16 Popular Foods & Drinks You Must Try When In Saint Lucia

A mind once stretched can’t return to its original size—just like someone who’s had a taste of island food can’t go back to life as usual. Far from it. With just one bite of local flavor in places like Saint Lucia, island getaways become something you need to do. As often as time allows.

So, what is it that keeps you coming back for another bite? For me, born and raised in the islands, it’s the love you can taste in every dish. Now sure, not every spot will hit the mark, but that’s why choosing the right place matters. And if you ask me, that means going all-in on Saint Lucia at a resort where the food’s got flavor, flair, and choices that stretch from island bites to global favorites. But we’ll get to that. First, let’s dive into the must-try dishes and drinks calling your name in Saint Lucia.

Picture: With 12 specialty restaurants—from Indian to Caribbean—the beachfront Sandals Grande Saint Lucian offers a world of flavors just steps from the sand.

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

Why Saint Lucia & What to Expect
Six traditional Lucian main dishes
Five traditional Lucian side dishes
Four traditional Lucian snacks
Traditional Saint Lucian desert
Popular Lucian Drinks

FAQs about Saint Lucia food and drinks

Why Saint Lucia & What to Expect

Islands like Saint Lucia are just right for travelers craving something different on their dinner plate. The flavors here are rooted in the deep love we locals have for our food. And with all the excitement (and those irresistible island aromas!), you’ll feel drawn in from the very first bite.

The best part? Saint Lucian cuisine is as easy to enjoy as it is memorable.
On this Eastern Caribbean gem, look out for green figs and saltfish (the national dish), lambi (conch), boullion (a hearty stew), callaloo soup, and plenty of grilled seafood and Creole-style barbecue. Street food is a big hit too, especially during events like the Gros Islet Fish Fry. Many spots lean into farm-to-table dining, and you’ll also find a few places offering I-TAL vegetarian dishes—plant powered and full of Caribbean soul.

Insider tip: If you stay at an all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Saint Lucian cuisine and so much more. Staying at any of the Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia gives you access to all three of them, and this includes 27 restaurants!

Cultural Influences

There are loads of cultural influences packed into the finish of many Saint Lucian dishes, including British and French inspiration. And there’s a reason for that. Saint Lucia was famously seven times British and seven times French. The true Helen of the West!

Many dishes in Saint Lucia are infused with herbs and spices like nutmeg and cloves, reflecting diverse culinary inspiration. There are also long-lost influences from the Amerindians, the island’s original inhabitants. The Amerindians were known to live off fruits, vegetables, and other homegrown foods. Still today, some of the island’s traditional dishes echo these ancient culinary roots.

Six Traditional Saint Lucian Main Dishes

Alright, now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into the main attraction: the food! Here are some of the most popular Saint Lucia food and drinks that you can try during your all-inclusive vacation:

Green figs and saltfish

Green figs and saltfish is one of those island meals you take a bite of, then pause… and smile. Like a little piece of Saint Lucia just settled into your soul. It’s no wonder this dish is a true favorite. When made right, it’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

As the national dish of Saint Lucia, it brings together salted cod and green bananas, each cooked separately, then combined in just the right balance. The green bananas are boiled, then sautéed with vegetables and spices, while the salted cod is typically boiled a few times to mellow out the salt, then stewed until tender with its own blend of island flavors.

Good to know: Aside from green figs and saltfish, green figs and backs is another popular Saint Lucian dish that makes use of boiled green bananas. Green fig and backs includes brown stewed chicken backs, and it is a commonly served dish in Saint Lucia.

Boullion

The comforting feeling of green figs and saltfish or backs? It’s the same feeling with a warm bowl of boullion, especially on a rainy day. This isn’t just a tasty dish, it’s the kind that tells you exactly where you are. Boullion is a hearty, flavorful soup served up in all kinds of variations across Saint Lucia. Some restaurants have it on select days, but spots like the Castries Market serve it up most weekdays.

