What is the typical dish of Guadeloupe? Which culinary specialties based on meat and fish should you try on the butterfly island? What can you eat in Guadeloupe if you're vegetarian? Which desserts can you find? If you're asking yourself all these questions, then you've come to the right place! Discover all the savory and sweet culinary specialties to savor during a trip to Guadeloupe.

A closer look at Guadeloupean cuisine

Guadeloupean cuisine is marked by a fabulous blend of influences due to the cultural diversity the island has experienced over the centuries. 

It was first the Amerindians, the first inhabitants of the Caribbean, who brought their expertise, particularly in using cassava and tubers. Colonists, notably French, Spanish, and Portuguese, also played a role in enriching local gastronomy by introducing numerous spices from the spice trade, such as those imported from India. Finally, the transatlantic slave trade, which brought African slaves to the island's plantations, gave rise to new preparation and cooking methods, such as stews.

As you can see, Guadeloupe cuisine offers a wonderful melting pot of flavors and provides an opportunity for a genuine culinary journey within a single territory.

Typical meat-based dishes to try in Guadeloupe 

Here are the must-try meat specialties in Guadeloupe:

Chicken colombo

Inspired by Indo-Muslim cuisine, colombo is THE quintessential typical dish of Guadeloupe! Also called Massalé due to its similarity to Indian massala, colombo is a blend of spices resembling curry and massale but milder. It comprises various spices such as chili peppers, coriander, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, fenugreek, cardamom, mustard seeds, pepper... 

Chicken colombo is the most popular version: chicken is slowly simmered in the spice blend and vegetables like eggplants and potatoes are added. Guadeloupeans typically enjoy chicken colombo with rice, green bananas, or red beans. 

Good to know:

Colombo is a traditional recipe passed down from generation to generation. Each family adds their own personal touch. Beyond the chicken version, there are various other colombo versions such as cabri colombo (local goat), as well as pork or fish colombo.

Smoked chicken and dog sauce

Smoked chicken owes its name to an ancient cooking technique inherited from the Amerindians that involves marinating, salting, drying, then smoking ingredients (meat or fish) slowly over wood fire. The use of sugar cane and sometimes banana leaves during cooking adds an amazing smoky flavor and a slightly caramelized taste. 

Traditionally served with white rice and accompanied by plantain bananas, smoked chicken isn't complete without its famous dog sauce, a sauce made with chili peppers, green onions, lime juice, garlic, parsley, oil, and spices. It's also used to accompany grilled fish or other types of grilled meat.

Note:

The chicken version is the most famous, but there's also smoked fish, pork, sausage...

Bokit

Do you love street food and ultra-indulgent specialties? Then you'll love bokits! These are Guadeloupean sandwiches that locals enjoy eating during family picnics by the roadside or at the beach. There are various versions, though the most well-known are bokits filled with chicken, ham and cheese, cod, tuna, or cheese or vegetables for vegetarians.

The particularity of bokit? A risen dough, similar to bread dough, is fried before being filled with meat or fish and fresh vegetables. The result? Sandwiches that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside for maximum flavor! 

Agoulou

Here's another Guadeloupean street food specialty found in most food trucks on the island: agoulou. Translated from Creole as "greedy" or "gluttonous,