Authentic Caribbean cuisine has been hard to come by, that was until Mr. Camilo Cheng, owner of the ABV Bar and Kitchen franchise in Taiwan began approaching Embassies of the English-speaking Caribbean in Taiwan in 2020 in an attempt to better reflect the rich culinary diversity and flavours from these countries.
The engagement has resulted in the promotion of “culinary months” over the past three years which have resulted in dishes from Belize, Haiti, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines being permanent staples on the menu of the ABV’s Caribbean Bar and Restaurant branch in Taipei. On October 30, 2023, Saint Lucia became the latest English-speaking Caribbean country to be featured by ABV.
A press conference launched what will be a two-month promotion of Saint Lucian cuisine beginning from November 1 to December 31, 2023. A special menu was designed for the occasion which features eight Saint Lucian dishes. Among the eight dishes is Saint Lucia’s national dish of green fig and saltfish, along with other traditional dishes such as pigtail and red bean bouillon, dhal, coconut cake, accra and stewed pork with ground provisions. In attendance at the press conference were seasoned Taiwanese radio personnel as well as established social media content creators.
The Embassy of Saint Lucia in the Republic of China (Taiwan) supported this initiative by providing guidance on the dishes to be featured, and input as to how the authentic flavours of the island nation could be replicated. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Robert Lewis expressed his appreciation to Mr. Cheng, the staff and chefs of ABV for this gesture as it constitutes an instrument of cultural diplomacy:
“ABV must be commended for providing that useful and necessary bridge between the people of Saint Lucia and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). We salute you for your contribution in helping to strengthen the people to people ties in our journey of making our peoples get to know each other in more significant and culturally beneficial ways.”
The eight dishes can be purchased individually or can be enjoyed as a set to be shared among four diners at a total price approximately 200 EC$.