Beyond immersing in the past and admiring the iconic landmarks, culinary delicacies emerge as a fantastic way to explore the culture of Cayman.
The aromatic tales of every flavorful dish whisper the rich tapestry of the culture, and each bite unfolds a remarkable chapter of this extraordinary Caribbean destination.
Sampling the culinary marvels of Cayman is akin to taking a deep dive into a vast sea of flavors.
However, amidst the abundance of choices—over 200 street stalls and fine dining establishments awaiting you to relish their mouth-drooling offerings —it's easy to feel a bit lost in the culinary ocean.
Fear not! This write-up is here to steer you through the dilemma, highlighting five must-try delights in Cayman for a delectable dinner experience.
So, let your taste buds savor the essence of this paradise, one dish at a time.
In a tug of war between fish fry and other dinners in Cayman, this rich and delicate Fish Fry always wins the heart of all! This classic is deeply rooted in the island's culture because of its simplicity and can be discovered in the majestic Caribbean waters.
The traditional Fish Fry is cooked to poetic perfection by harmonizing a variety of ingredients and seasonings such as onion, green and bell peppers, tomatoes, butter, garlic pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
For most fine dines in Cayman, choose Mahi Mahi, Snapper, or Grouper, and marinate it with a tablespoon of lime juice and salt & pepper water for 15 minutes. Post marination, the fillet is pat-dried and seared over a skillet with butter until it turns golden brown.
The fish is placed on a plate, and in the same skillet, chopped onions, & bell peppers are sauteed with butter until translucent. Then goes in chopped tomatoes, pepper sauce, and a tablespoon of lime juice to enhance the tangy flavors of the dish & simmer for 2 minutes. Finally, the piping hot sauce is poured all over the fish.
This popular staple of Cayman can be relished with warm coconut rice & beans or a refreshing coleslaw for the crispy contrast.
This decadent dessert will surprise your palate with the joy of its tropical flavors and immaculate texture. Originally, the dessert originated in the Philippines, although it has built a space in the hearts of dessert aficionados all around the world.
Cassava cake is whipped with heart and soul in numerous waterfront and indoor dining in the Cayman Islands and is primarily baked with 5 main ingredients — Cassava, Coconut Milk, Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla Extract. The preparation starts by grating, peeling, or grinding the Cassava and mixing it with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter is formed.
The batter is poured into a baking dish and placed in a preheated oven until golden brown. Toppings such as grated coconut or cheese are added during partial baking. For the final touches, the patisserie chef tops it with grated coconut or a sprinkle of sugar.
One can savor this sugary treat on its own or get whipped cream, fresh fruits, ice cream, caramel sauce, or condensed milk as the accompaniment.
The rich and aromatic flavor palate of Goat Curry with a hint of sweetness is all you need for your every trip to Cayman. Patrons say Goat Curry is arguably the best dinner in Grand Cayman, and how can we not be in seventh heaven with its succulent bites and heartwarming curry?
When it comes to cooking Goat Curry, it is rather simple. The process is initiated by combining the Goat meat with curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped onion, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and allspice berries. The marination is kept overnight or for a few hours.
Later, the marinated Goat is added to a large pot with oil and seared until browned on all sides. Next, a generous amount of Coconut Milk, enough to cover the meat, is poured over. Once the meat becomes tender, it is seasoned with scotch bonnet peppers and served alongside rice, peas, plantains, or coleslaw.
This invasive species in the Caribbean is renowned for its mild & delicate flavors and firm texture. Even though this fish is not seen in the sapphire waters of Cayman, it has become a widely consumed staple throughout Cayman.
Lionfish is prepared with love and coated in a batter made with corn flour, seasoned with magical ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, peppers, lemon juice, and authentic spices. After grilling, frying, baking, or ceviche, the dish is paired with rice & beans, plantains, or a fresh salad.
Gobble Cayman with every bite. This tropical comfort food is ingrained in the Caribbean roots and reflects the African, Indian, and indigenous cooking traditions. The word ‘Rundown’ suggests a cooking process where coconut is simmered until thickened to enhance the richness and creaminess of the dish.
Coconut Rundown not only pleases the palate but all the senses with its aromatic spices and the texture of protein and fibers. Nutritious sources like chicken or vegetables such as okra, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, pumpkin, or callaloo with seasonings such as garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers are beautifully blended and simmered in a pot until it is melted in your mouth.
A bed of rice & peas can be an excellent serving with Coconut Rundown.
The sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors of Jerk Chicken will leave you wanting for more! This flavor packed dish traces back to Jamaica, and the name ‘Jerk’ refers to a cooking method and seasoning blend utilized for marinating the chicken.
The cooking of the dish requires scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, scallions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all combined with chicken and grilled or roasted over open flames until it releases the smokiness.
Once cooked, Jerk Chicken is plated alongside rice and peas, fried plantains, or sweet fried dumplings to balance the spicy and smoky flavor profile of the dish. One can revel in the dish with a side of fresh salsa or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Wondering where to eat and drink in the Cayman Islands? Dive into a symphony of taste with exquisite dishes crafted with a dash of care and passion by our executive chefs at Grand Old House. At our waterfront restaurant, we not only cook the meals to satisfy your cravings but also to satiate your soul's longing for a culinary journey.
Each plate is a masterpiece, crafted with fresh local ingredients and native influence to offer a fusion of flavors narrating the vibrant stories of Cayman’s culinary heritage. Our elaborate dinner and wine menu highlights a variety of meals such as Ceviche of the Day, Conch Fritters, Jumbo Shrimp, Spiced Wahoo Carpaccio, Seafood Curry, Lobster Thermidor & so much more, and vintages from around the world.
We always walk the extra mile to showcase our commitment to our guests. At Grand Old House, we create unforgettable dining experiences by treating your senses to scrumptious fare, impeccable services, and picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea.
We extend our warm welcome to join us at the waterfront and plunge into the zest of our gastronomic offerings.