Key West is a popular tourist destination in Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. One of the best ways to experience the local culture is through its food. Key West has a rich culinary history, with influences from Caribbean, Spanish, and Cuban cuisines. Visitors to Key West can expect to find a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique dishes that are specific to the area.
One of the most popular foods in Key West is conch. Conch is a type of sea snail that is a staple in Caribbean and Bahamian cuisine. In Key West, conch is typically served in fritter form, as a salad, or in a chowder. Another popular seafood dish is Key West pink shrimp, which are sweet and succulent. These shrimp are often served in a variety of ways, including grilled, fried, or in a seafood boil.
In addition to seafood, Key West is also known for its Key lime pie. This iconic dessert is made with Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust. It is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a hot day in Key West. Other popular dishes in Key West include Cuban sandwiches, fish tacos, and mojitos.
Conch Specialties
When it comes to Key West cuisine, conch is a must-try delicacy. This mollusk is a staple in the Florida Keys and is used in a variety of dishes. Here are three popular conch specialties that visitors should try:
Conch Fritters
Conch fritters are a classic Key West dish that can be found in many restaurants around town. These deep-fried balls of conch meat are mixed with flour, onions, celery, and peppers, and are often served with a spicy dipping sauce. A popular spot to try conch fritters is at The Conch Shack on Duval Street.
Conch Salad
Conch salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a hot day in Key West. The salad is made with diced conch meat, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, and is dressed with lime juice and olive oil. It is typically served with crackers or tortilla chips. A great place to try conch salad is at Garbo’s Grill, a food truck that serves up delicious seafood dishes.
Conch Chowder
Conch chowder is a hearty soup that is perfect for a cool evening in Key West. The chowder is made with conch meat, potatoes, onions, and celery, and is seasoned with thyme and hot sauce. It is typically served with crackers or bread. A popular spot to try conch chowder is at Half Shell Raw Bar, a seafood restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes for over 30 years.
Seafood Delights
Key West is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Visitors can find a variety of seafood options in the city’s many restaurants and eateries. Here are some of the most popular seafood dishes in Key West:
Key West Pink Shrimp
Key West pink shrimp is a local delicacy that can be found in many restaurants throughout the city. These shrimp are sweet and succulent, with a pinkish hue that comes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They are often served grilled, boiled, or fried, and can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces.
Stone Crab Claws
Another popular seafood dish in Key West is stone crab claws. These claws are harvested from the waters around the city and are known for their sweet and tender meat. They are typically served chilled with a mustard dipping sauce, and can be found in many of the city’s seafood restaurants.
Grilled Grouper
Grouper is a type of fish that is commonly found in the waters around Key West. It has a firm white flesh that is mild in flavor, making it a popular choice for grilling. Grilled grouper is often served with a side of rice and vegetables, and can be found in many of the city’s seafood restaurants.
Key Lime Treats
Key lime is a staple flavor in Key West and can be found in various desserts and treats. Here are some of the most popular Key Lime treats in Key West:
Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is the quintessential dessert of Key West. Made with a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling of sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and fresh Key lime juice, and topped with whipped cream, this dessert is a must-try. It’s tart, sweet, and refreshing, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a hot day. Some of the best places to try Key Lime Pie in Key West include Blue Heaven, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, and Firefly.
Key Lime Cookies
If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy snack, Key Lime Cookies are a great option. These cookies are made with butter, sugar, flour, and fresh Key lime juice, and are often topped with a sweet glaze. They’re soft and chewy, with a burst of lime flavor in every bite. Some popular places to find Key Lime Cookies in Key West include Mattheessen’s, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, and The Key West Key Lime Pie Company.
Key Lime Candies
For those with a sweet tooth, Key Lime Candies are a perfect treat. These candies are made with sugar, corn syrup, and fresh Key lime juice, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re tangy and sweet, and often have a chewy or gummy texture. Some popular places to find Key Lime Candies in Key West include The Key West Key Lime Pie Company, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, and Key West Lime Shoppe.
Cuban Influences
Key West is heavily influenced by Cuban culture and cuisine. The island city is only 90 miles from Cuba, making it a prime location for Cuban immigrants to settle in the past. Today, Cuban influences can be seen throughout Key West, especially in its food. Here are some of the most popular Cuban dishes to try while in Key West.
Cuban Sandwich
One of the most famous Cuban dishes is the Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano. This sandwich is made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all on Cuban bread. The sandwich is then pressed, giving it a crispy exterior and warm, gooey interior. The sandwich is a popular lunch option in Key West and can be found in many restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban dish that translates to “old clothes” in Spanish. The dish is made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is usually served with rice and black beans and is a popular dinner option in Key West.
Cuban Coffee
Cuban coffee is a strong, sweet coffee that is a staple in Cuban culture. The coffee is made with espresso and sugar, which is whipped together to create a thick, creamy foam called espuma. The coffee is served in small cups and is a popular way to start the day in Key West. Many cafes in Key West serve Cuban coffee, so it’s easy to find a cup to try.
Street Food and Snacks
Key West is famous for its street food and snacks, which are perfect for a quick and tasty bite on the go. Here are a few popular options:
Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a must-try when in Key West. They are a delicious combination of fresh fish, tangy salsa, and creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Some of the best places to try fish tacos in Key West are B.O.’s Fish Wagon and Garbo’s Grill. At B.O.’s Fish Wagon, the fish is always fresh, and the tacos are served with a generous helping of homemade salsa. Garbo’s Grill, on the other hand, is known for its unique fusion of flavors, which includes Swedish-style fish tacos with pickled red onions and dill sauce.
Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a popular snack in Key West. They are sweet, crispy, and perfect for satisfying a mid-day craving. El Siboney, a local Cuban restaurant, is known for its delicious fried plantains. They are served as a side dish and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Another great place to try fried plantains is Bien, a Latin-inspired restaurant that serves them with a tangy garlic sauce.
