Ranked first on the list of the most popular Caribbean street foods, let's talk about the incredible jerk chicken from Jamaica! This dish is like a flavor explosion in your mouth, with its spicy and smoky vibes that just make you want to do a happy dance. It is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide.

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken, marinated in a magical mix of spices that includes spicy scotch bonnet peppers, aromatic thyme, allspice, and a secret blend of herbs. It's like a party in your mouth waiting to happen! What sets jerk chicken apart is its amazing marinade. The longer the chicken soaks up all those spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, the better. Some even let it marinate overnight for an extra punch.

Now, here's where things get interesting. Traditionally, they cook this beauty over pimento wood, giving it this unique smoky flavor that's just out of this world. But don't worry; if you don't have pimento wood on hand, you can still grill or roast it to get that fantastic smoky touch.

The result is a tantalizing combination of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors that make the taste buds dance with joy. Jerk chicken is often served with traditional Jamaican sides such as rice and peas, festival (a type of fried bread), or breadfruit. You can find jerk chicken being served not only in Jamaica but also in Caribbean restaurants around the world, making it a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the Caribbean.

Country origin: Jamaica

Main ingredients: Chicken, garlic, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme and onion, Jamaican allspice, chilies, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon

Recommended places: Scotchies in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Price range: around $5 to $20

Go to the vibrant streets of Trinidad and Tobago, where the air is filled with the uncontrollable aroma of a beloved local street food: doubles. Doubles are made of two soft, fluffy flatbreads, known as bara, that are filled to the brim with curried chickpeas. The chickpeas are cooked with yummy spices like cumin and turmeric, giving them a really special flavor. The contrast of the soft bread and the spicy chickpeas is what makes it so good. That’s the reason why it has become one of the most popular Caribbean street foods.

Now, the star of the show is the curried chickpeas. They're cooked to perfection with a blend of spices that can include cumin, turmeric, and sometimes a hint of tamarind for that extra zing. The result? A rich, aromatic, and slightly spicy filling that's absolute addictive.

What's even better is the personal touch you can add to your doubles. Want to crank up the heat? Go ahead and douse it with some extra hot pepper sauce. Craving a bit of sweetness? Drizzle some tamarind chutney on top. The beauty of doubles lies in the ability to tailor it to your taste and enjoy it just the way you like it.

People in Trinidad and Tobago love to grab doubles for breakfast or as a quick, convenient snack anytime during the day. It's something that brings everyone together, no matter who you are or where you come from. They're super affordable too, making them accessible to everyone.

Country origin: Trinidad and Tobago

Main ingredients: Bara (fried bread pieces), curried chickpeas (chickpeas, curry sauce, cumin, turmeric, and other aromatic seasonings), pepper sauce, tamarind sauce

Recommended places: Ali's Doubles Barataria in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago

Price range: about $2 to $6

As one of the most popular Caribbean street foods, the delicious Jamaican patty brings a taste of Jamaica right to your fingertips! The history of the patty is a captivating journey through time. It's rooted in West African cuisine, brought to Jamaica through Spanish and British influences. Today, it stands as a cherished part of Jamaican culture, enjoyed at any hour of the day.

Imagine a golden, flaky pastry shell that envelops a savory filling bursting with robust flavors. The filling can be a spicy beefy sensation, a succulent chicken delight, or even a veggie adventure with curried vegetables. There's a patty for everyone, and they all share that signature Jamaican flair. What makes Jamaican patties truly stand out is the infusion of vibrant Jamaican spices. Ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and allspice contribute to the distinct, zesty flavor that defines this dish.

You'll come across these mouthwatering patties all over Jamaica, from street food stands to local restaurants. They're more than just a snack; they're a way of life. So, if you find yourself on the sunny shores of Jamaica, make sure to grab a patty (or two) and enjoy the island's vibrant taste.

