Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month returns in May 2026 with a gastronomic agenda of international scope

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority announced the return of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May 2026, an annual event that, since its inception in 2023, has continued to grow and establish itself as one of the Caribbean's leading culinary platforms. The event showcases local cuisine and chefs from Antigua and Barbuda, alongside international guests of Caribbean heritage from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Throughout the month, residents and visitors can discover the destination's culinary identity through various offerings, such as the Eat Like A Local experience, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week with prix-fixe menus at more than 50 restaurants, the FAB Fest festival, and a series of collaborative dinners with renowned chefs. The agenda also includes the Caribbean Food Forum, a regional symposium on gastronomy and hospitality that brings together representatives from the tourism, agriculture, and public services sectors.

The announcement comes after Antigua and Barbuda was recognized as the Caribbean's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025 by the World Culinary Awards, reaffirming the destination's position as a regional gastronomic benchmark.

Returning guest chefs include Kareem Roberts, Andi Oliver, and Claude Lewis, while new additions include James Beard Award winner Nina Compton, Top Chef Season 22 winner Tristen Epps-Long, and Paul Carmichael, chef of Kabawa in New York. The lineup will also feature food and beverage professionals from various Caribbean countries and their diasporas.

The calendar kicks off from May 3-17 with Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, followed by the Caribbean Food Forum on May 21. A collaborative dinner with UK chefs will take place on May 22; FAB Fest, the month's flagship event, will be held on May 23; a Puerto Rican-inspired barbecue will be celebrated on May 24; a collaborative dinner will be held at Catherine's Café on May 27; a charity dinner featuring Caribbean female chefs will take place on May 29; and the closing beach party with a special cookout will be held on May 30.

The Eat Like A Local experience will once again highlight the island's traditional cookshops, inviting guests to try iconic dishes such as pepperpot and fungee, as well as goat water, ducana and saltfish, among other characteristic flavors of local cuisine.

Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month is supported by ACB Caribbean, Red Stripe Beer and Siboney Beach Club, among other sponsors, and is establishing itself as a key platform to promote the culture, local talent and culinary diversity of the Caribbean.

Source:
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority