These Are the Culinary Teams Coming to Barbados for Taste of the Caribbean
The Caribbean’s top chefs and mixologists are preparing to take center stage in Barbados this November. The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association has announced the participating culinary teams for the 2025 edition of Taste of the Caribbean, set for Nov. 16–18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort.
As the Caribbean’s premier culinary showcase, the event celebrates regional gastronomy and serves as a hub for professional development — offering food and beverage professionals the chance to hone skills, explore trends and connect with peers from across the region.
“Taste of the Caribbean continues to be a defining platform for celebrating the creativity, talent, and innovation that shape our region’s cuisine,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma in a statement. “Each year, this event reinforces the Caribbean’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination and provides a meaningful space for F&B professionals to connect, learn, and inspire one another.”
Participating Teams
This year’s competition will feature national teams representing Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados (reigning and five-time champions), Belize, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Turks & Caicos Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Teams will compete in Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef and Bartender categories.
The three-day event will culminate in the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, honoring:
Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year and Caribbean National Team of the Year.
Beyond the competition, the program will include live demonstrations, tasting showcases, and educational sessions led by leading regional and international experts in culinary arts, sustainability and hospitality management.
Taste of the Caribbean runs concurrently with the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum, one of the region’s most influential gatherings for hospitality leaders. CHIEF provides strategy sessions, workshops and practical solutions tailored to the region’s tourism sector.
Registration is now open, including access to the Taste of the Caribbean Awards Dinner on Nov. 18.
