Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month will return in May 2026.
Once again, the month-long celebration will spotlight food and culture.

Antigua and Barbuda will host local chefs and visiting Caribbean talent.
Notably, chefs will travel from the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
As a result, the event will highlight Caribbean heritage through cuisine.

The annual culinary tourism initiative launched in 2023.
Since then, the event has grown steadily.
Meanwhile, international recognition has followed.

In 2025, Antigua and Barbuda earned a major title.
The destination was named Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City.
The World Culinary Awards gave the honor.

Therefore, the 2026 edition carries added momentum.
Tourism officials say expectations continue to rise.

According to Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, the growth is encouraging.
He said the country is proud of Culinary Month’s progress.
Moreover, he recalled the original vision from 2023.

Fernandez said the goal was always cultural celebration.
Specifically, the focus was Antiguan and Barbudan food.
At the same time, the initiative highlights Caribbean culinary excellence.

Culinary Month also attracts food lovers worldwide.
Likewise, culture seekers gain a fresh perspective.
Visitors experience Caribbean cuisine through a different lens.

Fernandez added that standards improve each year.
Consequently, guests receive a higher-quality experience.
He said the team looks forward to welcoming visiting chefs.

Meanwhile, the 2026 chef lineup features well-known names.
British chef and TV personality Andi Oliver will attend.
She has Antiguan heritage.

Also appearing is Nina Compton of Compère Lapin.
She won the 2018 James Beard Best Chef: South award.
Additionally, she earned Food & Wine Best New Chef.

Trinidadian chef Tristen Epps-Long will also participate.
He won Top Chef Season 22.
Barbadian chef Paul Carmichael will join as well.

Carmichael leads Bar Kabawa and Kabawa.
Recently, The New York Times gave his restaurant three stars.

Returning chefs include Antiguan chef Kareem Roberts.
Also returning is Chopped Champion Claude Lewis.

Event highlights will fill the month.
From May 3 to 17, Restaurant Week will run.
Over 50 restaurants will offer prix fixe menus.

Prices will range from $25 to $75.
On May 21, the Caribbean Food Forum will take place.
Grace Foods presents the event with the CTO.

Several collaboration dinners will follow.
FAB Fest happens on May 23.
The finale beach cookout closes the month on May 30.

Additionally, the “Eat Like A Local” experience returns.
Visitors will explore island cookshops.
Local dishes like pepperpot and fungee will be featured.