ABOUT TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN

Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the event has attracted food enthusiasts, culinary professionals, students, and industry aficionados from across the region and beyond. Experience a dynamic forum where food and beverage professionals can gain practical information, enhance their skills, sample and source quality products, strengthen supplier relationships, and connect with new vendors and industry partners.

We are especially excited about this year’s edition, offering an expanded schedule that will run an additional day and increase the number of competitions teams can participate in to seven exciting culinary and beverage events. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join innovative and exciting educational sessions that promise to enhance individual skills and increase the value of your business.

TASTE Teams Competition

Taste of the Caribbean 2026 will feature culinary teams from across the region. (Participating teams to be announced shortly.) 
 
Teams will be competing in the following seven categories: 
  • Antigua & Barbuda 
  • Chef of the Year
  • Junior Chef of the Year
  • Bartender of the Year
  • Pastry Chef of the Year
  • Meat Competition
  • Seafood Competition
  • Vodka Competition

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPETITION

Caribbean Chef of the Year

To win Caribbean Chef of the Year each chef will be given one hour of preparation time in which to write and submit a description of their entrée dish, to do mis en place and get organized (only stocks can be cooked during the 1st hour). Cooking, finishing and plating are to take place during the second hour. The dish must be completely plated by the end of the second hour.

Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year

To win Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year each contestant must be working and/or studying in the culinary field in the Caribbean and cannot be older than 21 years of age. Each chef will be given one hour of preparation time in which to write and submit a description of their entrée dish, to do mis en place and get organized (only stocks can be cooked during the 1st hour). Cooking, finishing and plating are to take place during the second hour. The dish must be completely plated by the end of the second hour.

 

Caribbean Bartender of the Year

Bartenders from the competing national teams prepare a variety of drinks to demonstrate their creativity, skills, personality and showmanship. Three rounds are scheduled for beverages in the categories of Non-Alcoholic, Vodka and Rum. Each bartender has five minutes to prepare three portions of the beverage. All participating bartenders compete for the honor of Caribbean Bartender of the Year. In this final round bartenders have thirty minutes to review the content of a mystery bar, and then design and prepare a cocktail of their choice.

Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year

Pastry chefs from the competing national teams create, in advance, a dessert recipe which they prepare during four hours at the event. The top pastry chef is selected the Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year.