(photo by ABTA)
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual culinary event, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, in May 2026. Launched in 2023, this culinary tourism initiative has been flourishing, emphasizing the rich flavors of local Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine alongside guest chefs of Caribbean heritage.
During this month-long celebration in May, food enthusiasts can:
- Discover local dishes through the Eat Like A Local campaign.
- Enjoy exclusive prix-fixe menus during Restaurant Week, taking place over two weeks.
- Explore Antiguan culinary traditions at the signature FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest.
Throughout the month, guest chefs from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada will host special events, while the hospitality, agriculture, and public service sectors will unite at the Caribbean Food Forum, a regional food and hospitality symposium. This celebration follows Antigua and Barbuda’s recognition as the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025 by the World Culinary Awards.
“The growth and popularity of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month over the past three years fills us with pride,” said The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment. “Our initial goal was to showcase the vibrant culture and diverse culinary offerings of Antigua and Barbuda, celebrating our Caribbean culinary excellence. This month provides food lovers and culture seekers worldwide a unique opportunity to experience Caribbean cuisine from a fresh perspective, and we continuously aim to elevate the experience for our guests.”
This year’s guest chef lineup includes familiar faces such as:
- Kareem Roberts (Cambridge-based Antiguan Chef)
- Andi Oliver (British Chef and TV personality of Antiguan heritage)
- Claude Lewis (First-generation Antiguan and Barbudan Chef and Chopped Champion)
Newcomers include:
- Nina Compton (2018 James Beard Best Chef: South and Food & Wine Best New Chef)
- Tristen Epps-Long (Winner of Top Chef Season 22)
- Paul Carmichael (Chef of the acclaimed Bar Kabawa, recently awarded a 3-star review by The New York Times)
The complete roster of participating chefs and beverage professionals for Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 2026 includes:
- Andi Oliver, London, United Kingdom *Antigua and Barbuda
- Angel Barreto, Anju, Washington, D.C. *Puerto Rico
- Brigette Joseph, Port of Spain, Trinidad *Trinidad & Tobago
- Claude Lewis, Jersey City, New Jersey *Antigua and Barbuda
- Devan Rajkumar, Toronto, Canada *Guyana
- Jason White, Certified Sommelier, Jumby Bay Resorts *Antigua and Barbuda
- Kareem Roberts, The Burleigh Arms, Cambridge, United Kingdom *Antigua and Barbuda
- Kerth Gumbs, Fenchurch Restaurant, London, United Kingdom *Anguilla
- Maurine Bowers, Moon Gate Hotel & Spa *Antigua and Barbuda
- Nina Compton, Compère Lapin, New Orleans, Louisiana *St. Lucia
- Paul Carmichael, Kabawa, New York, New York *Barbados
- Tristen Epps, Buboy, Houston, Texas *Trinidad & Tobago
- Suzanne Barr, Toronto, Canada and Atlanta, Georgia *Jamaica
*Bios and additional information for each chef can be found here.
*The full schedule of events, along with details and booking information, will be posted here and includes:
- May 3-17: Restaurant Week with over 50 local restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at three price points: $25, $50, and $75.
- May 21: Caribbean Food Forum presented by Grace Foods, a hybrid regional food and hospitality conference at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, in partnership with The Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO).
- May 22: Collaboration dinner featuring UK-based Chefs Andi Oliver, Kareem Roberts, and Kerth Gumbs at Rokuni, Sugar Ridge, St. Mary’s.
- May 23: FAB Fest, the signature event of Culinary Month, showcasing chef and mixologist demonstrations, local food vendors, music, performances, local artists, and more at Cedar Valley Golf Course.
- May 24: Puerto Rican-inspired BBQ with Chef Angel Barreto, featuring DJ and live entertainment at The Hut, Little Jumby.
- May 27: Collaboration dinner with Chefs Paul Carmichael, Tristen Epps, and Claude Lewis at Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Point Beach.
- May 29: Fundraising dinner celebrating Caribbean women chefs with Brigette Joseph, Maurine Bowers, Nina Compton, and Suzanne Barr at Moon Gate Hotel & Spa, set to open in April 2026.
- May 30: Culinary Month finale beach party and cookout at Wild Tamarind Restaurant, featuring Chef Devan Rajkumar and Wild Tamarind Executive Chef Amalin Raj, alongside local pastry chefs Jahkaydah Isaac of The Flaky Crust and Kendel Harrigan of The KenDen.
Returning by popular demand is the “Eat Like A Local” experience, showcasing a curated list of casual island cookshops owned by Antiguan and Barbudan restaurateurs. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority encourages visitors to savor beloved national dishes such as pepperpot and fungee, along with goat water, ducana, and saltfish. An interactive map can be found here.
Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month is proudly supported by generous sponsors, including ACB Caribbean, the official financial services sponsor, Red Stripe Beer, and Siboney Beach Club, the official host hotel sponsor.
For the latest information, a list of participating restaurants, and details on special events, visit www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com.
This year looks to be exciting