Grenada designated world's first 'culinary capital'

Grenada: The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) has designated Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou & Petite Martinique as the world's first Culinary Capital.

As per the WFTA, the Culinary Capitals program intends to focus on culinary cultures worldwide as the tourism sector starts to recover later the long pandemic-induced hiatus.

The WFTA, which is considered as the world's leading authority on food and beverage tourism, said the combination of spices into the nation's cuisine has resulted in an overall robust and flavourful Grenada food profile.

From casual beachside restaurants to fine dining and even street food, Grenadians' taste and the flair for delicious food is undeniable, the WFTA said.

"The islands showcase many unique culinary assets. These hold the tradition of 'saraka', the national dish 'oil down', handcrafted rums and nutmeg ice cream. Spices on the island are used for both food as well as medicinal & wellness purposes," the WFTA statement noted.

'Spice of the Caribbean'

Grenada comprises three islands located in the Caribbean's southernmost region.

The Island country boasts of 60 unforgettable dive sites, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean & the world's 1st Underwater Sculpture Park.

Grenada also has 50 world-class white sand beaches, 15 breathtaking waterfalls and countless hiking trails.

Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, the interim CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, called the Culinary Capital accreditation a significant achievement for the country.

"We are known as the Spice of the Caribbean. So it is fitting that we are the 1st Caribbean island to earn the designation of Culinary Capital. This will attract discerning travellers," he said.

Grenada is a Caribbean country containing the main island, also called Grenada, and smaller circling islands. Dubbed the “Spice Isle,” the hilly main island is home to numerous nutmeg plantations.

It’s also the place of the capital, St. George’s, whose colourful homes, Georgian buildings and early-18th-century Fort George overlook narrow Carenage Harbour.