Make discover Guiana

The food is superb in French Guiana. Nearly 400 years as a cultural melting pot has given French Guiana’s cuisine inspiration, originality, and passion, with a wide range of tastes and spices.

Influenced by Europe, Africa, India, and Amerindian traditions, all the flavors of the world are found in French Guiana—and your taste buds will thank you. It’s good. It’s delicious. Creole cuisine is waiting for you.

The spices

Nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, pepper and chili peppers.
French Guiana used to produce these spices, and they remain a basic ingredient in local recipes.

Culinary Specialties

« Blaff »
A court-bouillon that gets its flavor from onions, garlic, celery, and basil.

« Pimentade »
A kind of court-bouillon with tomato sauce.

« Rôti cougnade »
Broiled fish

« Colombo »
A spicy stew of meat and vegetables with curry.

French Guiana’s waters are full of fish, so there’s a great variety of fish and shrimp prepared in number of ways.
From the small sea-bob, similar to Breton prawns, to giant shrimp, which you could almost mistake for scampi, the seafood is presented in a variety of forms, including marinades (fritters) and kebabs… a real feast!

Fricassés: a French Guiana Specialty

These stews are delicious with either red or white meat.

All these dishes are accompanied by generous helpings of rice, red beans, or couac (a sort of semolina, more or less fine, made from roasted manioc).

Other specialties

Chicken and Fish Boucané (smoked)

Chicken or fish boucané is eaten cold in a salad.

Awara Stock

The awara is a palm tree; the pulp of its fruit is used to make a stew containing chicken and fish boucanés.
This dish is eaten during the Easter and Pentecost celebrations. It’s a symbol of welcome for special guests.
> See the recipe

You can also enjoy many other cuisines in French Guiana: Brazilian, Chinese, and Javanese, among others.

To find a place to eat, visit the site of the French Guiana Hotel, Restaurant, Café & Discotheque Owners Association

The Markets

Fruit and vegetable markets are a good way to learn about Guianese culture and an opportunity to try the local specialties on the spot…

In Cayenne
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays on Avenue du Président Monnerville.

In St-Laurent
Wednesdays and Saturdays until about 1 PM in the market square, Place du Marché.

In Cacao
Every Sunday until about 1 PM – Laotian specialties and crafts.

In Javouhey
Every Sunday (starting early in the morning) – Laotian specialties and crafts.

In Kourou
Tuesdays and Fridays in the new town and Saturdays in the old town.