The island of Providenciales (or “Provo” as locals and regulars like to call it) offers up an impressive variety of cuisine. And while there’s something to suit just about every palate, it would be a shame to visit Turks and Caicos without experiencing a traditional Caribbean dish or two. Here are just a few examples of traditional Caribbean dishes that are enjoyed by Provo’s locals and visitors alike.

Blackened or Jerk Chicken and Fish

Inspired by its rich history, Turks and Caicos’ cuisine is a fusion of Lucayan, African, Jamaican, Hispaniolan and Bahamian influences resulting in some of the most flavourful Caribbean dishes you’ll ever experience, including blackened, fried or jerk chicken and fish.

Da Conch Shack, located within a 20 minute drive from the Venetian, is known for its super casual, waterfront atmosphere and for serving up delicious Caribbean fare including their tasty Jerk Chicken Tacos and Grilled Jerk Chicken Wings that pair perfectly with a Bambarra Rum Punch or a cold Turks Head Lager.

Image Credit: instagram.com/daconchshack

Hominy Grits and Johnnycake

Maize corn grows well on the islands of Turks and Caicos. Because of this, it has become a staple food for locals who love eating it prepared as a type of porridge (“grits”) or in a bread-cake form (“johnnycake”). Delicious on its own, the buttery sweetness of grits and johnnycake pair beautifully with the savoriness of freshly caught and prepared seafood that Turks and Caicos is famous for serving up.

Image Credit: instagram.com/crackpotkitchen

Crackpot Kitchen located within a quick three minute drive from the Venetian, has one of the best Happy Hour grill menus you’ll find in Provo and their popular side dish of Chef Nik’s Cornmeal Johnny Muffins are a must try! Visit them on Fridays after 5pm and enjoy live music with their Happy Hour favourites.

Fish, Lobster and Conch

You come to a Caribbean island expecting fresh seafood and that’s exactly what you’ll find here, including the versatile white flesh of mahi mahi, and the subtle sweetness of rock lobster and fresh conch. While you can enjoy locally caught seafood in a myriad of ways, why not try it prepared the way the locals like it: crispy fried, boiled or stewed and served with a side of rice, grits or johnnycake.

Image Credit: https://www.kalookisrestaurant.com/gallery

Kalooki’s Restaurant, located in nearby in La Vele Plaza, makes a great Grilled/Blackened/Jerk Mahi Mahi, and Providenciales’ Thursday Night Fish Fry in Bight Park offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy freshly caught fare in a beachfront setting with live music and activities for all ages.

Conch is a “must try” when you visit Turks and Caicos where you’ll find it offered in a variety of ways, from crispy fried and stewed, to marinated in fresh ceviche. 

Da Conch Shack quite likely offers the largest variety of conch dishes in Provo while Coconut Grove restaurant, located within a 20 minute drive from the Venetian, is known for its delicious Conch Fritters. If you’d prefer to experience Caribbean cuisine as a fine dining experience, located within a two minute drive from the Venetian is Coco Bistro which offers an elevated Conch Dumpling Soup and Conch 2 Ways.

Whichever way you like it best, conch will likely become one of the Caribbean dishes you’ll look forward to most on every return visit you make to Turks and Caicos. 

This photo of Coconut grove restaurant and lounge is courtesy of TripAdvisor

So there you have it! While the above is just a sampling of the flavours that await you in Turks and Caicos, these traditional Caribbean dishes will have you well on your way to eating like a local and falling in love with Turks and Caicos’ remarkable cuisine.

Save on an Unforgettable Summer Vacation in Turks and Caicos

June through September are great months to visit Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Not only will you enjoy the spectacular beaches, refreshing trade winds, local food, music and culture, you can save money while you splurge on an unforgettable experience.

Book your stay with us between now through August 31st and save 35% off on 1 and 2 bedroom suites, or schedule your visit between September 1st through December 19th and save up to 40% off on all room types! Click here to learn more.