Turtle stew
Slow-cooked sea turtle stew, Cayman style
Think of it as: Like a beef stew with a hint of the sea
Yes, sea turtle. It's a national dish.
What does it taste like?
Described as somewhere between beef and fish.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureFirm and meaty
What is it?
Green sea turtle meat stewed with onions and peppers. It's been eaten in the Cayman Islands for generations and became an official national dish in 2024. The meat comes from the islands' turtle farm.
How locals eat it
Eaten at celebrations and local diners with rice and beans.
Watch it
More videos on YouTubeWhere is it from?
🇰🇾Cayman Islands
CapitalGeorge Town
Populationabout 75,000estimate (unverified)
IndustriesFinance, Tourism
A British Overseas Territory.
HelloHello (English)
CurrencyCayman Islands dollar
Fun factWith no income or corporate tax, it's home to banks and companies from all over the world.
The flag🇰🇾 Blue with the Union Jack and a coat of arms showing a turtle, a pineapple and stars.
From Tokyoabout 12,530 kmstraight line, Tokyo to George Town
Getting thereAbout 18+ hours (with connections)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeDecember to April, the sunny dry season. Also tryConch frittersRundown (fish in coconut)
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeDecember to April, the sunny dry season. Also tryConch frittersRundown (fish in coconut)
🇰🇾 Sounds & life in Cayman Islands
HelloHello（Hello (English)）
Latin alphabet
Latin alphabet
Right now…
AnthemGod Save the King (the islands' own song is "Beloved Isle Cayman")
National animalCayman parrot (national bird) National flowerWild banana orchid FestivalPirates Week (November)
National animalCayman parrot (national bird) National flowerWild banana orchid FestivalPirates Week (November)
Ingredients
- Sea turtle meat (farmed)
- Onion 1
- Green bell pepper 1
- Chili, a little
- Garlic 2 cloves
- Thyme, a little
- Salt, a pinch
How to make it (one way)
- Cut the turtle meat into pieces
- Sauté garlic, onion and pepper
- Add the meat, water and thyme
- Simmer for hours until tender
- Serve with rice and beans
⚠️ Sea turtles are protected by international treaty. Taking the meat out of the country or importing it is banned.