Staple Foods
Plantains: often a side dish or an ingredient in the main course
Rice: a common base to meals or simply a side dish
Regional Variations, Specialties, & Unique Dishes
Bouyon: fish or chicken with plantains, bananas, yams, and dumplings
Green Fig & Salt Fish: the national dish of green bananas with salt fish boiled and usually served for breakfast
Dining Etiquette
Dining rules in St. Lucia are relaxed, very relaxed so there's little need to worry about making a wrong move. However, it is still nice to understand how the local people dine and how to behave in a restaurant or the home of a local. The first rule is that dining with friends or family is meant as a social occasion so take your time and get to know your fellow diners; meals can take hours and you should not make plans that force you to leave early.
St. Lucia is in the Caribbean and that means there is no hurry; arriving a few minutes late is never an issue, but dressing too casually can be. Try to dress in a relaxed, but slightly more formal manner than you otherwise would in St. Lucia, although a tie or dress is a bit overboard on almost all occasions.
If eating in a local's home you will most likely be shown a seat, but don't sit until invited to do so. Meals may begin with drinks or just the food and as the guest you may be invited to take your food first. Try to eat in the continental style (knife in the right hand, fork in the left) and keep your hands within sight by resting your wrists on the edge of the table. Again, your host will likely not be offended if you eat in the incorrect manner, but do your best to follow their lead.
As you finish eating, place your fork and knife together on your plate to indicate you have finished. If eating in a restaurant, call the server over by making eye contact; don't wave or call his/her name. Some restaurants will include a service charge in the bill, but if not, add up to 10-12% for good service.
Celebrations & Events
The greatest festival to try some local foods and drinks in St. Lucia is during Carnival, which takes place in July. This formerly pre-Lenten festival encourages the over-consumption of meats and alcohol as the country takes to the streets to listen to music, dance, drink, and eat. This is a great time to meet some locals and try local foods and drinks.
Drinks
St. Lucia will offer the visitor any non-alcoholic drinks they are used to from home, including teas, coffees, soft drinks, milk, and juices. Sadly, there is little variation from these standard drinks with the exception of "Golden Apples," which is a soft drink made from apples and sugar.
On the alcoholic side St. Lucia, like most of the Caribbean prefers rum and beer over other alcohols (although others are available). Rum is usually served as a mixed drink as hundreds of options exist. The favorite beers are numerous international brands along with the locally brewed Piton.
The tap water is generally safe to drink in St. Lucia, however confirm this with your hotel or guesthouse, particularly during hurricane season as the water can be contaminated. If you do drink the water, many people may have trouble adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to if you are not from the region.