Top 8 Dishes to Savor in Grand Cayman

Embarking on your first cruise to Grand Cayman is certainly worth celebrating! The stunning turquoise waters and beautiful beaches provide ample opportunities for relaxation, and once your ship docks at the port, there’s no shortage of activities. During your visit, be sure to immerse yourself in the island's culture, especially its culinary delights. Grand Cayman’s cuisine is a delightful blend of various cultural influences that make the island special, and you won't want to miss the chance to sample something unique to this Caribbean gem!

Unsure where to begin? Savor these beloved Grand Cayman dishes for an authentic taste of island life.

1. Coconut Shrimp

You may have tried coconut shrimp served with fries at your neighborhood pub or any chain restaurant, but you haven’t truly experienced it until you’ve tasted coconut shrimp in Grand Cayman. There’s no comparison to the freshness of coconut shaved on the same day, and you’ll be amazed by its nutty, delicate flavor. This dish is perfect for anyone hesitant to try something new: it’s familiar yet distinctly different, thanks to the incredibly fresh ingredients.

2. Conch Stew

Across the Caribbean, seafood takes center stage. You’ll encounter an almost limitless selection of fish and shellfish on menus everywhere. For a truly local experience, make sure to try the conch stew. Conch, a sea snail with a lovely pink shell, is served in a rich soup filled with tomatoes, herbs, and Cayman peppers for a hint of spice. The conch has a flavor and texture reminiscent of a blend between escargot and clams, but with a lighter touch. This traditional dish is widely available throughout Grand Cayman.

3. Turtle Stew

When Columbus first discovered the Cayman Islands, he named them Las Tortugas, due to the abundance of green sea turtles. Turtle has long been considered a delicacy in Grand Cayman, cherished by both locals and adventurous visitors. Check out a turtle farm where the animals are raised for meat and give turtle stew a taste. It's commonly paired with beans and rice, or perhaps with plantains and coleslaw on the side.

4. Fish Rundown

Fish rundown is a must-try seafood dish in Grand Cayman. Every Caribbean country has its own take on rundown, but the Grand Cayman version is a rich and hearty stew made with thick fillets of fish, coconut milk, and a variety of aromatic herbs. Depending on the freshness and the chef’s preference, the stew may include chunks of plantains, breadfruit, or yams for a touch of sweetness, and often features fluffy dumplings as a delightful finishing touch.

5. Fruit Cake

In the Cayman Islands, Christmas fruit cake is a cherished tradition, introduced by British colonists seeking a taste of home during the festive season. This cake is made from raisins, currants, prunes, and dates, which are chopped and soaked in rum for several months. The soaked fruits are then baked into a dense spice cake, which is pricked with a fork and doused in even more rum. The entire process can span several months, so if you’re fortunate enough to come across some, be sure to indulge in a slice!

6. Heavy Cake

If fruit cake doesn’t appeal to you, consider trying traditional heavy cake instead. This dessert is made from cassava, a root vegetable often referred to as tapioca in the United States. The cassava is grated, soaked, and then baked into a dense, sweet cake that is regarded as the national dessert of the Cayman Islands. Each family has its own unique recipe, but heavy cake is generally flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

7. Mudslide

This refreshing and sweet cocktail was created in Grand Cayman during the 1980s, and the island remains the ideal place to enjoy the original version. Crafted from vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream, the mudslide was initially conceived as a clever alternative to a white Russian. It has since gained immense popularity on its own. This drink is the perfect way to cool down after a day of shopping in Grand Cayman, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to taste it where it all began.

8. Fritters

Known as Johnny Cakes in some Caribbean regions, fritters are a type of fried bread that has been a beloved dish in Grand Cayman for generations. Made from unleavened dough akin to Irish soda bread, these fritters are fried in coconut oil. This versatile staple can be seasoned for either a savory or sweet flavor and enjoyed at any meal, though they serve as particularly delightful appetizers after a day of exploring the island.

As you plan your itinerary of things to do in Grand Cayman, be sure to set aside time to visit local restaurants and sample the food in Grand Cayman. Here, you can enjoy these fantastic dishes along with many other traditional Caribbean delights that are exclusive to the tropics.

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