Will travel for food, who's with me? Experiencing a vacation through food is one of my favorite ways to get to know a destination. Food is not only delicious but it also is an identity of a culture and it also lets you learn more about local tradition. James Beard has this quote that explains it all “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” It is something that brings us all together and one commonality everyone shares. We feel food can thoroughly enhance a destination so we've come up with our favorite delicious ways to explore 5 tropical islands.
1. Hawaii
When ancient Hawaiians first feasted on freshly caught fish they would massage it with sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts which was known as poke. The access Hawaii has to fresh fish and vegetation makes for some of the most delicious seafood and vegetables. Today poke has evolved from the typical seaweed and spicy ahi tuna to a whole new variety including kimchi shrimp, furikake salmon, miso tako (octopus), pipikaula (dried beef) and even bacalao (Portuguese cod with dried salt). The options for poke are so customizable now from toppings to sauces and marinades. Enjoy poke bowls, poke nachos, poke tostadas, and even poke sushi. 
2. Turks and Caicos
Like a lot of places in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is known for their seafood. Yet they are most commonly known foconch. You will most likely be able to find conch on every menu you encounter with dishes such as conch fritters, conch salad, fried conch, and conch chowder. Who knew that something from a beautiful shell could be made into so many delicious dishes. It is a must try when you're in Turks & Caicos.
3. Saint Lucia
Creole is known in Saint Lucia for it's local flavor highly influenced from British and French cultures. Taste seafood right off the boat and sample it's BBQ flavor served with delicious sweet potatoes as a side or grilled corn on the cob with breadfruit. Yet the most interesting dish, you'll find in Saint Lucia, which also happens to be the national dish, would be saltfish with green bananas or figs. And trust us it's tastier than it sounds.
4. Jamaica
Home to jerk, reggae, and Red Stripe - Jamaica is the place to get those feet moving to the abundance of music they'll be jammin'. Jerk was originally used as a method of preserving food and was developed by runaway slaves. Today jerk has become a signature flavor spice used in marinades and is slow-cooked over a pimento-wood fire. Typically pork and chicken have been the jerk items, yet these days all sorts of foods are prepared this way from beef, goat, and fish. So fuel up on jerk chicken, goat curry, or steamed fish and if you're into beer make sure to wash it down with the national's iconic Red Stripe.
5. Grenada
Known as the island of spice, Grenada is able to grow everything from nutmeg, turmeric, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. This results in local dishes that pack in some quality punches that will make your tastebuds dance. Think dishes like curried mutton, and ginger pork. For those of us who have sweet tooths you have to try the Granadian fudge. It's a sugary treat that blends ginger, nutmeg and coconut into a sweetly delicious treat.If you're ready to have your luxury vacation redefined by VIP Travel Experience we are here to help you get started and give you even more tasty tropical destinations you must try.
Email me at tammy@viptravelexperience.com to get in touch and get started.It's a big world out there and we want you to experience it.
Email us tammy@viptravelexperience.com and justin@viptravelexperience.com to get in touch so we can get started when you're ready!
