Thanks to the Caymans' historical connection to Jamaica, it's no surprise to find jerked meats as one of the island specialities - heavily spiced meats smoked over hard woods in enclosed barbecue grills. Also prevalent is conch , often served as ceviche - sliced thin and marinated in lemon or lime with bits of tomato and onion. Turtle , though not as popular as it once was, is part of traditional Cayman cuisine, often prepared in stews or as steaks.

Cayman-style fish can really be any fish pulled fresh from the sea and sautéed with pepper, onions and green peppers. Typical sides are plantains, yams, and rice and peas. Heavy cake is a real treat and can be found in small grocers and at some gas stations. Made of a grated cassava root, it is sweetened with sugar and has the consistency of fudge.

You can find locally grown produce such as mango, grapefruit, coconut, breadfruit; home-made goodies; and a buffet of local foods at the Farmer's Market just north of George Town. Though most restaurants specialize in Continental or international fare, traditional Caymanian cuisine occasionally appears on menus. You can also go to smaller local markets, both in George Town and some other Grand Cayman settlements, to get a truer taste of island food.

The drinking water is desalinated sea water and is fine on all three islands.