Best Side Items in BVI

To sample the real flair of the British Virgin Islands, make sure to seek out the hidden cafes that dot the roadways and decorate the water’s edge. While entrees boasting fresh fish and seasonal vegetables are all the rage, tasting the side items – such as fried plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, and dasheen – really define the culinary culture. Take Occasions BVI, (284) 495-7313, a local catering company, which exemplifies BVI side dishes like West Indian Rice and Beans, Macaroni Pie with Cheddar and Cream, Whipped Sweet Potato with Brown Sugar and Pecan Topping, Fried Plantain, and Local Plantain Cheese Bake. Fat Hog Bob's, another side dish master in Hodges Creek, is more than a steak and rib joint. Bob’s offers killer sides propped up by local veggies and island traditions. Pirates Bight, on Norman Island, is another example of island cooking where side items take center stage. At the heart of all these local joints is a reliance on native fruits and vegetables that adds an island zing to dishes like fish with fruit chutneys and spicy local stews, meat with curry sauces, and fresh produce jazzed up by ground hot pepper, nutmeg, parsley, mango, passion fruit, and papaya.