Island Fare, Nassau, The Bahamas

Gastro island bliss begins and ends with the mighty conch – pronounced conk, in case you were wondering. Conch is traditionally served fried (known as cracked conch), or raw, with a side of rice and peas. Bahamian cuisine is notable for an abundant use of fish and shellfish (lobster, crab, grouper and bonefish are particularly popular), while goat remains a common protein. Iguana is eaten on a few Out Islands, though visitors should be aware that some species are endangered. Bahamian food traditions are in part influenced by the American South, and it’s common to find grits, split-peas, and pudding on the side of plates.