Country origin: Jamaica

Main ingredients: pastry shell, beef (or fish, vegetables, goat meat), thyme, onions, garlic, scotch bonnet chilis, and curry powder

Recommended places: Niah's Patties in Negril, Jamaica

Price range: approximately $0.7 to $3

Now, let's enjoy the tasty conch fritters from the stunning Bahamas. These fritters are made with conch meat, big sea snails found in Caribbean waters. They chop it up really fine and mix it with a special batter made of flour, eggs, onions, bell peppers, and a bunch of tasty herbs and spices. After all that mixing, they fry the conch with the batter in hot oil.

Conch fritters will come out all crispy and golden on the outside and soft and savory on the inside, with that natural sweetness of the conch meat shining through. You know what makes them even better? You can dip them into some cocktail sauce or aioli, making each bite even more of an adventure.

Conch fritters are a big deal in the Bahamas because they're all about the island life and the ocean's bounty. You can find them all over the islands, from beachside shacks to cozy local joints, where they're served fresh and hot for everyone to enjoy. If you ever find yourself in the Bahamas, don't miss the chance to savor some freshly made conch fritters. They're a taste of the Bahamian seaside that you won't forget!

Country origin: The Bahamas

Main ingredients: Conch, flour, eggs, milk, onion, tomato, bell pepper, and celery

Recommended places: Twin Brothers in Nassau, The Bahamas

Price range: about $8 to $15

Griot, which comes from Haiti, is basically juicy, tender chunks of pork shoulder that are marinated and fried perfect. The pork is first marinated in a mixture of sour orange juice, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and a selection of herbs and spices. This magical marinade infuses the meat with a burst of flavors, resulting in tender, succulent, and slightly spicy pork chunks.

After marinating, they fry the pork until it's crispy on the outside and tender inside. It's a fantastic combination of textures and flavors. But Griot doesn't go solo. It's typically served with pikliz, which is a spicy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and hot peppers soaked in vinegar. It adds a tangy kick to every bite, balancing the richness of the Griot. Some people also enjoy it with sides like fried plantains, rice, and beans for a hearty and satisfying meal.

You'll find Griot everywhere in Haiti, from family gatherings to parties to street food stalls all over the country. It's a dish that brings people together and represents the warmth and vibrancy of Haitian culture. Whether you're at a local restaurant, a bustling market, or a vibrant street corner, you're bound to encounter this delicious dish.

Country origin: Haiti

Main ingredients: pork, orange marinade, chile peppers, onions, lime, herbs and seasonings

Recommended places: Les Jardins du Mupanah in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Price range: around $3 to $8

Bake and Shark, a yummy beach food from Trinidad and Tobago, is perfect for a sunny day by the sea. It is a popular Trinidadian dish often found in beachside shacks and food stalls across the island. It's a sandwich made with fried shark meat and various toppings, served between two pieces of fresh bread called "bake".

They seasoned the shark meat with spices like garlic, paprika, pepper, and other local seasonings to give it a nice flavor kick. "Bake," the bread used in the sandwich, is a type of fried bread that is soft on the inside and has a slightly crispy exterior. It serves as a perfect base for the savory shark filling. But here's the fun part: You get to add toppings! You can choose from tamarind sauce, garlic sauce, crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and cool cucumbers. It's like creating your own flavor adventure.

Bake and Shark represents the easygoing and lively spirit of Trinidad and Tobago, loved by both locals and tourists. The best part is where you eat it. Imagine being on a beautiful beach in the Caribbean, taking a bite of your Bake and Shark while the warm breeze surrounds you. It's like a mini Caribbean vacation for your taste buds!

Country origin: Trinidad and Tobago

Main ingredients: shark meat, sauces, chutneys, vegetables and flatbread (known as bake)

Recommended places: Richard's Bake and Shark in Maracas Bay Village, Trinidad and Tobago

Price range: about $3 to $9

You can find Alcapurria all over Puerto Rico, from street food stalls to local eateries. It's a go-to snack that's perfect for satisfying your hunger on the go. It's a type of fritter made from a mixture of green plantains and yautía (a type of root vegetable), which are grated, seasoned, and then stuffed with various fillings.

