Unique national dishes

The cooking pot, rather than the melting pot, comes to mind when considering the cultural heritage of the Caribbean island of Grenada. And there's no better culinary metaphor than "oil down," Grenada's oddly called national meal of meats and veggies.

Almost every ingredient in this hearty stew has an interesting backstory: Callaloo, a green vegetable with a taste similar to spinach, and dasheen, the root of the same plant, is endemic to the Caribbean and were farmed by Grenada's first Amerindian residents.

Each Caribbean island has its own national meal, and one of the most traditional foods in Grenada is Oil Down. Try this delectable Grenadian dish made with breadfruit, coconut milk, dumplings, turmeric, callaloo, saltfish, smoked herring, or salted meat. You'll almost certainly end up asking the chef for the recipe!