Being the die-hard foodie that I am, I am beyond excited to be working on Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Month with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA). I just came back from a trip to the beautiful twin islands and was blown away by not just its beauty but with all the flavors and restaurant offerings. I also teamed up with some amazing island insiders who gave us a sneak peek into Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week (May 4 – May 22). (Check out the Urban Journey Instagram feed for some video highlights, but I am also linking some below).
Since 2023, Antigua & Barbuda has hosted an annual restaurant week that highlights the islands’ vibrant food scene. The Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Month is a new event taking place throughout the entire month of May and it will include tons of exciting happenings including food festivals, interactive dining experiences, beach BBQs, collaboration dinners, tastings, and more. You can expect a slew of top chefs from the islands, as well as award-winning guest chefs with Caribbean heritage from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Here’s a summary of what to expect this May.
Eat Like a Local
If you’re anything like me, you’re all about sampling local dishes when you’re traveling abroad. The Eat Like a Local program allows you to do just that. You can use this interactive map to visit some of the islands’ most beloved local spots that serve delicious traditional dishes like pepperpot, fungee, saltfish, ducana, and more. Along the way, you’ll get to meet Antiguan and Barbudan cooks and restaurant owners who take pride in serving local fare that speaks to their culinary heritage.
FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Festival
Mark your calendar for May 4 because that’s when the FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Festival will officially kick Culinary Month into high gear. That day, the Weatherills Hotel will be transformed into a food and art village where you can taste delectable bites from local restaurants and guest chefs and check out vibrant artworks from local artists and makers. You can also pick up your Restaurant Week passport, which will guide you through the month-long foodie extravaganza.
Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week
Another way to sample exceptional local fare is at Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as the event will take place for nearly three weeks between May 4 and May 22. During that time, over 30 local restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at three price points: $25, $55, and $75. You can check out all the menus and offerings on the Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month website.
Farmers Only Barnyard Event
Don’t let the name fool you — anyone can attend this lively festival-like event on May 11 that will celebrate local farmers and producers. Guests can enjoy a great selection of local foods made with fresh ingredients, as well as live music and entertainment. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day, this is a memorable way to spend the day out in the fresh air, sampling tasty bites.
Caribbean Food Forum
If you want to learn about the latest trends in Caribbean cuisine, be sure to stop by the Caribbean Food Forum on May 13. Presented by Grace Foods, the symposium will feature professionals in the Caribbean hospitality industry and food systems experts speaking on what they know best. It will take place at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center, but there is also the option to attend virtually.
Flavour in the Garden
Groove to live music as you indulge in tasty eats at Flavour in the Garden at Bay Gardens on May 16. This convivial event will feature artists and local restaurants serving up flavorful bites and drinks. You can expect welcome drinks from Kaffeine and Antilles Stillhouse, appetizers from Dawne’s Soleil Kafé, a family-style dinner from guest chef Kareem Roberts at Canvas, a chocolate tasting and dessert from Antigua House of Chocolate and after dinner drinks from Door 78 Lounge.
Featured Chef Events
As if all those festivals and food programs weren’t enough, Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Month will also feature a slew of accomplished chefs from home and abroad who will host dinners, cocktail parties, and cooking demonstrations throughout the month. We’re already saving the dates for these fun events:
- May 8: A collaboration dinner with Chef Andi Oliver and Chef Claude Lewis, both of Antiguan heritage, who will cook at Blue Waters Resort & Spa.
- May 9: A multi-course cocktail party and dinner with London-based Chefs Kerth Gumbs and Kareem Roberts alongside the Rocks Group team at the newly reopened Rokuni at Sugar Ridge.
- May 11: A roti making demonstration and Mother’s Day brunch with Cookbook Author and personality behind metemgee.com, Althea Brown and the culinary team at Blue Waters Resort & Spa.
- May 17: Baylay: A roti making experience with Cookbook Author and personality behind metemgee.com, Althea Brown. This intimate 14-person class will be followed by lunch prepared by Althea at the historic Weatherhills Estate, a restored 17th century colonial mansion.
- May 18: Korean BBQ on the beach with Chef Angel Barreto at Antigua’s newest beach bar and restaurant, The Hut, Little Jumby.
- May 23: A collaboration dinner with Chef Digby Stridiron and Chef/Owner Sylvain Hervochon of Casa Roots.
Culinary Month Finale
Last but certainly not least is the grand finale of Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Month. This food-filled fiesta will take place at Salt Plage at Siboney Beach Club and will include a Caribbean cookout party with Chef Shorne Benjamin and Chef Suzanne Barr accompanied by reggae beats. It’s the perfect way to end a stellar month of feasting on amazing food and meeting talented chefs and local cooks who have a passion for Caribbean cuisine.
Be sure to check the venue websites for menu drops, and if you want more details about specific events, you can check out the Antigua & Barbuda Culinary Month’s Events page here. Also, don’t forget to check out our Urban Journey Instagram feed because we’ve got some hot tips on the best restaurants on the island. We’ve partnered with some amazing island insiders who give you a sneak peek into what you can expect.
