Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 2026: A Feast for the Senses and a Boost for Tourism

Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for an exciting Culinary Month 2026, which promises to be an extraordinary celebration of food, culture, and Caribbean heritage. This annual event, set to run throughout May 2026, highlights the island nation’s rich culinary traditions, featuring local chefs, Caribbean food experts, and international guest chefs. As the islands continue to shine as a top destination in the Caribbean, this culinary event is poised to be a major catalyst for boosting tourism, drawing food lovers and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

The Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month is a month-long celebration of everything food-related, designed to showcase the region’s vibrant culture and the immense talent of its chefs. From May 1 to May 31, 2026, visitors and locals will be treated to a series of immersive culinary experiences that will explore local dishes, Caribbean cooking traditions, and global flavors, all served with a side of culture and entertainment. This initiative celebrates Antigua and Barbuda’s identity and positions the islands as a gastronomic hub in the Caribbean.

The event’s prestige has been heightened by Antigua and Barbuda’s recent recognition as the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination for 2025 at the World Culinary Awards. This prestigious accolade reflects the islands’ growing influence in the global culinary scene and enhances the allure of Culinary Month as a premier tourism event.

Key Events and Signature Experiences

Culinary Month 2026 will feature a variety of signature events designed to delight food enthusiasts:

• Eat Like A Local Experience: Encouraging tourists to explore authentic Antiguan and Barbudan food, this experience highlights dishes that reflect the islands’ heritage and traditions.
• Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week (May 3–17, 2026): Over 50 local restaurants will offer fixed-price menus at three price points ($25, $50, $75). This event offers visitors an accessible way to explore local cuisine while supporting the island’s hospitality industry.
• FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest (May 23, 2026): Held at Cedar Valley Golf Course, this festival will feature chef demonstrations, live music, local vendors, and more. It’s a celebration of the fusion of food, art, and culture that defines Antigua and Barbuda.
• Caribbean Food Forum (May 21, 2026): A hybrid regional conference bringing together experts in the food industry, hospitality professionals, and chefs to discuss food sustainability, trends, and innovation.

Special Culinary Events and Dinners

Alongside Restaurant Week and FAB Fest, the Culinary Month will host a range of special events:

• May 22, 2026: Collaboration dinner at Rokuni at Sugar Ridge featuring renowned UK chefs Andi Oliver, Kareem Roberts, and Kerth Gumbs.
• May 24, 2026: A Puerto Rican-inspired BBQ with Chef Angel Barreto at The Hut, Little Jumby.
• May 27, 2026: Collaboration dinner at Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Point Beach, with chefs Paul Carmichael, Tristen Epps, and Claude Lewis.
• May 29, 2026: Fundraising dinner celebrating Caribbean women chefs at Moon Gate Hotel & Spa.
• May 30, 2026: A beach party & cookout finale at Wild Tamarind Restaurant, featuring Chef Devan Rajkumar.

These exclusive dining experiences will not only highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s rich culinary landscape but also promote the islands as a leading destination for luxury culinary tourism.

Guest Chefs and Culinary Talent

Culinary Month 2026 will welcome a roster of distinguished chefs of Caribbean heritage from around the world, including:

• Andi Oliver (UK / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Claude Lewis (Jersey City / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Paul Carmichael (New York / Barbados)
• Devan Rajkumar (Toronto / Guyana)
• Angel Barreto (Washington, D.C. / Puerto Rico)
• Kareem Roberts (Cambridge / Antigua and Barbuda)
• Nina Compton (New Orleans / St. Lucia)

These chefs will bring their talents to the islands, collaborating with local culinary experts to create innovative dishes and memorable dining experiences.

Boosting Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Industry

The culinary event serves as a key driver for tourism by bringing international travelers to the islands. The combination of rich local food traditions, top chefs, and unique culinary experiences is expected to generate significant interest in Antigua and Barbuda as a must-visit destination for food tourism in 2026. Tourists seeking both cultural experiences and high-end food offerings will be enticed by the varied food experiences on offer during Culinary Month.

This month-long celebration is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerful tool to boost the local economy. With increased tourist arrivals and international exposure, the event helps strengthen the islands’ hospitality sector while promoting sustainable food tourism practices.

Why Culinary Month Matters

In addition to promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s culinary diversity, the event also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism. The Eat Like A Local Experience and Culinary Month initiative encourage responsible travel that supports local businesses and helps preserve the island’s cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to discover the real Antigua and Barbuda through its people, food, and traditions.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to gain international recognition as a top culinary destination, Culinary Month 2026 promises to attract even more global attention to the island’s thriving food scene, making it an essential part of the island’s tourism calendar. It is set to become an annual highlight that showcases the best of the Caribbean food culture while providing unforgettable memories for visitors and boosting tourism for years to come.

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