The US Virgin Islands (USVI) boasts a great number of traditional dishes. Traditional food in the USVI tends to be spicy, hearty and made with love. When you visit the Islands you simply must try the dishes that infuse local culture and regional influences. Many of these can be found in other islands nations throughout the Caribbean as well. A few of these might even remind you of something you eat back home. Next time we go, you should come with us. These 10 foods had our tastebuds doing cartwheels when we visited the USVI:

Johnny Cake is a flour based deep fried treat. Usually consumed during breakfast and as an on-the-go snack originating in West Indian culture. This is one thing you have to try in USVI!
	Conch is technically a sea snail.. it is usually cooked in stews or as a fritter. It can be a bit chewy depending on who cooks it, but it is very good! You can see the amazing shells of these creatures all around the coast of the beautiful USVI beaches.
Fungi (pronounced foon-gee) is a tender, polenta-like dumpling prepared from salted cornmeal mixed with shortening and water. It is usually accompanied by fish and a staple in the US Virgin Islands.
	Pot Fish are reef dweller fish. They include red snapper, yellowtail, butterfish, triggerfish, blue runners etc. They are served in a variety of ways, but it is best to get the "whole fish".
Callaloo is stew that that has West African roots. The main ingredient is an indigenous leafy vegetable that has many vitamins and minerals.
	Bush Tea is made of fresh herbs and local leaves, available throughout the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. Mint, lemon grass, vervain or basil. The leaves of the soursop, lime, or moringa tree can be used as well.
Crucian Stuffing is a sweet, soufflé-like sweet potato dish with raisins.
	Salt Fish are fresh fish that have been salt-cured and dried until all the moisture is extracted. Salt fish and johnny cakes go together... like, steady.
Black Cake is a traditional fruitcake found in the US Virgin Islands and much of the surrounding Caribbean. It is made by soaking a mixture of fruit (sometimes for months) in rum and/or brandy. The entire thing is then blended and made into a cake. Uh, yum!
	Pate (pronounced Pah-Tay) is made from chicken, meat, fish, or spiced vegetables stuffed into a pastry dough that is then deep fried. A great savory food that can be eaten en route from one beach to another.

**So foodies... are YOU coming with us next time?? Add your email to our notification list for our upcoming tours.