Fish Fry Showcases Authentic Turks and Caicos Cuisine

Thursday Night Event Serves Up Local Turks and Caicos Cuisine

The words Fish Fry evoke images of battered fish sizzling in the pan and heaping sides of fresh coleslaw and crispy chips. But at this weekly event, the fish is only the beginning of an authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine experience, and what’s on the side features much more than just food.

The Island Fish Fry on Providenciales (Provo) is a celebration of local cuisine and culture. It’s a weekly tradition every Thursday from 5pm to 10 pm at Bight Children’s Park located off Lower Bight Road. From Villa del Mar it’s about a seven minute drive along the Leeward Highway.

The Fish Fry is an extremely Caribbean event which captures the authentic culture and traditions of the area where it’s held. You’ll find one in the Bahamas, the Grand Caymans and here, in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Experience Thursday Night Fish Fry

This video clip, shot and edited by Mario Ingham, gives a great preview of the lively experience you can expect at Thursday Fish Fry.

“Thursday Fish Fry gives you the true feeling of the people that live in the Turks and Caicos,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Authentic Caribbean Flavors

If you’re looking for authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine, the Fish Fry is the place to find it. There is pan fried grouper, conch (pronounced ‘conk’) fritters, conch salad, jerk chicken, grilled corn, and peas ‘n rice, with plenty of local rum punch or Gully Wash (gin & coconut water) to more than quench your thirst. The vendors who create this cuisine come from all over the island. With names like Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl, Froggie’s on da Beach and Smokey’s on da Bay, well, it quickly becomes obvious the cooking and catering is extremely local.

But the Fish Fry is more than just fabulous food. It’s a celebration of Caribbean culture and an event for the whole family.

Embraced Within Caribbean Culture

“I had a one and a two year old with me, and a bunch of kids were dancing up in front by the band. Good family time,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Children from local youth organizations like the Edward Garland Youth Centre Dancers showcase their talents. Dressed in his famous bright Bermuda shorts, the Turks and Caicos mascot Henry the Conch is on hand to greet everyone whether youngster or young at heart.

There are live musical performances from island groups like Lee & the Force, Sea Breeze Rip Saw Band, and V6 Rake ‘N Scrape Band. Local school or church groups perform storytelling, musical numbers and skits. The Caribbean tradition of Maypole plaiting (dancing) is showcased as well as demonstrations of various musical instruments. The “We Funk” band performs a unique type of Caribbean music called junkanoo where goat skin drums, carpenter saws and guitars create an infectious sound and rhythm that brings people to their feet.

Not only can visitors enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, but they can mix with the locals and experience the culture in their midst.

“This was a fun chance to mingle with the locals and support local businesses,” shared one reviewer on TripAdvisor.

So if you’re visiting Provo, make sure to drop by the Bight Children’s Park on Thursday and enjoy a true taste of the islands and meet some of the locals too!