www.foodanddrink-caribbean.com
In Antigua, the highlight of the festivities is the National Food Fair, which is an essential ingredient to the Independence merriments. Churches, community groups, top chefs, family groups and associations set up colourful booths draped in flags and decorations to display their cooking skills. What sets this culinary event apart from many others is its revival of ‘ole time’ Antiguan & Barbudan delicacies. You will find on the menus, bambula, cha cha dumplings, ashum, pepperpot, cassava pudding, roast dumplings, shell fish and other fare. The sizzling sound and pungent aroma of fried fish, dumplings and roast corn fills the air. There is always great excitement at the Barbuda food booth as fresh grilled lobster, land crabs and stewed deer and conch are served to the hungry crowds. Hand-churned ice cream in a rainbow of flavours is also a fun spectacle to watch and even more enjoyable to eat. You will also find stalls selling traditional Caribbean sweets like peanut slice, coconut drops, guava cheese, fudge and black fruit cake. If you are able to attend next year make sure you sample as much as you can, and if you just can’t fit anymore in, then bring a bag and take something home for later. As we say here, “Better man belly bus’ dan good t’ings pwoil”.
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