Celebrate Caribana With These Tasty Caribbean Dishes

Every summer, Toronto comes alive with the bright colours, vibrant energy and of course, delicious foods of the Caribbean for Caribana Toronto, North America’s largest Caribbean carnival. Keep the festivities going all year long by making these Caribana-inspired favourite recipes at home during the festival and all year round.

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Curry Chicken

Suzanne Barr’s Caribbean curry chicken recipe starts with a homemade curry spice blend. Make extra to always have on hand for whenever the curry cravings hit and enjoy this Jamaican spice blend with chicken, chickpea or whatever protein you prefer.

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Cheesy Caribbean Crab Dip

Seafood fans will love this crowd-favourite dip that’s full of cheddar cheese and crabmeat. The addition of a hot jerk marinade for flavour brings in one of the most classic flavours of Caribana festival and makes this cheesy dip perfect for heat-seekers. Serve with chips, fresh veggies or sliced and toasted baguettes to get the party started.

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Roti

Roti is perfect for soaking up curries or filling with chickpeas, chicken or pork for a crunchy handheld sandwich that’s full of flavour. This flaky Guyanese version of the flatbread comes together in just 40 minutes.

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Fried Sweet Plantains

A staple in all Caribbean cuisine, fried plantains are the perfect festival snack or side to pair with meaty mains. Making your own fried plantains at home takes just 3 ingredients and 30 minutes.

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Ackee and Saltfish Bites

Jamaica’s national dish is transformed into poppable bite-sized morsels nestled atop Caribbean dumplings that are perfect to serve to a crowd pre- or post-fete. This recipe comes from Karl Thomas of Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, so you know it serves big flavour.

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Spiced Rum Punch

It wouldn’t be Caribana without a boozy punch to celebrate the festivities. This recipe features a homemade spiced rum mixed together with a tropical fruit juice base, plus lots of fresh citrus fruits for a taste that’s pure summer in the islands.

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Oxtail Stew

One of the most comforting staples of Jamaican cuisine, this one-pot stew is a beloved favourite with its rich brown gravy and tender oxtail. The dish originated from when every part of the animal was consumed, and this humble cut of meat was transformed into a dinner favourite through low and slow cooking. Serve atop rice and peas for a classic Caribbean dinner.

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Turn Up The Heat With These Jerk Chicken Wings

We’d be remiss to skip the classic jerk chicken when talking about Caribana festival eats. The spicy Scotch bonnet pepper marinade flavours handheld chicken wings in a recipe that screams summertime celebrations.

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Patties

These snackable patties are a staple in Caribbean cuisine and come in a variety of flavours and fillings. Most common are classic beef and a spicier beef version made with Jamaican curry powder and Scotch bonnet peppers. We recommend making an extra large batch and freezing some in your freezer for easy snacking and quick weeknight dinners on the go post fete season.

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Jamaican Festival Rolls

This fried Jamaican bread is the perfect side to pair with meat or fish mains and sop up sauces. With a sweet taste that comes from the addition of brown sugar or evaporated milk, this deep-fried and golden bread is hard to resist and perfectly named.

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