Because the Virgin Islands have flown several flags during their history there is a rich culinary heritage combining Dutch, English, French, African, West Indian and other influences . And while there's plenty of fine international cuisine to be had, particularly on the larger USVI like St Thomas and St Croix, you should definitely try out the many wonderful West Indian dishes showcasing the best of creole cuisine . Generally speaking, you'll pay around US$6-15 for a meal at a café or standard restaurant; US$18-30 for an entrée at more upmarket places. The USVI has the full range of international cuisine; eating on the BVI you're more likely to have to stick to West Indian food, with international dishes confined mainly to upmarket places or snack-style places serving sandwiches, burgers and pizzas.

Restaurants often close for several hours between meals, generally 3-5pm and many places close before 10.30pm. As always you should reserve in popular places and call ahead for those in out-of-the-way spots to make sure they're open. When it comes to dress, the BVI are a little more formal than most other islands. For any sit-down meal in a smart restaurant men are advised to wear long trousers and a collared shirt.

In the Virgin Islands, West Indian fare is the food of choice for locals. An average dish consists of spiced meats, lots of starches and very few vegetables. Conch , a shellfish that has a similar texture and taste to squid, and goat , which is very similar to pork, are served almost any way you can imagine. A popular dish that often sells out quickly is conch in butter sauce. Common side dishes include fried plantains and fungi , which is very similar to American stuffing. Many fish and chicken dishes are served with fruit salsa, or a coconut milk sauce. Spicy foods, such as foods rubbed with Caribbean curries or Jamaican jerk spices, are also popular. For a quick and inexpensive meal, locals grab a roti - meat, potatoes, carrots and onions simmered in a creamy curry sauce and folded between warm flatbread, occasionally with some chutney on the side. Be careful when you eat a chicken roti, because locals eat them with the bones.

Rum - in particular Cruzan rum made on St Croix - is definitely the spirit of choice and rum punch is the most popular rum drink. Locals drink a mixture of two shots of dark rum, a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. Virgin Island beers include Caribe (very similar to Corona), Foxey's Lager and Blackbeard Ale, but you can also get foreign beers like Red Stripe, Heineken and Guinness.