A Culinary Celebration on the French Side of Saint Martin
The 5th edition of the Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival officially concluded on November 22, 2025, following a vibrant eleven-day celebration of culinary arts, local flavors, and international exchange. Organized by the Saint-Martin Tourist Office, the festival transformed the French side of the island into a hub for food enthusiasts, chefs, and musicians.
The event, which officially ran from November 11 to November 22, 2025, with pre-events starting on November 9, aimed to solidify Saint Martin's reputation as the 'Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean.'
Passion Fruit Takes Center Stage
This year's festival highlighted passion fruit as its featured ingredient, inspiring chefs and mixologists to create innovative dishes and cocktails. The program was rich with diverse activities, including:
- Competitions: Chefs battled for titles in categories such as private chefs, food trucks, barbecue, and restaurants, vying for the 'Best Table in Saint-Martin' accolade. Mixology and dessert competitions also showcased the island's talent, alongside a student competition nurturing future culinary stars.
- Culinary Village: The Marigot waterfront hosted a bustling Gastronomy Village on November 14 and 15, where numerous restaurants and food trucks offered a wide array of local and international specialties.
- Workshops and Dinners: Attendees participated in various cooking workshops for both adults and children, including 'Sip 'n Cook' sessions. 'Four-Hands Dinners' saw local chefs collaborating with renowned guest chefs to craft unique dining experiences, while participating restaurants offered special 'discovery menus' throughout the festival.
International Flair and Local Rhythms
The festival's international appeal was evident with the participation of guest chefs from countries including Togo, Spain, Guadeloupe, Canada, and the United States. The closing evening on November 22 was a grand affair, described as a 'regional clash between Caribbean leaders,' where chefs from various Caribbean islands presented their culinary traditions in a final international buffet.
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival was infused with the vibrant sounds of local music, creating a festive atmosphere across key locations such as the Boulevard de Grand Case during the official launch on November 10, and the Gastronomy Village. This blend of gastronomic excellence and cultural entertainment underscored the event's role in promoting Saint Martin's rich heritage and fostering economic development.
5 Comments
Habibi
Eleven days of culinary bliss! This really puts Saint Martin on the gastronomic map.
ZmeeLove
Great to see international chefs collaborating with our local talent. A huge success!
Muchacho
While the festival clearly boosted tourism and showcased local talent, it's crucial that robust food safety and hygiene standards were meticulously maintained throughout all events.
Coccinella
All this talk of food, but not a single mention of food safety protocols. Concerning.
Bella Ciao
The passion fruit theme was inspired! Can't wait to try some of those dishes.