Top 9 Must-Try Dishes in St. Maarten

One of the greatest pleasures of any Caribbean cruise is the opportunity to savor the diverse foods and local cuisines offered by various islands and ports of call. While there are countless things to do in St. Maarten, don’t miss the chance to indulge in an array of mouthwatering dishes. It's no surprise that travelers flock to this island to experience local cuisine influenced by a delightful mix of French and Creole flavors.

Whether you’re returning to St. Maarten or visiting with family or friends for the first time, you’ll discover an extensive array of dining options that cater to every budget. After exploring the sights and enjoying some shopping in St. Maarten, your challenge when choosing a dining spot won’t be where to go, but what to eat — with so many amazing local dishes to choose from. Consider these 9 delectable foods to try in St. Maarten, including the national dishes of conch and dumplings and callaloo soup.

1. Conch and Dumplings

This essential dish is both hot and spicy, providing a genuine taste of the Caribbean. It features local conch (a sizable sea snail), seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then pressure-cooked until tender and flavorful. The conch is served alongside light, fluffy dumplings, which can be made with or without cornmeal, depending on the chef's preference. The dish is finished with a rich savory gravy. Delicious!

2. Callaloo

It’s not just fun to say, but even more delightful to savor. This robust soup is packed with a variety of fresh greens like kale, spinach, and, of course, callaloo, a leafy vegetable resembling spinach. Additional ingredients include pork, onions, and okra. This thick soup is flavored with thyme, pepper, and hot peppers for an extra kick.

3. Johnny Cakes

Often confused with pancakes, Johnny cakes are quite similar to their American counterparts but are made from cornmeal instead. They are so beloved in St. Maarten that they’re enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, and as a side dish at dinner. Also known as journey cakes, these smaller cakes are gently fried in corn oil and served with honey, butter, syrup, or jam.

4. Codfish Fritters

Known as salt fish, cod is a beloved ingredient throughout the Caribbean. On St. Maarten, it’s transformed into tasty fried fritters, each island boasting its own twist on the dish. Here, the fish is sautéed and combined with diced onion, celery, green pepper, thyme, tomato, and hot sauce. This mixture is then combined with flour, milk, and egg yolk before being deep-fried in hot corn oil for a delicious treat.

5. St. Maarten Spare Ribs

Across the island, you’ll find barbecue shacks (known as lolos) serving what might be the most delicious spare ribs you'll ever have. Cooked to perfection on the grill until the meat falls off the bone, these ribs are generously coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory barbecue sauce. Each lolos has its own family recipe, often passed down through generations, adding a unique twist to this classic dish.

6. Locri

Locri is a beloved traditional dish in St. Maarten, featuring a delightful combination of rice, chicken, an assortment of vegetables, and an array of spices. Everything is cooked in a single pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a satisfying and memorable taste of authentic St. Maarten cuisine. You can think of it as a variation of stir-fry or a type of Spanish paella.

7. Whelk Soup

Whelks, small saltwater mollusks, are perfect for cooking and can be found in a variety of dishes on St. Maarten. Often featured in whelk soup, these mollusks are typically simmered in coconut milk or combined with a medley of vegetables and seasonings. The whelk imparts a delicious flavor to the broth, providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience.

8. Crabmeat-Stuffed Shells (Crab Backs)

This delightful dish showcases fresh blue crabmeat, blended with sautéed onions, tomatoes, various seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce. The mixture is then packed back into the original crab shells, topped with breadcrumbs, and broiled until golden brown before serving.

9. Guavaberry Liqueur

When you crave a cold and revitalizing drink to accompany all these delicious Caribbean dishes, look no further than St. Maarten’s Guavaberry. This invigorating beverage serves as the national drink on both the French and Dutch sides of the island, crafted from the small guavaberry fruits found locally, and used in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks.

When you dock at St. Maarten’s port of call during your Caribbean cruise, make sure to explore and sample several of the traditional island dishes mentioned above. You’re sure to have some unforgettable dining experiences!