It’s a fact that the Caribbean is a melting pot of different cultures that we don’t hesitate to express in our cuisine. On the list of things we enjoy munching on like any part of the world are snacks. Whether it’s salty, sweet, or sour we’ve got it in our arsenal of yummy things to eat. Here, we’ve compiled Some favorite snacks that we Caribbean folk across the region and especially those abroad love to get their hands on that give our tastebuds a party!

                                                                           

Chip Chip

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a craving for something hard but deliciously spicey to chew on then this snack is right up your alley. Chip Chip can be thought of as a candied coconut snack made with brown sugar, almond extract and cream of tartar. When chewing on this, it slowly becomes hard to stop eating after just a few!

 

 

 

Crix and Cheese (and whatever)

Crix, the staple biscuit of the Caribbean can be used in a number of ways as well as enjoyed on its own. This cracker can be paired with cheese, corned beef, tuna, jam, jellies, Nutella, sardines, smoked herring, salted fish and so much more! In the Caribbean, it is often used as a cereal or “Crix and Milk”. 

 

 

 Fried Plantains 

Sweet. Sweet. Sweet. Plantains, no matter its form whether fried or boiled is 100% enjoyed by Caribbean folks.  Morning, noon or night! It doesn’t matter the time of day. If you’ve got a bunch of or even a few plantains, a stove, and oil? You’ve got yourself a snack and a healthy one at that!

 

 

Sugar Cake (Grater Cake)

These candy squares are made with grated coconut, sugar, water, and food coloring. Depending on the food coloring used, the “pink on top” or “grater brute” as it is referred to on different Caribbean islands will be either red or pink.

 

 

 

 

Groundnut Sugar Cake

This decadent ginger-forward snack is a Caribbean favorite and here’s why: peanuts, sugar, ginger, and complementary spices! 

 

 

 

 

 

Fudge

Squares of sweetness that dissolves on your tongue. Made from evaporated milk, sugar, margarine, and sometimes peanuts or coconut. Some people even put raisins in them and others, ginger.

 

 

 

 

 

Asham/Chilli bibi

Of African origin, the name Asham derived from the Akan word o-sĭám meaning “parched and ground corn”. Other names include Brown George (Jamaica), Asham (Grenada), Sansam and Chilli bibi (Trinidad), Caan sham, Casham and Kasham (Belize).

 

 

Red Mango

This mango snack is a delightful concoction of green mangoes, water, pepper, and spices. Its captivating color comes from the red food coloring used when soaking the mangoes.

 

 

 

Cheese Straw

This buttery, cheesy pastry is a cheese rush waiting to go off in your mouth!

 

 

 

 

Tamarind ball

Its pronunciation rolls off the tongue as “Tambran Ball” and it is a favorite of the Caribbean. This sweet, sour, and spicy treat takes the form of a ball that is actually made from tamarind which is naturally sour, and sugar.

 

 

 

Kumar

An Indian delicacy made with flour, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon is a tasty and seriously crunchy snack.

 

 

 

 

Pholourie

This popular traditional snack is religiously had in Trinidad and Tobago and is common in Suriname, Guyana, and other parts of the Caribbean. These fluffy flour and pea balls are seasoned with garlic, turmeric powder, pepper, and onions which are often paired with tamarind sauce and other sauces.

 

 

Toolum/Tulum

Grated coconut and molasses boiled together and when cooled, rolled into balls of sugary goodness!

 

 

 

 

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