IAN STALKER
Eat, drink and be merry in culinary-creative and rum-resonating Martinique. The island – which has strong ties with France – notes its cuisine features French and other influences, creating distinctive culinary experiences.
The tourism board says Martinique’s cuisine has evolved from the island’s rich and complex past, over the centuries having been shaped by African, European, Indian and Creole influences, which together have made it unique.
“This blend of cultures can today be found in each of our dishes, be it in the ingredients and spices we use, in our associations of flavours or in our methods of cooking,” the tourism board says. “The cuisine of Martinique is an exciting journey in itself.”
Notably, Karine Roy-Camille of the Martinique Tourism Authority’s Montreal office, says “Martinique’s culinary scene is increasingly gaining international recognition. For example, a Martinican chef was invited to participate in the Montréal en Lumière Festival.”
Montreal en Lumière is an annual winter festival in Montreal that in part focuses in part on gastronomy, and this year saw Martinique chef Vladimir François-Maïkoouva serve up dishes at a city restaurant during the festivities.
Also in the works is the Martinique Gourmande Festival, which will be staged across Quebec from Sept. 8-19, its 19th edition.
“Visitors consistently tell us that gastronomy is one of the most memorable aspects of their stay on the island. Moreover, we know that food culture has become an essential criterion when travellers choose a destination,” Roy-Camille states. “For all these reasons, Martinique truly deserves its place among today’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.”
Martinique also has numerous rum distillers that collectively have created what Roy-Camille says is an “exceptional tradition of fine rums.”
Last year saw a new Martinique rum entry earn immediate recognition at the prestigious Caribbean Rum Awards. Fusion Caraïbes, a new rum producer based in Le Carbet, was officially unveiled in December and made an immediate impression, taking home a double gold at the Caribbean Rum Awards 2025.
“Martinique is home to fifteen rum distilleries, and each one is far more than an industrial site,” Roy-Camille reports. “They are living historical landmarks that trace an important and sometimes painful chapter of Martinique’s past, including the legacy of slavery. This history should never be ignored; it must be acknowledged so that we remember where we come from while continuing to look confidently toward the future.”
For clients visiting the destination, they can experience the product firsthand.
“Most of our distilleries are also open to visitors, offering immersive experiences where people can discover the art of distillation, understand what distinguishes one rum from another, and appreciate how techniques, craftsmanship, and the richness of our terroirs shape the character of each spirit. Rum tastings are offered in most distilleries as well, allowing visitors to explore the diversity and personality of our productions firsthand. Connoisseurs often recognize these nuances immediately,” she says.
Martinique is also the only place in the world whose rum benefits from an AOC-an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, which guarantees its authenticity and quality.
“This excellence is reflected in the many gold medals our rums earn at the most prestigious international competitions,” Roy-Camille notes. “Rum in Martinique is more than a product; it is a symbol of conviviality and shared moments, enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif. Talented chefs also use it in refined culinary pairings, revealing delicate and unexpected harmonies. It is a cultural ambassador that carries both our heritage and our creativity.”