You’ll find everything from lamb and beef to pork or saltfish in boullion, along with island staples like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yam, and carrots. Many of the Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia have local or Caribbean inspired restaurants that serve up popular local dishes, including boullion.

Smoked herring and breadfruit

This one’s a flavor trio: smoked herring, tender breadfruit, and crisp cucumber salad. The herring is stewed down with island seasonings, and served with breadfruit that’s cooked just right. Then comes the cucumber salad—a light, cooling touch that brings it all together. Pair it with an ice-cold local juice, and you’ve got the full island experience on one plate.

Lambi

Conch is loved all across the Caribbean, but in Saint Lucia, we call it lambi. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you it’s a dish that brings people together, especially when it’s done Creole style. And that’s how it’s usually served here. The conch meat gets seasoned with a whole heap of spices, then pan-fried until it’s tender and full of flavor.

I personally do not eat conch, but many other people do! Every island has its own take, but Saint Lucia’s version has that bold island flavor, and just the right amount of kick. At least, that’s what the islanders will tell you! When made well this dish can be worth trying, but if not, the texture can be quite chewy or even tough. If you want to try conch while in Saint Lucia, lean into the reviews!

Insider Tip: We highly recommend trying the Pitons restaurant at Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia for some of the most scrumptious Saint Lucian dishes. The menu at this Caribbean restaurant includes options like Lucian Lambi & Seafood Stew (highly-rated), Saint Lucia Boullion, Green Fig and Codfish Salad, Pan-Seared Snapper Fillet, Vegan Chicken Roti, and more!

Black pudding (Boudin)

Black pudding is one of those dishes that sparks a real debate. Some people can’t get enough of it, others need a little convincing. One thing’s for sure; you can definitely try it while in Saint Lucia. There are plenty of spots serving up their own spin on this Caribbean classic. It’s made with herbs, spices, pig’s blood (yes you read right), and sometimes rice, all packed into a sausage-like roll.

Now, hardly unexpectedly, the ingredients of this dish catch some people off guard. Very off guard. But ask around, and you’ll hear locals who just can’t get enough of it. If you really want to try, stick to the spots that are well-known and always busy. That’s usually how you know you’ve found the real thing.

Pepperpot

Pepperpot is one of those dishes that carries serious island weight. It’s rich, earthy, and the kind of thing you taste once and start dreaming about how to make at home. The name might make you think it’s spicy, but pepperpot isn’t always about heat… it’s more about depth of flavor. Pimento peppers are often used for that mellow island warmth.

You’ll usually find onions, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, orange peel, and cassareep in the pot, with a mix of meats like cow foot, oxtail, turkey, beef, goat, or pork. Some people even add chicken or lamb; it all depends on what’s available. However it’s made, pepperpot is usually served with homemade bread, and once you’ve had a bowl, you’ll understand why it’s a staple all across the Caribbean.

Five Traditional Lucian Side Dishes

Callaloo soup

Callaloo soup is the kind of dish that wraps you up. It’s hearty, healthy, and comforting. In Saint Lucia, this soup is made with leafy greens that simmer down to create a rich, flavorful base. The soup usually includes callaloo, okra, potatoes, garlic, and sometimes seafood or small cuts of meat. Some versions use coconut milk to mellow things out and balance the spices. Whether you find it at a local eatery or in a home kitchen, callaloo soup is one of those quiet stars of Lucian cuisine. Completely worth trying, especially if you see it on the appetizer menu at your Saint Lucian all-inclusive resort!

Cow heel soup

Cow heel soup has long been known for its comforting flavor, and some even swear by it as a hangover cure or aphrodisiac. It’s a hearty mix of dumplings, carrots, yellow split peas, okra, and tender cow heel, all simmered into a rich, savory broth. You’ll usually find it at places like the Castries Market, especially around lunchtime. If you’re on island and in the mood for something with real depth and local character, it’s well worth a try.

