Kittitian Recipes
4 recipesThe cooking of Saint Kitts and Nevis follows the wider West Indian pattern but leans on local seafood, goat, root vegetables and sugar. Sugar cane shaped the islands for centuries, and the sweet side of the table still shows it, from sugar cake to guava and tamarind sweets. Daily meals revolve around stewed or fried fish, goat, chicken and salted fish, served with dumplings, breadfruit, sweet potato, plantain and rice. Seasoning comes from thyme, scallion, garlic, onion and hot pepper. Stewed saltfish with spicy plantains and coconut dumplings is widely named as the national dish and appears at celebrations and casual gatherings alike. Goat water, a stew with breadfruit and green papaya, is the best-known meat dish. Conch and spiny lobster are local favorites, usually grilled, fried or stewed. Johnny cakes, conkies and coconut sweets turn up at fairs and festive tables.
Staple ingredients
- saltfish
- goat
- breadfruit
- coconut
- plantain
- sweet potato
- thyme and scallion
- hot pepper
Main Dishes
Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains and Coconut DumplingsKN1 h 40 minMedium
Goat Water (Kittitian Goat Stew with Breadfruit and Papaya)KN2 h 55 minMedium
Grilled Spiny Lobster with Garlic-Lime ButterKN32 minMedium
Desserts
Common questions
What is Saint Kitts and Nevis food known for?
Stewed saltfish with coconut dumplings, goat water, fresh fish, conch and lobster, plus sweets such as sugar cake. The cooking is simple and home-style, built on thyme, scallion, pepper and local root vegetables.
What is the national dish of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Stewed saltfish with spicy plantains and coconut dumplings is the dish most often named. Goat water is the other dish people mention first.
Is Saint Kitts and Nevis food spicy?
Mildly to moderately. Hot pepper goes into stews and sauces, but many cooks add it whole or serve it on the side. The heat is easy to adjust at the table.