Caribbean food is hot right now. In 2023, the National Restaurant Association labeled the cuisine as “a major global trend,” and in the same year, Forbes dubbed the fusion of island cuisines “America’s new favorite food.” It’s not hard to understand why Caribbean flavors are so popular. The islands in the Caribbean Sea (of which there are hundreds, belonging to multiple countries like Jamaica, Cuba, and Grenada) offer a vibrant medley of dishes, which are mostly characterized by bold spices, fresh herbs, and tropical fruits.
But, while Caribbean foods have much in common, they are far from the same. In Cuba, for example, you can expect a subtler, milder use of seasoning, while Jamaican food has a little more spice. Ingredients in many Caribbean dishes are similar, plantains, rice, and beans, for example, are staples, but cooking techniques and styles differ from island…