Culinary activities
Martinique, a true gem of the Caribbean, is a land of flavors and culinary traditions. Its gastronomic heritage reflects the island’s history and cultural blend, where African, European, Indian, and Amerindian influences intertwine to create a rich and authentic cuisine. Discovering Martinique also means exploring its colorful markets, iconic dishes, and local drinks that awaken the senses.
What are the characteristics of Martinican cuisine?
Martinican cuisine is based on a skillful blend of spices, seafood, stewed meats, and local vegetables. Among the essential ingredients, we find colombo, an Indian-origin spice that flavors meats and vegetables, as well as bois d’Inde, a local aromatic plant that adds a unique touch to dishes.
Tropical fruits such as mango, guava, pineapple, and passion fruit are ubiquitous and are enjoyed both fresh and in the form of juices or jams. Swee…
…t potatoes, yams, breadfruit, and plantains complete this palette of exotic flavors and are often cooked as side dishes to traditional meals.
What are the iconic dishes of Martinique?
- Colombo : An iconic dish, often made with chicken, goat, or fish, stewed with colombo spices, vegetables, and coconut milk.
- Matoutou de crabe : A traditional Easter specialty, this dish made with spiced crab and rice is a must on Martinican tables.
- Féroce d’avocat : A spicy appetizer, a mixture of avocado, cassava flour, and shredded salted cod, perfect for starting a flavorful meal.
- Accras de morue : These fried fritters are a popular appetizer, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Court-bouillon de poisson : Prepared with fresh fish, lemon, spices, and vegetables, this dish is both flavorful and comforting.
- Dombrés aux ouassous : Small dough balls simmered with crayfish and a spicy sauce, a typical specialty of the island.
- Boudin créole : A spiced sausage made with meat or fish, very popular during the end-of-year celebrations.
- Blanc-manger coco : A dessert made with coconut milk and agar-agar, with a light and refreshing texture.
- Amour caché: A traditional Martinican dessert, this soft cake filled with coconut or guava jam is a true sweet delight, appreciated for its softness and exotic fragrance.
Where to discover Martinican cuisine?
For a complete immersion, local markets are must-visit spots.
- The covered market in Fort-de-France : A festival of colors and scents, where you’ll find spices, tropical fruits, rum, and artisanal products.
- The Vauclin market : Famous for its fresh fish and seafood, perfect for tasting local specialties.
- The Sainte-Anne market : Ideal for buying spices, homemade jams, and local products.
In terms of restaurants, several spots are a must-visit:
- Le Petibonum, located in Carbet, offers a reimagined Creole cuisine in an idyllic seaside setting.
- Zanzibar, in Trois-Îlets, highlights Martinican terroir products in a warm ambiance.
- Le Ti Sable, in Anses-d’Arlet, is known for its Creole dishes served with your feet in the sand.
What meats are consumed in Martinique?
Local meats play an important role in Martinican cuisine. Some of the most common are:
- Goat, often prepared in colombo, spiced and simmered slowly.
- Pork, served in various forms: grilled, smoked, or in Antillean blood sausage.
- Chicken, frequently marinated and then grilled or stewed in fricassée.
- Beef, although less common, is used in stewed dishes like Creole stew.
These meats are enhanced by marinades rich in spices, lime, and aromatic herbs, giving them a unique flavor.
What do people drink in Martinique with these dishes?
Martinique is the birthplace of AOC agricultural rum, an exceptional product found in several local specialties:
- Ti-punch, an essential Martinican aperitif, a mix of rum, lime, and cane sugar.
- Planteur, a cocktail made with rum and tropical fruit juices.
- Schrubb, a traditional orange liqueur consumed during celebrations.
- Fresh sugarcane juice, a natural and sweet drink that is highly appreciated.
- Tropical fruit juices, such as those made from guava, pineapple, or passion fruit.
Rum enthusiasts can visit iconic distilleries like Clément, Neisson, Depaz, or La Mauny, where they can discover the secrets of rum production and taste different varieties.
What do people eat at Christmas in Martinique?
Christmas celebrations in Martinique are a time to enjoy traditional dishes with family, in a festive atmosphere enlivened by Chanté Nwèl (Christmas carols).
- Christmas ham, the star of the meal, caramelized with local spices.
- Pork stew, simmered with Angola peas and local vegetables.
- Salty patties, small pastries filled with spiced meat.
- Creole blood sausage, a must on end-of-year tables.
- Coconut punch, a festive drink made with rum and coconut milk.
- Sorrel syrup, a traditional sweet beverage.
Gastronomic events in Martinique
Several events celebrate Martinican gastronomy throughout the year:
- The Rum Festival, held annually at Distillerie Saint-James in Sainte-Marie, offering tastings and activities around Martinican rum.
- The Accras Festival, an unmissable culinary event celebrating the famous Antillean fritters with tastings, cooking contests, and festive activities.
- Night markets, where you can discover local flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What typical dishes should you absolutely try in Martinique? Colombo, matoutou de crabe, accras, féroce d’avocat, and blanc-manger coco.
Where can you buy local spices? The markets in Fort-de-France, Vauclin, and Sainte-Anne are perfect for finding fresh spices.
Can you visit rum distilleries? Yes, several distilleries offer tours and tastings, including Clément, Neisson, and La Mauny.
Martinique is an exceptional culinary destination, where each dish tells a story, and each flavor takes you on an unforgettable sensory journey.