Traditional and Popular Foods in Martinique
Martinique’s cuisine is a flavorful fusion of French, African, Caribbean, and Indian influences — often called “Créole cuisine”. It blends bold spices, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and classic French cooking techniques.
MAIN DISHES
| Dish Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Colombo de poulet | Chicken stewed in a Caribbean curry blend (inspired by Indian spices) with vegetables |
| Blaff de poisson | Fish marinated with lime, garlic, and spices, then lightly boiled |
| Chatrou | Octopus cooked Creole-style, often with tomatoes, onions, and chili |
| Féroce d’avocat | Spicy avocado and salted codfish mash, mixed with cassava flour |
| Poulet boucané | Smoked grilled chicken seasoned with local herbs (barbecue-style) |
| Lambi (conch) | Sea snail cooked in Creole sauce; considered a delicacy |
SIDES AND STAPLES
- Riz créole – Creole-style rice, usually seasoned with onions, herbs, and sometimes coconut
- Gratin de bananes jaunes – Baked sweet plantain gratin
- Fried plantains – Sliced and fried until caramelized
- Cassava (manioc) – Used in breads and porridges
- Breadfruit – Roasted or stewed as a starch
STREET FOODS & SNACKS
- Accras de morue – Salted cod fritters, crispy and spicy
- Boudin créole – Blood sausage with spice and herbs (black or white)
- Pâtés salés – Small stuffed pastries with meat or fish
- Agoulous – Local-style sandwiches filled with meat, cheese, and sauce in soft bread
TROPICAL FRUITS & DESSERTS
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Tarte à la banane | Banana tart, often with rum and spices |
| Tourment d’amour | Coconut tart with jam, popular on neighboring islands |
| Sorbet coco | Coconut ice cream, traditionally made by hand |
| Fruits | Mango, guava, passionfruit, pineapple, soursop, tamarind, and carambola (starfruit) |
BEVERAGES
- Ti’ punch – Rum, lime, and cane syrup (traditional aperitif)
- Rhum agricole – Locally distilled sugarcane rum (a major export)
- Planteur punch – Fruit juice, rum, and spices
- Fruit juices – Freshly made from mango, guava, tamarind, and more
- Coconut water – Widely available and enjoyed chilled
SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES
Being a Caribbean island, Martinique enjoys abundant seafood like:
- Red snapper
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Conch (lambi)
- Tuna and marlin (grilled or smoked)
