Turks and Caicos Islands Food and Drink

Local food in Turks & Caicos is mostly Creole style and can be found at inexpensive eateries such as the Middle Caicos Cafe and Sailing Paradise on Providenciales. Nor do you have to dig deep in your pockets to get a meal at a more polished restaurant: the popular chicken and ribs dinner on Wednesday nights at the Tiki Hut in Turtle Cove Marina is just over $10, and the most famous eatery in Turks & Caicos, Da Conch Shack, offers reasonably priced conch and seafood dishes.

As well as traditional foods, continental dishes are also available. Many visitors dine in their hotels, but there are plenty of alternatives. Although some establishments have buffet-style dining, table service is common. Alcohol is freely available and a wide selection of imported beer, wines and spirits can be found in most bars.

More upscale dining is available at resorts and stand-alone restaurants, especially in Providenciales. Parallel 23 at the Regent Palms and O'Soleil at the Somerset at Grace Bay are examples of fine-dining restaurants serving international cuisine.

Grand Turk has the familiar Margaritaville but also authentic local eateries and the gourmet Guanahani restaurant at the Bohio Resort. Options on the smaller islands are generally informal cafes and beach bars.

Bambarra Rum, named in honor of a Middle Caicos colony founded by survivors of a slave ship wreck in 1841, is a relatively new addition to the Turks & Caicos culinary scene. Silver, gold, and aged Bambarra rums are blended and bottled in Providenciales, although the sugar cane for rum-making comes from elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Specialities

• Hominy (pigeon peas and grits served with fish, conch, or pig's tail).
• Conch salad.
• Fresh lobster and fish.

Tipping

In restaurants, tip 15%.

Drinking age

18

Regional drinks

• Turk's Head beer.
• Rum-based punch and cocktails.