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At Flavors of St. Thomas Food Tours, we believe the best way to experience the U.S. Virgin Islands is through its flavors. As the premier food tour company in St. Thomas, we guide travelers beyond the cruise ship port and into the heart of local cuisine, culture, and storytelling. Our walking food tours through Charlotte Amalie offer delicious tastings, hidden culinary gems, and an insider’s perspective on island life.

Follow our foodie adventures on Instagram at @flavorsfoodtours, and book your experience at www.flavorsofstthomas.com to eat like a local—because when it comes to island cuisine, #WeKnowFood.

 1. Pates (Fried Island Hand Pies)

A staple of Virgin Islands street food, pates (pronounced pah-tees) are golden-fried turnovers filled with spiced meat, saltfish, or vegetables. Imagine an empanada with a Caribbean twist—savory, flaky, and utterly satisfying. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an on-the-go snack and are often sold from roadside stands or local bakeries. Don’t leave without trying a beef or saltfish pate fresh out of the fryer.

 2. Johnny Cakes

Fluffy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, Johnny cakes are the Virgin Islands’ answer to comfort food. These pan-fried rounds of dough are served alongside almost everything—stewed meats, saltfish, or even just with butter and cheese. Simple but addictive, they’re the perfect introduction to Caribbean home cooking.

 3. Curry Chicken

Hearty, aromatic, and full of soul, curry chicken is a Caribbean classic that reflects the island’s Indo-Caribbean influences. Chicken is slow-cooked in turmeric-rich curry with garlic, thyme, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers until tender and flavorful. Often served with rice and peas or roti, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—and a must-try for first-time visitors.

 4. Stewed Saltfish & Fungi

This dish is a cultural treasure. Saltfish—typically dried and salted cod—is rehydrated and cooked with onions, peppers, and tomato-based seasoning. It’s often served with fungi (pronounced foon-jee), a smooth cornmeal and okra mash with African roots, similar in texture to polenta. Together, they make a flavorful, hearty dish that represents the fusion of African, European, and Caribbean culinary traditions.

 5. Bananas Foster or a Painkiller Cocktail

For dessert or drinks, you can’t go wrong with either of these island favorites:

• Bananas Foster: A Caribbean twist on the New Orleans classic, this dessert features caramelized bananas flambéed with rum and brown sugar, often served over ice cream. Decadent, warm, and unforgettable.

• Painkiller Cocktail: A true island original, this creamy cocktail is made with dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and orange juice—topped with fresh nutmeg. Sipping one with a view of the harbor is about as St. Thomas as it gets.

 Taste the Islands with Flavors of St. Thomas

At Flavors of St. Thomas Food Tours, we’re passionate about helping you discover the heart of the island through its cuisine. Our expert local guides introduce you to iconic dishes, hidden gems, and the people behind the flavors. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, our tours are the perfect way to connect with the island’s food, culture, and history.

 Book your tour today at www.flavorsofstthomas.com
 Follow us on Instagram: @flavorsfoodtours

Because when it comes to authentic island eats—#WeKnowFood.

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