Cayman's Culinary Landscape

Conch ceviche, mahi rundown, turtle stew; these are just some of the perhaps unfamiliar dishes you’ll find across the many menus of Cayman. Owing in part to its colonial history, the Islands are rooted in Jamaican cuisine; adopting seasonings like jerk and curry, and using traditional ingredients such as coconut, plantain, cassava, callaloo and ackee. Dishes are often prepared with tuna, snapper and mahi, all of which are fished in Cayman’s waters. Unique to Cayman, and the larger western Caribbean region, a visit to the Cayman Islands is not complete without sampling these delicacies.

But there are many more flavours to discover within our 76 square miles. We are a rich tapestry of cultures, with residents heralding from every corner of the world, bringing with them the customs and traditions of their homeland. You’ll often hear of Cayman as a ‘melting pot’ of cultures, and this is absolutely the case of its culinary scene. As well as traditional western Caribbean flavours, dishes often include hints of Spanish, Italian, Mexican, French and Japanese cuisines. This melting pot is what distinguishes the Cayman Islands from other Caribbean destinations when it comes to food.

That said, seafood is undoubtedly the star of the show in Cayman. With the abundance of fish, lobster, conch and other marine delights in the surrounding waters, it's no wonder that seafood features prominently on almost every menu. You’ll see many dishes cooked ‘Cayman-style’, keeping it simple and letting the natural flavours shine. Grilled or lightly seasoned, it's all about the freshness and quality of the catch. The Cayman Islands is considered the home of conch (pronounced conk!), a sea snail which has been used in Caymanian cooking for many years – and a must-try dish whilst on-Island. Discover the Islands' best seafood restaurants here. 

Being spoilt for choice is the only worry when it comes to dining. From the far reaches of East End and North Side, to the tip of West Bay, discover everything from upscale, waterfront establishments serving gourmet plates, to rustic beachside shacks dishing out local fish fry. And if you’re looking for a local watering hole, you’ll be pleased to know that the bar scene in Cayman is ever evolving in a bid to quench our thirst for a frequent sundowner.

As a population of foodies, we love to celebrate, and this is reflected in the number of food and drinks festivals throughout the year. From international chefs flying in for Cayman Cook Out, to local food trucks lining the streets of George Town for Live Street Food Festival, there’s something for everyone. Wine enthusiasts will be satisfied with vino celebrations, including Tortuga Wine Fest and Salut! Wine Festival. And who can forget Cayman Cocktail Week? Find out more about Cayman's annual culinary events. 

Also, you’ll often see tasty giveaways on social media, particularly for Savour the Summer and Cayman Restaurant Month, so make sure to keep an eye out for those. Follow @CaymanGoodTaste on Instagram and Facebook for more.

The culinary scene in Cayman is a true reflection of the Islands’ vibrant culture and rich history. With an emphasis on fresh local ingredients, diverse influences and Caymankind hospitality, our beautiful Islands promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience for all.

And the beauty of Cayman? The continual stream of new restaurants that continue to be drawn to our already vibrant foodie scene! Find out more about Cayman’s newest additions to the culinary scene here.