Tobago is one of Mashable's top vacation destinations for 2016, and the island is about more than tranquil beaches and tropical weather.
It's also about mouthwatering food that takes inspiration from a variety of cultures.
Think fresh fish, plenty of spice and some of the best street food you'll ever devour.
Tobago's island locale dictates part of the seafood-heavy cuisine. The country's complicated history, which includes colonization, slavery and indentured servitude has resulted in a food culture that incorporates British, African and Indian influences.
The conditions under which parts of Tobago's population came to live are complex and in many cases tragic. Despite a problematic history, the country's unique traditions have endured, and along with them some truly delicious food.
Crab and dumplings
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The island's most notorious delicacy. Sweet, fresh crab is stewed in a garlicky curry sauce which you sop up with a side of flour-based dumplings.
The flavors are similar to Indian curries but this is a dish that is completely Tobagon. Follow your nose and eat at whichever beach shack has the longest line, but Miss Trim's is a good place to start.
Roti
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Another dish with Indian roots, this flatbread is often served with a thin layer of spiced ground split peas and wrapped burrito style around curried meat or vegetables.
The layer of peas make it a dhalpuri roti. Small stands on the side of the road offer some of the island's most delicious roti but for a roti crawl, Rena Chatack Roti Shop is a good place to start.
Controversy-free shark'n'bake (or fried fish sandwich)
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Like Shake'n'Bake but with the added thrill of eating something named after the movie "Jaws."
Though overfishing has made endangered sharks a controversial and much debated choice for this crispy battered fish these days, catfish and other fish can be substituted to delicious effect. This crispy fish sandwich (also called a Bake 'n' Shark) is wrapped in thin fried bread and served with condiments like fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. Head to Blue Waters Inn's restaurant for the flying fish sandwich to taste a high-end, controversy-free take on the delicacy.
Benne balls
These spherical candies, made with sesame seeds and brown sugar, are sure to give your jaws a workout. They are crunchy (bordering on jawbreaker-hard) and incredibly sweet. The word Benne (sometimes spelled bene) come from the African word for sesame and these popular treats are found at seaside stands and bakeries all over the island.
Any and all fresh fish
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After all, you're surrounded by the sea. Lobster, wahoo and grouper are among the many fresh seafood delights Tobago offers.
Make sure the fish is fresh (if you are lucky, only out of the water for a few hours) and enjoy it simply grilled or served jerk style with hot spices. Head to The Fish Pot and try the catch of the day.