Verified Facts
When visiting Saint Helena, be sure to try the island's unique blend of British, African, and Asian flavors, with must-try dishes including Pilau, Fish Cakes, and Saints' Stew.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Saint Helena's cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and cultural diversity, with influences from British, African, and Asian traditions. The island's remote location in the South Atlantic Ocean has also shaped its culinary identity, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The cuisine is characterized by hearty stews, fresh seafood, and traditional British dishes with a Saint Helenian twist. The island's food culture is also influenced by its historical ties to the British Empire, with many traditional British dishes still popular today.
The island's culinary scene is also shaped by its African and Asian influences, with many residents having ancestral ties to these regions. This is reflected in the use of spices and ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which are commonly used in African and Asian cooking. The island's food culture is also characterized by a strong sense of community, with many residents gathering to share meals and socialize.
Despite its remote location, Saint Helena's cuisine is surprisingly diverse, with a range of dishes to suit all tastes. From traditional Saints' Stew to fresh seafood and Fish Cakes, there's something for everyone on the island. The island's cuisine is also shaped by its limited access to certain ingredients, with many residents relying on locally-sourced produce and canned goods.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilau | main course | a flavorful rice dish made with meat or fish, onions, and spices | local restaurants |
| Fish Cakes | snack | crispy fried cakes made with fish, onions, and potatoes | street food vendors |
| Saints' Stew | main course | a hearty meat stew made with beef, vegetables, and sometimes fish | local restaurants |
| Tuna Steak | main course | a fresh tuna steak grilled or pan-fried and served with rice and vegetables | seafood restaurants |
| Coconut Rice | side dish | a flavorful rice dish made with coconut milk, onions, and spices | local restaurants |
| Saint Helena Tea | beverage | a strong black tea made with locally-grown tea leaves | local cafes |
| Pumpkin Fritters | snack | crispy fried fritters made with pumpkin, onions, and spices | street food vendors |
| Banana Fritters | dessert | sweet fried fritters made with bananas, sugar, and spices | local cafes |
| Pepper Pot Soup | soup | a spicy soup made with meat, vegetables, and peppers | local restaurants |
| Cassava Cake | dessert | a sweet cake made with cassava, sugar, and spices | local bakeries |
Street Food & Snacks
- Fish Cakes: crispy fried cakes made with fish, onions, and potatoes, $5-7 USD
- Pumpkin Fritters: crispy fried fritters made with pumpkin, onions, and spices, $3-5 USD
- Banana Fritters: sweet fried fritters made with bananas, sugar, and spices, $4-6 USD
- Coconut Rice Cakes: crispy fried cakes made with coconut rice, onions, and spices, $4-6 USD
- Saint Helena Sausages: grilled sausages made with meat, onions, and spices, $6-8 USD
- Tuna Samosas: crispy fried samosas filled with tuna, onions, and spices, $5-7 USD
Drinks
- Saint Helena Tea: a strong black tea made with locally-grown tea leaves, $2-3 USD
- Fresh Coconut Water: a refreshing drink made with fresh coconut water, $3-5 USD
- Piton Beer: a local beer made with malt, hops, and yeast, $5-7 USD
- Rum Punch: a sweet and tangy drink made with rum, fruit juice, and spices, $7-10 USD
- Fresh Fruit Juice: a refreshing drink made with fresh fruit juice, $4-6 USD
- Ginger Beer: a spicy and refreshing drink made with ginger, sugar, and water, $3-5 USD
Dining Customs
- Table Manners: use your knife and fork to eat, and keep your hands visible on the table
- Tipping: 10% is standard for good service
- Reservation Culture: reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress Code: dress casually for most restaurants, but dress up for fine dining establishments
- Eating Etiquette: try a little of everything, and don't leave the table until everyone is finished eating
- Food Sharing: sharing food is a common practice, especially among friends and family
Where to Eat
- Local Restaurants: try traditional Saint Helenian dishes at local restaurants like the Consulate Hotel or the Mule Yard
- Seafood Restaurants: try fresh seafood at restaurants like the Saint Helena Seafood Restaurant or the Wharf Restaurant
- Cafes: try coffee and pastries at cafes like the Saint Helena Cafe or the Jamestown Cafe
- Food Courts: try a variety of dishes at the Jamestown Food Court or the Half Tree Hollow Food Court
- Markets: try local produce and street food at markets like the Jamestown Market or the Half Tree Hollow Market
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Jamestown Market: a bustling market selling local produce, street food, and handicrafts, located in the heart of Jamestown
- Half Tree Hollow Market: a smaller market selling local produce, street food, and handicrafts, located in the suburb of Half Tree Hollow
- Saint Helena Food Festival: an annual festival celebrating the island's cuisine, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music, held in the summer months
- Fish Fry: a traditional Saint Helenian dish made with fresh fish, onions, and spices, often served at outdoor gatherings and parties
- Saint Helena Tea Tasting: a unique experience where you can taste locally-grown tea and learn about the island's tea-making traditions, held at the Saint Helena Tea Factory