What Food To Try in Roseau and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Roseau for 2024.
National currency: East Caribbean Dollar, symbol — EC$ (international currency code XCD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Roseau cafes and restaurants
$7.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.55
$74
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $74
$5.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.55
What to Try in Roseau
Must-try Dishes
Callaloo - Callaloo Soup (spinach-like dish) - A rich soup made from the leaves of the callaloo plant, okra, and sometimes crab or salted meat. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast paired with fried plantains at street food stands, especially on weekends.Bake and Saltfish - Fried Bake & Salted Cod (breakfast treat) - Fluffy fried dumplings served with sautéed salted cod, giving a perfect sweet and savory balance. You'll find this meal at breakfast spots where locals gather to chat over coffee and enjoy a relaxed morning.
Roast Pork - Lechon (savory pork dish) - Marinated pork roasted to perfection, often served with a tangy sauce. You'll typically see it at family gatherings or Saturday food stalls, where the tantalizing aroma pulls in the crowd.
Lambi - Conch (local delicacy) - Tender conch meat slow-cooked with spices and herbs, giving it a deliciously spicy kick. This dish is often shared at community gatherings, and I still remember the first time I had it at a local festival—a truly memorable experience.
Fried Green Plantains - Tostones (crispy snacks) - Sliced plantains, twice-fried until golden and crispy, with a sprinkle of salt. They are often served street-side as a filling snack or appetizer; locals enjoy them with a spicy dipping sauce.
Bay Leaf Stew - Bouyon (hearty stew) - A comforting stew made with meats like chicken or beef, root vegetables, and flavored with bay leaves. It’s a popular dish for Sunday family dinners, best enjoyed with fresh bread to soak up the rich broth.
Pepper Pot - Pepper Pot Soup (spicy dish) - A spicy soup with a mix of various meats and local herbs, perfect for those cooler evenings. Traditionally served during the holidays, it's a dish that brings the family together, creating a warm and spicy atmosphere.
Desserts & Drinks
Black Tea - Thé Noir (strong brewed tea) - Bold and robust, this local black tea is often flavored with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. You’ll find locals sipping this steaming cup during morning gatherings or at the end of the day, often prepared in large kettles and emptied into small ceramic cups.Mauby - Maubi (spiced herbal drink) - A refreshing drink made from the bark of the mauby tree, boiled with spices, and sweetened to perfection. This is a go-to for hot summer days, often enjoyed with a slice of lime for an extra zing; look for it at roadside stalls or family gatherings.
Rum Punch - Punch Rhum (sweet alcoholic cocktail) - A delightful blend of local rum, fruit juices, and a splash of grenadine; it’s served over ice in colorful cups. Frequently enjoyed at festive occasions or beach parties, the secret is the right proportions to balance the sweetness and strength—watch out for overindulgence!
Fruit Tart - Tarte aux Fruits (sweet pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with luscious cream and topped with seasonal local fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana. These are often a staple during celebrations and can be found in bakeries, typically consumed as an afternoon treat while sitting in the shade.
Coconut Ice - Glace de Noix de Coco (frozen coconut treat) - A delightful frozen dessert made from grated coconut mixed with sugar and condensed milk, shaped into little blocks. This refreshing treat is popular on sweltering days; you’ll find vendors selling these at beaches or during community events—best enjoyed while lounging on the sand!
By the way, don't be surprised to find people enjoying these sweets and drinks outdoors, soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere—it's part of the experience!
Food and Groceries in Roseau
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.67 |
| Oranges | $1.85 |
| Potatoes | $2.96 |
| Apples | $3.7 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.3 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.04 |
| Imported Beer | $2.96 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.25 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $11.67 |
| Rice | $2.45 |
| Local Cheese | $1.85 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through Roseau's bustling streets around lunchtime, the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas from various vendors. It's not unusual to see groups huddled around food stalls, sharing meals and laughter, often seated on makeshift benches or the pavement. Meal times here typically stretch from noon to 2 PM, with lunchtime being a social highlight for locals.