The process starts by peeling and grating the plantains and yautía, and then mixing them with ingredients like achiote (annatto), garlic, and salt to create a flavorful dough. But here's where it gets exciting—the filling! Alcapurria can be filled with different options, but the most popular ones are picadillo (seasoned ground meat) or salted codfish. Once it's all stuffed and ready, they shape it into these cylindrical or torpedo-like form, and fry them until they're golden brown and crispy. You get this crunchy outside and a yummy, moist inside with the stuffing.

Locals often enjoy alcapurria with a side of hot sauce or garlic-flavored dipping sauce to enhance its taste. It is a beloved part of Puerto Rican cuisine, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the island. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico.

Country origin: Puerto Rico

Main ingredients: green bananas; yautía (taro root); achiote (annatto); garlic; salt; picadillo (a seasoned ground meat mixture), or salted codfish

Recommended places: La Alcapurria Quemá in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Price range: approximately $2 to $5

Peppered Shrimps from Jamaica is a popular Caribbean street food that packs a punch of spicy flavor. This dish is all about fresh, juicy shrimp marinated in a fiery blend of spices, including scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and thyme, among others. After being cooked in a sauce, these shrimp absorbs all the intense flavors, and we have a mouth watering hot dish that's uniquely Jamaican.

What's special about peppered shrimp is the explosion of tastes in every bite. The tender shrimp pair with the fiery kick of the pepper and the aroma of herbs and spices. They're a top choice for those seeking a spicy seafood dish with an irresistible Jamaican flair.

Peppered shrimps stand as a testament to Jamaica's love for tough and lively tastes. Their combination of smooth texture and spicy taste creates a memorable dining experience. In Jamaica, you can find peppered shrimps at all the happening spots, from the lively seafood joints to the beachside grills. If you come to Jamaica, don’t forget to spice up your day with this delicious meal!

Conch ceviche is an ocean dish made from fresh conch meat, a shellfish found in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands. The conch meat is diced into small pieces and then marinated in a mix of citrus juice, which gives it a refreshing kick. They also add in some diced onions, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, for that extra burst of flavor.

What's fantastic about this dish is that it's not cooked with heat, but rather "cooked" in the citrus juices through a process called "ceviche," which gives it a unique taste. You can savor the tender and slightly chewy conch meat, the crunch of the onions and bell peppers, and the zingy burst of citrus in every mouthful. It's perfect for those hot tropical days!

Conch ceviche is a go-to dish in the Bahamas that locals and visitors love. Whether you indulge in it at a beachside shack, a bustling seafood eatery, or a local joint, every bite invites you to immerse yourself in the dynamic Bahamian culinary experience. So, don't miss conch ceviche when you're in the Bahamas. It's a great way to savor the local flavors and enjoy the tropical vibes of this beautiful island paradise.

Country origin: The Bahamas

Main ingredients: Conch, tomato, onion, scotch bonnet pepper, mango, orange, lime juice, and salt

Recommended places: Nobu Nassau in Nassau, The Bahamas

Price range: around $10 to $2

The Tripleta is a delicious and popular sandwich hailing from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. The name "Tripleta" comes from the three main ingredients that make up the sandwich: roast pork, grilled steak, and ham. First, they piled the meat onto a soft, soft bread roll. To make the Tripleta even more delicious, they often top it with ingredients like melted Swiss cheese, fries, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

This tasty sandwich has gained popularity not only within Puerto Rico but also among food enthusiasts around the world. People love to grab one for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack. They often serve it up with some crunchy plantain chips or fried yuca on the side, just to make it even more awesome.

Imagine taking a big, juicy bite and getting a mouthful of all these flavors coming together—the tender meats, the gooey cheese, and the freshness of the veggies. It's like a party in your mouth, Puerto Rican style! If you ever get the chance to visit this tropical paradise, don't miss out on the chance to savor the Tripleta, a hearty Puerto Rican street food.

Country origin: Puerto Rico

Main ingredients: bread, beef, pork, pommes frites, ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, and lettuce

Recommended places: El Churry - Isla Verde in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Price range: approximately $2 to $4