Foodies, unite! The long-awaited St. Maarten Flavors month is finally upon us! All through November, 25 of St. Maarten’s most renowned restaurants will be offering exclusive menus designed to showcase the island’s rich tapestry of tastes. Kicking off this culinary month, is St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Director May-Ling Chun, who shares her favourite foods, fond memories and most beloved hot spots with us.
Why is STB a partner in St. Maarten Flavors?
St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) is proud to be a partner in St. Maarten Flavors because it celebrates our rich culinary diversity and showcases the island’s position as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. By supporting this initiative, we aim to highlight our local talent, attract culinary tourism, and create economic opportunities that benefit our community and the entire hospitality sector.
Why is the restaurant and hospitality sector so vital for St. Maarten’s economy?
It not only provides thousands of jobs but also enhances the visitor experience, contributing to repeat tourism and strong word-of-mouth promotion. This sector is essential for sustaining tourism, which is a significant contributor to our GDP and local livelihood.
What do you consider so unique about St. Maarten’s food scene?
What sets St. Maarten’s food scene apart is the incredible fusion of cultures reflected in our cuisine. Here, you can experience flavours from the Caribbean, Creole, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other international influences – all within a few square miles. This culinary diversity is unparalleled and offers a true taste of global dining in one destination.
What is a type of Caribbean food you would recommend visitors to try?
I highly recommend our visitors trying a real Caribbean breakfast – it does not get better than that – stewed salt fish, boiled eggs, and Johnny cakes. These delightful fried doughs are a staple of the Caribbean, and in St. Maarten, they often come with a unique twist, paired with local fillings or served alongside hearty dishes. It’s a taste that captures the essence of our island’s tradition.
What dish would you serve to impress family and friends coming to visit you?
I would serve a steamed red snapper with a side of curried coconut rice that is cooked with peppers and onions, and then I’d add oven-baked cinnamon maple syrup plantains.
Is there any fond memory regarding food that you could share with us?
One fond memory I have is attending Sunday family dinners: My mom always chose a speciality dish she experimented with before and has mastered it, such as her sweet and sour chicken made from scratch – oh they were the best! Or, pork loin in cognac mushroom sauce complimented with baked cauliflower in a béchamel sauce. The shared stories and laughter over those meals made every dish taste even better and are memories I cherish deeply.
What is the perfect spot for a post-beach day dinner?
For a relaxed post-beach dinner, I recommend dining at Altro in Porto Cupecoy – great menu fusion cuisine.
What is the perfect spot for a date night?
A perfect spot for a date night would be at Sale n Pepe. Chef Davide creates some of the best seafood and pasta dishes. Get a table overlooking the lagoon – great atmosphere.
Where would you go for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary?
For a special occasion, I would choose a high-end restaurant like Mario Bistrot at The Cliff. The exceptional service, sophisticated ambiance, and gourmet dishes make any celebration memorable.
Where can we get the best cocktail?
The best cocktail experience can be found at Bamboo House, from cucumber cooler to smoked margarita.
What local, best-kept food secrets can you share with us?
Shiv Shakti in Simpson Bay has the best Indian dishes such as Aloo gobi, crisp golden potatoes and cauliflower, butter chicken, chana masala, chickpea stew, palak paneer, chicken tikka masala, and doughy, butter-brushed naan.
St. Maarten Flavors is an annual event throughout the month of November, celebrating the island’s vibrant and diverse food culture. From traditional Caribbean dishes to modern fusion cuisine, the event highlights the diversity and creativity of local chefs and restaurants. Visit www.stmaartenflavors.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
