including versions featuring conch, lobster, fish, and other fresh seafood from the Caribbean Sea.

5. Accra

As soon as you disembark from the cruise ship and enter any port town in St. Lucia, you’ll quickly spot Accra, a beloved local treat being sold on the streets. Made from salted codfish formed into balls and heavily seasoned before being deep-fried, Accra makes for a fantastic afternoon snack that pairs wonderfully with your beverage of choice. Even if you're just stopping to do some shopping in St. Lucia, be sure to pick up one of these tasty bites to take with you!

6. Green Figs and Salt Fish

When you order St. Lucia’s national dish, don’t be surprised if it arrives with green bananas instead of the figs you’re familiar with back home. Here, 'fig' refers to the island’s top export food. Popular throughout St. Lucia, green figs and salt fish have been satisfying appetites for centuries, and they are especially delicious when the fish—which is typically cod, but can include various local types—is well-seasoned, dried, and cured for preservation.

7. Breadfruit

Accompanied by a zesty sauce or sometimes just mayonnaise, breadfruit is a beloved dish in St. Lucia that grows on local trees and can be as large as a melon. Starchy yet sweet, it’s often served alongside main courses or transformed into delightful “breadfruit balls” mixed with cheese and vegetables before being fried to perfection.

8. Pepper Pots

Pepper pots refer to a variety of homemade stews typically made with chicken or lamb, using whatever local ingredients or leftovers are available in St. Lucian households. While traditionally a home-cooked specialty, these stews are becoming increasingly popular in restaurants across the island, so you can find them nearly everywhere. True to their name, however, be prepared for pepper pots to be quite spicy!

9. Banana Cake

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss out on a slice of St. Lucia’s renowned banana cake. Packed with nuts and spices alongside mashed fresh bananas, many visitors consider this cake a slice of paradise.

10. Fry Bakes

Known as float bakes, no culinary guide to St. Lucia would be complete without mentioning the delectable breakfast treat called a “bake.” Made simply by deep-frying sweet dough into a pancake-like doughnut, fry bakes are beloved local favorites that will delight the entire family.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.