Tobago will experience, for the first time, a Caribbean culinary competition taking place on the island.
The Culinary Cuisine Showdown is scheduled for May 2026 at the Buccoo Historical and Nature Park.
At the the launch of the Culinary Cuisine Showdown, Bago Beats Entertainment Limited’s Founder, Deryck ‘Bro B’ Brathwaite, said he has always been exploring avenues to integrate the Caribbean, and he and his team believe a culinary competition will achieve this.
“It’s all about fostering Caribbean unity, which is so desperately needed outside of cricket. So our tagline is ‘The Flavours That Blends Us Together’ because there are so many similarities in the varying foods that we eat from the varying territories, and of course Tobago has the best flavour; I could make that boast already.”
Scheduled for May 30th and 31st, 2026, Director of Bago Beats Entertainment Limited, Kieron McDougall, shared that the event will be a full-on experience with musicians, mixologists, artisans and cultural expressions.
“The Caribbean Cuisine Showdown isn’t about food; it is about an opportunity which Bago Beats Entertainment Limited is seizing at this golden time. It fuels tourism. It empowers creatives. It celebrates our culture and shines a global spotlight on Tobago.”
Another Director at Bago Beats Entertainment Ltd, Dr. Stephen Sheppard, confirmed that ten Caribbean countries have been targeted to provide representation.
“Talented chefs from various Caribbean countries will go head to head. They will showcase the very best of their nation’s culinary creations, vying for the coveted title of Caribbean Cuisine Showdown Champion. This competition will not only highlight individual skill and creativity but will also serve as a platform to proudly display the unique gastronomic identities of each participating country.”
Secretary of Tourism, Tashia Burris, publicly pledged her support for the venture.
“So that when you have private sector creating things and taking ownership of things and bringing together a diverse group of people from different backgrounds who are not just driven by even if there are financial gains to be made but they are driven by something bigger and the something bigger is that Tobago is the events capital of the Caribbean. I can say that loud and proud, and the more we embrace the idea of us monetising the things we are good for, without having to depend on the government to be the ones to do and we come in as facilitator and supporter, it makes our jobs easier.”
The organisers said the intention is for the Caribbean Cuisine Showdown to be an annual event on Tobago’s calendar.