St. Maarten and St. Martin may be one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean, but its food scene is one of the most diverse. Two nations share the island, and more than a hundred nationalities call it home. The result is a kitchen where Caribbean, French, Dutch, Latin American and Asian flavors all meet. Here's what to taste during your stay, and where to start.
Caribbean roots: the island's home cooking
Local West Indian cooking is hearty, well seasoned and made to share. These are the dishes you'll find at roadside stands, family restaurants and Sunday lunches.
- Johnny cakes: golden fried bread, eaten plain or filled with cheese, saltfish or ham. The classic breakfast on the go.
- Saltfish: salted cod sautéed with onions, peppers and spices, often served with dumplings or Johnny cakes.
- Pâtés: flaky fried pastries stuffed with spiced saltfish, chicken or beef. Perfect as a snack.
- Conch (lambi): tender sea snail cooked in a rich Creole stew or served with dumplings.
- Callaloo: a comforting soup or stew made from leafy greens.
- Pigeon peas and rice: the side dish that comes with almost every local plate, alongside stewed chicken, goat or fresh fish.
The French side: bakeries, Creole cooking and Grand Case
Across the border in St. Martin, French cooking meets Creole spice. Start your morning with fresh croissants and baguettes from a local boulangerie, then try accras, small crispy fritters made with saltfish and herbs.
For dinner, head to Grand Case, often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Along one beachfront street you'll find fine French restaurants next to the famous lolos: open-air grills serving ribs, chicken, lobster and fresh fish with rice and peas at very fair prices.
The Dutch side: a taste of Holland in Philipsburg
On Front Street in Philipsburg you can try Dutch treats you might not expect in the Caribbean: aged Gouda cheese, warm stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel syrup) and Dutch coffee. Our Go Dutch tour combines these tastings with an afternoon snorkel cruise.
What to drink
- Guavaberry liqueur: the island's signature drink, made from rum and wild guavaberries. It's a traditional part of Christmas and the holidays, and a popular gift to take home.
- Rum punch: every bar and boat has its own recipe. Try one on a sunset sail.
- Fresh juices: look for passion fruit, soursop, tamarind and sorrel, especially at local stands.
- Local beers and French wines: easy to find on both sides of the island.
Tips for eating your way around the island
- Carry some cash in small bills. Many roadside grills and lolos prefer it.
- The Dutch side uses US dollars. The French side uses euros, but dollars are widely accepted.
- Many French-side restaurants close one day a week, so check before you go.
- Book ahead for dinner in Grand Case during high season.
- Ask for the dish of the day. It's usually the freshest thing on the menu.
Plan your food adventure
Ready to eat like a local? Read our guide on where to find the best local food in St. Maarten, with our favorite spots dish by dish. Many of our boat trips also include a Caribbean lunch and open bar on board. And if you're staying in one of our vacation rentals, just ask us for the best places to eat near you.