Fried plantains

Fried plantains are a staple across the Caribbean, and in Saint Lucia, they’re just as loved. Sweet, golden, and just the right amount of crisp on the edges, these are the kind of bites that disappear fast once they hit the plate.

Try to make fried plantains at home and they’ll likely burn before you even get a chance to turn around. (If you know, you know.) It’s a little Saint Lucian kitchen joke, but the truth is, once you’ve got the hang of it, frying plantains is a breeze. Golden brown is key!

During your Saint Lucia vacation, you won’t need to worry about whipping these up. Most spots serve them either as part of a meal or as a tasty side on their own.

Pemmie

My Saint Lucian mom loves pemmie, and she’ll buy it almost anywhere she sees it. This Looshan dish has a way of showing up mostly for special occasions though, like Creole Heritage Month in October (Jounen Kweyol). There are a few key ingredients that bring it together, including cornmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar, and dry coconut. Consider these the Saint Lucian pemmie essentials.

Though pemmie has its fans, the process of making it can be a bit complex. First, the pumpkin is cooked and mashed until soft. Then it’s mixed with the other ingredients to form a thick, fragrant batter. The mixture is spooned onto sterilized banana leaves, which are lightly heated first to keep them from tearing. Each square is wrapped up and tied with banana straw and thread, kind of like wrapping a Christmas gift—tight and tidy so nothing comes loose. Then the pemmie is gently boiled. When it’s ready, the leaf turns brown and the inside is firm, sweet, and full of island flavor.

Cassava Bread

Plas Kassav is the way to go for all things cassava in Saint Lucia. This roadside shop near Canaries is truly one-of-a-kind, and serves up a variety of cassava bread. But even before we get there, what exactly is cassava bread?

By our own definition (yes, straight from the Sandals dictionary!), this dish is more than just food, it’s a whole experience. You’ll find flavors like chocolate, cherry, and even saltfish cassava. At Plas Kassav, fresh cassava bread is baked daily, and it’s a must-try.

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or you’re after something savory, you can sample a different kind every day of your stay. Or, make it easy and stop by on your way to or from the airport—perfect for a first or final taste of Saint Lucia.

Four Traditional Lucian Snacks

Accra

Accra is bite-sized and easy to make, especially if you pick up a tub of it from a local supermarket in Saint Lucia. But if you’re not planning to cook on your trip (and honestly, why would you?), the real move is to find a spot that prepares this local delicacy just right.

Also known as fish cake or saltfish fritters, accra is made with salted cod, chopped vegetables, and spices. The ingredients are mixed and then deep-fried until golden and crisp. Accra is best enjoyed while still warm. You’ll find it at food shacks, local events, or right on the roadside. Take a bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite across the island.

Breadfruit

There are many ways to prepare breadfruit, and just about all of them result in something delicious. You can roast it, bake it, boil it, or fry it, and it’s even sometimes dried and ground into flour for use in other dishes. “Unexpected” is probably a good way to describe it, since what you see doesn’t always match what you get in the final dish—but somehow, it always works out for the best.

In Saint Lucia, breadfruit is considered a ground provision, even though it’s technically a fruit. It’s starchy, with a mildly sweet flavor. Breadfruit balls (deep-fried) are one of the most popular ways to cook breadfruit or simply boiled and chopped breadfruit as a side. Either option you go for, there’s really no going wrong.

Bakes

You don’t need many ingredients to make Saint Lucian bakes, just flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and yeast. Once you combine everything, it just takes a bit of rolling and deep frying to get to golden brown perfection.

You won’t have to make these yourself in Saint Lucia—most food vendors sell bakes fresh throughout the day. And if you’re heading to the Gros Islet Friday night street party, that’s one of the best places to grab a hot bake and pair it with grilled sausage or barbequed chicken. Bakes are also really good stuffed with cheese or just about anything you’d put in a sandwich.