In terms of price, you're looking at a range of approximately 30 to 80 EC (East Caribbean dollars) for a hearty plate from a street vendor, perfect for budget-conscious eaters. For instance, I spotted a steaming plate of callaloo soup and a roti for just 40 EC, while a more indulgent meal at an eatery may run between 120 to 200 EC, especially if you're diving into local seafood specialties.
Roseau's vibrant districts, especially around the Old Market and King George V Street, come alive during lunchtime. You’ll often find a mix of locals and tourists, with street vendors offering everything from peppered shrimp to jerk chicken. Meanwhile, if you venture to higher-end establishments in the vicinity, expect to see menu prices that reflect the premium setting—typically upwards of 100 EC for a main course.
Now, here’s a particular quirk I’ve noticed: payment customs can vary. Cash is king here, and it's wise to keep some EC on you. While many places do accept cards, smaller vendors might not have the facilities, so check before ordering (or you might be left hungering for your meal). Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small change of about 10% is common practice, especially with sit-down meals.
One local dining habit that stands out is the communal sharing of meals—it's quite normal to see diners swapping dishes, emphasizing the community aspect of dining. A common tourist mistake, however, is arriving too late for lunch; many vendors wrap up by 2 PM, and if you're not careful, you might find yourself with limited options.
Oh, and if you're planning to dine in the evening, consider making a reservation at popular spots in advance, especially during weekends when locals enjoy dining out after a long week. Busy periods can start as early as 7 PM and extend until 9 PM, so timing can greatly enhance your dining experience.
As the seasons shift, prices for fresh seafood or local fruits can fluctuate, with peak seasons around festivals driving prices higher. It's a dynamic that many locals gracefully navigate, making the most of their food budgets by opting for in-season ingredients.
Overall, Roseau's food scene is a delightful tapestry, reflecting the city's culture and community. The ebb and flow of dining hours and the varied pricing landscape make for a rich culinary experience that’s always evolving.
In terms of price, you're looking at a range of approximately 30 to 80 EC (East Caribbean dollars) for a hearty plate from a street vendor, perfect for budget-conscious eaters. For instance, I spotted a steaming plate of callaloo soup and a roti for just 40 EC, while a more indulgent meal at an eatery may run between 120 to 200 EC, especially if you're diving into local seafood specialties.
Roseau's vibrant districts, especially around the Old Market and King George V Street, come alive during lunchtime. You’ll often find a mix of locals and tourists, with street vendors offering everything from peppered shrimp to jerk chicken. Meanwhile, if you venture to higher-end establishments in the vicinity, expect to see menu prices that reflect the premium setting—typically upwards of 100 EC for a main course.
Now, here’s a particular quirk I’ve noticed: payment customs can vary. Cash is king here, and it's wise to keep some EC on you. While many places do accept cards, smaller vendors might not have the facilities, so check before ordering (or you might be left hungering for your meal). Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small change of about 10% is common practice, especially with sit-down meals.
One local dining habit that stands out is the communal sharing of meals—it's quite normal to see diners swapping dishes, emphasizing the community aspect of dining. A common tourist mistake, however, is arriving too late for lunch; many vendors wrap up by 2 PM, and if you're not careful, you might find yourself with limited options.
Oh, and if you're planning to dine in the evening, consider making a reservation at popular spots in advance, especially during weekends when locals enjoy dining out after a long week. Busy periods can start as early as 7 PM and extend until 9 PM, so timing can greatly enhance your dining experience.
As the seasons shift, prices for fresh seafood or local fruits can fluctuate, with peak seasons around festivals driving prices higher. It's a dynamic that many locals gracefully navigate, making the most of their food budgets by opting for in-season ingredients.
Overall, Roseau's food scene is a delightful tapestry, reflecting the city's culture and community. The ebb and flow of dining hours and the varied pricing landscape make for a rich culinary experience that’s always evolving.