Living and Working in the Caribbean: The Local Dishes You Must Try
Relocating to the Caribbean for a finance or accounting role means more than advancing your career—it’s about embracing a new way of life. Beyond stunning beaches and international business hubs, each island has its own rich cultural identity, often best experienced through its local cuisine.
At Executive Access, we help professionals find outstanding roles across the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. Today, we take a moment to explore a more delicious side of relocation—the most iconic dish from each island. Whether you're already preparing your move or simply considering the possibilities, these dishes are a flavourful glimpse into life beyond the office.
Cayman Islands – Turtle Stew
A Taste of Tradition and Caymanian Heritage
The national dish of the Cayman Islands, Turtle Stew, is a beloved and historically significant meal. Once a key food source for seafarers and early settlers, turtle meat is now ethically farmed and enjoyed in a rich stew of spices, peppers, onions, thyme and vinegar.
Served with rice and beans, plantain, and a refreshing local lime drink known as Swanky, this dish is a Sunday family favourite that offers a true taste of local tradition.
Did you know? “Swanky” is made from brown sugar, water and limes—simple yet incredibly refreshing.
Bermuda – Fish Chowder
Bermuda’s Signature Bowl
More than just a dish, fish chowder is Bermuda’s culinary identity. Made with fresh local fish, tomatoes, onions and a unique twist of black rum and sherry pepper sauce, this hearty stew is packed with flavour and tradition.
A staple in both homes and harbourside pubs, it’s typically served with bread or crackers and a generous dash of sherry peppers for a bit of heat.
Fun fact: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, often added to the chowder, is also the base of Bermuda’s national cocktail—the Dark 'n Stormy.
British Virgin Islands – Fungi & Fish
Comfort Food with Caribbean Roots
Despite its name, fungi has nothing to do with mushrooms. It’s a side dish made from cornmeal and okra, and when paired with sautéed or stewed fish (often red snapper), it becomes a BVI classic.
This meal reflects the island’s West African heritage and is a popular Friday dish. With its satisfying texture and bold seasoning, it’s both nourishing and deeply tied to local identity.
Cultural note: In many BVI households, fungi and fish is considered a must-have comfort dish, especially during community events and national holidays.
Bahamas – Cracked Conch
A National Favourite from Land and Sea
Cracked Conch is a go-to Bahamian dish, loved for its crispy texture and tender centre. The conch meat is pounded thin, breaded, and fried to golden perfection—usually served with fries, peas and rice, or salad.
Found everywhere from beachfront stalls to high-end restaurants, it’s the perfect blend of casual dining and local tradition. A squeeze of lime and a splash of hot sauce elevate the dish even further.
Did you know? The Queen Conch is so iconic in Bahamian culture that it even appears on their currency.
Choosing to live and work in the Caribbean is about more than career growth—it’s about lifestyle. Understanding the food, customs and daily rhythms of island life is part of what makes a relocation truly fulfilling.
At Executive Access, we support candidates in finding their ideal accounting and finance roles across the region. But we also know that success is about more than the job—it’s about building a life you love. Whether it's turtle stew on a quiet Sunday, conch at a seaside shack, or fish chowder after work, food helps you feel at home.