Insider tip: Planning to check out the Gros Islet Street Party? Sandals Grande St. Lucian is only five minutes from the action, and since it’s all-inclusive , you can sip on bottomless cocktails before heading out.

Avocado balls

Avocado balls are one of those snacks you just have to try while in Saint Lucia. They’re especially popular around Creole Day, which is celebrated at the end of October, but you might spot them on your plate at local restaurants during other times of the year too.

Avocado balls are made using mashed avocados and processed cassava in the form of farine. A bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor. These are often served as a side or snack, and once you’ve had one, you’ll understand why locals love them.

Traditional Saint Lucian Deserts

Banana bread

Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, banana bread is a top choice for dessert in Saint Lucia. Also called banana cake, it’s usually made with mashed bananas, spices, and sometimes nuts as the main ingredients. Banana bread is seen as a healthier alternative to traditional cake, but even without that label, it does a great job of satisfying a sweet tooth. You’ll find it sold in bakeries, grocery stores, and sometimes in simple plastic wrap at roadside stands.

Popular Lucian Drinks

Rum punch

Rum punch is a favorite for many visitors to Saint Lucia. Those who enjoy it often say there’s something about the way it’s mixed in the islands that makes it extra good. Maybe it’s the variety of flavorful local rums in each recipe, or the fresh juices and Caribbean spices—but for whatever reason, it tends to be a standout under the sun.

Cocoa tea

Hot bakes and cocoa tea are the comfort duo of Saint Lucia but even on its own, cocoa tea stands strong. Think of it as the Caribbean version of hot chocolate, only lighter and less sweet. It’s usually made with grated cocoa sticks, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and sometimes a little milk. It’s not overly creamy, but has a rich, earthy flavor. Locals often enjoy it in the morning to start the day right.

Piton beer

Have yourself an ice-cold beer while lounging on a beach in Saint Lucia, and chances are, it’ll be a Piton. Piton beer is the most popular local brand, a crisp pilsner that’s easy to drink and loved by locals and visitors alike. Named after the Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains—the island’s most famous landmarks—Piton is available just about everywhere. And yes, if you’re planning to hike the peaks, this is the beer you’ll want waiting for you at the end.

Insider tip: Want to experience more Saint Lucian food and drinks? Stay at one of Sandals’ three resorts in Saint Lucia. You’ll get access to all three properties—including 27 restaurants, entertainment, land and water sports, and bottomless drinks.

Best of Saint Lucia Food & Drinks Await

Picture: Enjoy family-style dining at Sandals Regency La Toc’s Buccan restaurant during your Saint Lucia vacation, where you can indulge in some of the island’s best dishes.

So, that just about covers it. The best of Saint Lucian food and drinks for a vacation that's as flavorful as it is relaxing. The bottom line: If you’re heading to Saint Lucia, come hungry. You’re in for more than just a meal. With some of the best beaches, waterfalls, and natural attractions in the Caribbean, you’re in just the right place to experience the region at its finest.

FAQs About Food & Drinks in Saint Lucia

What is Saint Lucia’s national dish?

The national dish of Saint Lucia is green figs and saltfish which is also known as green bananas and salted cod.

What are the most popular foods in Saint Lucia?

Green figs and saltfish, grilled fish, lambi, boullion, stewed meats, and other delicacies are popular dishes in Saint Lucia. Green figs and saltfish as the national dish of the island, takes the top spot.

What is a popular drink in Saint Lucia?

Anything cold will do on this often-humid island, but as far as drinks go, rum tends to be favored in Saint Lucia. You’ll encounter many small rum shops as you navigate the island, but whether you choose a rum shop, or an actual bar, rum punch is a popular choice.

What is the best local beer in Saint Lucia?

Piton is the local beer in Saint Lucia, which is a pilsner beer that is named after the world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains on the island.

Picture: Planning a trip to Saint Lucia? Our Overwater Butler Bungalow puts you right over the turquoise waters, serving up enticing views and the island’s best flavors—all included!