Traditional local food! (Local Dishes 2024)
Try authentic Caribbean dishes, this is what the locals eat on St. Maarten | Saint Martin.
You can’t leave (We Are SXM) without trying the local fare and snack shacks; all around, you’ll find Caribbean barbeques triggering your senses. Try the perfectly grilled chicken, ribs, or seafood, served with rice & peas, and local johnnycakes.
Recommended snack shacks for local food are Fat Boy Jimmy’s in Philipsburg, Lolo’s in Grand Case, Da Waterhole in Mullet Bay, and Captain D’s or Johnny B under the Tree in Simpson Bay.
Top 10 local food to try in Sint Maarten – Saint Martin:
- Conch & Dumplings with rice & peas (National dish Saint Martin)
- Callaloo Soup (National dish Sint Maarten)
- Johnny Cakes / Journey Cakes made the St. Maarten way
- Stuffed crab backs (Crab meat, herbs, spices)
- Goat, Bull foot or Oxtail stew usually served with rice & peas
- Caribbean Ribs or Chicken from the BBQ usually served with rice & peas and plantain (deep-fried banana)
- Locri from Saint Martin (rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables)
- Codfish fritters (deep-fried dough mixed with codfish)
- One of the locally caught fish such as Mahi mahi, Grouper, Red snapper, Wahoo
- Caribbean spiny lobster or the Slipper lobster (hard to find)
National dishes
Sint Maarten | Saint Martin’s culture foods that you have to try are the national dishes callaloo soup (French Side) and conch & dumplings (Dutch side).
Callaloo Soup (Saint Martin):
The preferred delicacy and national dish on the French side is Callaloo, a thick green soup made from spinach greens, pork cubes, hot pepper, okra, black pepper, thyme, and chicken stock.
You can find Callaloo soup at Ital Shack in Philipsburg every Saturday night and at Captain D’s Roadside Grill in Simpson Bay.
Conch & Dumplings (Sint Maarten):
The national dish of Dutch Sint Maarten is the conch and dumplings. First, they pound the conch (sea snail) to tender it—afterward, it’s pressure-cooked with dumplings, herbs, and spices. The thick sauce from the conch and dumplings is used as gravy to eat with rice, vegetables, and johnnycakes. You might also find a delicious soup variety of this dish.
Enjoy this dish at Yvette’s Kitchen in French Quarter.
Where do these Caribbean delicacies come from?
As SXM is known as the melting pot of the Caribbean, you find lots of National and authentic local dishes originated from other Caribbean Islands. We have everything Jerk, and saltfish & ackee from Jamaica, porc Colombo from Guadeloupe, locri from St. Martin, plantain (Caribbean), breadfruit (St. Kitts), stuffed crab-backs (Bahamas), Goat stew (Montserrat).
Locally caught fresh fish:
Furthermore, a must-try is the locally caught fish such as red snapper, mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper, triggerfish, wahoo, hogfish, or Caribbean lobster.
Fun Fact: did you know many locals up to today do not eat lobster? Because back in the days, there were so many lobsters around that fishermen would solely use them as bait to catch the “real” fish back in the days.
Our selection of local restaurants
Below you’ll find our selection of the best locations to enjoy a local Lunch or Dinner being seated. Make sure you order a smooth Caribbean Rum or Island cocktail to pair with your meal. These places are handpicked based on the possibility to sit, Price – Quality, and Service.
First, we mention all authentic local restaurants, afterward those with significant local influences within their menu or use locally grown products. Each location serves excellent food and has reasons to be worth your visit.
Enjoy your meal!
Gorgeous Mullet Bay Beach can now be a full-day destination! Da Waterhole Beach Bar & Grill offers a Changing Room, Shower, Toilets, and Lockers.
Visit Joelle & Gregg in Simpson Bay | A place to relax, sit back, and enjoy a home-cooked meal full of Caribbean flavor inspired by Trinidad!
The Captain’s Rib Shack offers Authentic local BBQ & Caribbean delicacies seasoned with island spices and cooked to perfection – Kim Sha Beach
Serving home-cooked vegan meals with ingredients mostly grown from the SXM’s soil. Ital shack is helping people cleanse their bodies for decades.
This cozy Beach Bar & Restaurant right on Orient Bay beach spreads the aroma of Caribbean charcoal grilled dishes since 1977!
One of the island’s best Roadside BBQ grills for authentic Caribbean dishes and local flavors. Try the Ribs, Chicken or Jimmy Cake Burger!
Locally owned and run, this place in Simpson Bay shows that you really can do fine dining with Caribbean food, drinks and service! Go Locals!
Visit this typical Dutch “Bruin Café” in Madame Estate, serving the largest selection of Belgium Beers, over 70 Whiskey’s, Rhums & Dutch food!
Local influences within their menu or the use of locally grown products
Emilio’s is located on a historic 18th century sugar cane plantation. Chef Sidney brings a combination of high-end dining with classic Caribbean cuisine.
Lagoonies in Cole Bay combines the delicate French taste with fun-loving Dutch side vibes. Intimate family-style venue & an authentic local experience.
Escape in the mesmerizing nature of St Martin. Great food, with a French – Caribbean cuisine, top cocktails and the most beautiful pool you will ever find.
In the heart of Philipsburg, this oceanfront Dutch | Caribbean restaurant is a quintessential eatery on the Boardwalk, looking out to Great Bay’s blue water.
Located behind the original Grand Case (Big House), a Caribbean French & American fushion menu, friendly staff, and cozy ambiance always attract a fun crowd!
Gourmet french dining on the square in Orient Bay Village Square with world-class meats and locally sourced fish, paired with balanced Cocktails & Top Wines.
The Hideaway Bar & Restaurant welcomes everyone to Pelican. Serving Caribbean | International cuisine all day with pool seating overlooking the ocean!
Topper’s Bar & Restaurant is set in a fun, air-conditioned, Caribbean cottage. This landmark eatery is serving guests for over a decade and known for Karaoke!
Fat Tony’s Smokehouse & Restaurant in Cupecoy | The only thing better than their southern family hospitality is the amazing smoked meats & the great price!
Johney’s is obsessed with making the best burger in the Caribbean! This burger is as unique as St. Maarten itself. Indulge in your last edible souvenir at the Airport!