Top 13 Must-Try Foods in Grenada

In Grenada, the aroma of nutmeg fills the air as you wander through picturesque white sand beaches, lush plantations, and rich colonial history. Known as the Spice Island, this popular cruise destination offers a diverse array of unique dishes that delight the palates of food lovers from around the world.

Across the island, spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaf, clove, turmeric, thyme, and lemongrass flourish abundantly. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as young coconuts, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and breadfruit enhance the flavor and nutrition of local cuisine.

From spicy stews and tender, fresh seafood to delectable desserts that satisfy your sweet cravings, here’s what to savor in Grenada.

1. Oil Down

Oil down is the national dish of Grenada, so make sure to prioritize it on your list of must-try foods. This iconic one-pot stew is a beloved staple among locals, often served at festivals, parties, and community gatherings. It's a simple yet comforting dish brimming with flavor, featuring salted meat, chicken or fish, dumplings, coconut milk, turmeric, vegetables, and breadfruit as its main ingredients.

2. Fried Bake and Saltfish

In Grenada, breakfast means it’s time for fried bake. These are a type of bread fried to a perfect golden brown. You can enjoy them with various side dishes, such as cheese or sausage, but the most popular choice is saltfish sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

3. Lambie Souse

Savoring delicious, fresh seafood is one of the top experiences when cruising to Grenada, and a local favorite is lambie souse. Lambie refers to conch, which is the star of this dish. The conch is tenderized and gently simmered with a blend of lime juice, onion, garlic, and hot pepper, resulting in a soupy seafood delight that's also a great source of protein.

4. Callaloo Soup

Dasheen leaves are a common ingredient throughout the Caribbean, and they are used to create callaloo soup, a staple on Grenada’s menus. This leafy green soup has a creamy consistency, thanks to the addition of coconut milk, making it perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack any time of day.

5. Pelau

Pelau is a filling chicken and rice dish, perfect for quelling your hunger after a delightful day of sightseeing and shopping in Grenada. This flavorful one-pot meal usually features cooked beans, carrots, celery, red bell peppers, brown sugar, and coconut milk.

6. Roti

As a cultural melting pot, Grenada showcases a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Indian influences in its cuisine, all enhanced by Caribbean spices. Roti, made from wheat flour bread filled with curried meat, fish, or vegetables, is a delicious takeaway snack you can discover throughout your adventures.

7. Crab Back

Land crabs are abundant in Grenada and offer a flavor reminiscent of seafood. In local restaurants, they are featured in a dish called crab back, prepared with a blend of local spices and lime juice, then served in their shells topped with crispy, baked breadcrumbs.

8. Curry Goat

Grenadian-style curry goat incorporates locally sourced herbs and spices for a distinct twist on the beloved Caribbean dish. The seasoned goat is browned in sugar and slow-cooked with onions, garlic, hot pepper, and curry powder. It’s typically served with rice and garnished with lime pickle, delivering a rich explosion of flavor.

9. Nutmeg Ice Cream

Grenada ranks among the world’s top importers of nutmeg, and this fragrant spice features prominently in many local dishes. What better way to savor it than with a cool nutmeg ice cream enjoyed by the seaside? This creamy delight is crafted using freshly ground nutmeg and rich heavy cream, making it the perfect island dessert.

10. Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potato may not be the first ingredient that springs to mind for desserts, but it offers a nutritious alternative! Sweet potato pudding, which includes grated coconut, cinnamon, milk, sugar, and, of course, nutmeg, is a must-try Grenadian delicacy.

11. Grenadian Fudge

If you're shopping for souvenirs in Grenada, fudge could be the ideal treat to bring back for your loved ones. With a delightful mix of Grenadian ginger, nutmeg or coconut, and rich dark chocolate, make sure to grab extra because you’ll likely indulge in some before you even reach home!

12. Cocoa Balls

Another delicious, bite-sized souvenir from your Grenada cruise is a pack of cocoa balls. With cocoa plantations all over the island, these treats boast top-notch chocolate quality. Each small, round delight is infused with flavors of cinnamon, thyme, and bay leaf.

13. Cocoa Tea

If you’re a fan of hot chocolate, you’re sure to love cocoa tea in Grenada. This delightful beverage is crafted from cocoa balls, water, and milk, so be sure to enjoy a cup while dining out or pick up extra packets of cocoa balls to recreate it at home.

Note: Activities onboard, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.