Barbados is set to become the epicenter of Caribbean culinary excellence as it hosts the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean event from November 16-18, 2025. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), this highly anticipated gathering will convene national culinary teams from across the region at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort. The event serves as the Caribbean’s premier showcase for gastronomy, professional development, and cultural exchange within the food and beverage industry.
A Culinary Crossroads in Barbados
The Taste of the Caribbean, a long-standing tradition celebrating its roots back to 1993, is more than just a competition; it’s a vital platform for fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and elevating the culinary standards across the islands. After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has returned with renewed vigor, and its selection of Barbados as the host for 2025 underscores the island’s growing significance in the regional food scene. This year’s event runs concurrently with the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), a key forum for hospitality leaders, creating a dynamic synergy of industry insights and culinary artistry.
The Competing Nations and Culinary Stars
This year’s competition will feature formidable national teams representing eleven diverse Caribbean destinations: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These talented teams, comprised of seasoned chefs, rising junior talents, skilled pastry artists, and innovative bartenders, will go head-to-head in a series of demanding challenges. The culinary battles aim to highlight the unique flavors, ingredients, and heritage that define each island’s gastronomic identity.
Barbados, the host nation, enters the competition with significant momentum. The Barbados National Culinary Team is aiming for a remarkable “three-peat” after being crowned the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year in 2024 and previously in 2019. The 2025 Barbados team includes Senior Chef Rynaldo Joseph, Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin, Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton, and Mixologist Alex Chandler, supported by a dedicated management and coaching team.
Showcasing Skill and Innovation Across Categories
The competition unfolds across several key categories, celebrating the breadth of culinary and mixology expertise. These include Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef, and Bartender. Competitors will be judged on creativity, technique, presentation, and the skillful utilization of ingredients. The culmination of the event is the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, where top honors such as Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, and the coveted Caribbean National Team of the Year are bestowed.
Preliminary results indicate a strong showing for Bonaire, which secured the title of Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year. Jake Kelkboom of Bonaire was named Caribbean Chef of the Year, and Elise Weerstand earned the Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year award. Barbados’s Alex Chandler impressed as the Caribbean Bartender of the Year and also received the Most Creative Bartender award. Gabrielle Martin from Turks & Caicos Islands took home the Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year title, among other accolades for the island’s team.
Beyond the Competition: Education and Inspiration
Taste of the Caribbean is equally dedicated to professional development and the advancement of culinary arts throughout the region. The event features live demonstrations, interactive tasting showcases, and educational sessions led by regional and international experts. These sessions delve into current trends, sustainable practices, hospitality management, and the art of creating unique recipes. CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma emphasizes that the event is designed to empower culinary and hospitality professionals, providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive and act as culinary ambassadors for their destinations and the wider Caribbean.
The partnerships and sponsorships from entities like Angostura, Certified Angus Beef, and the National Watermelon Board highlight the event’s broad industry support and the specific ingredients that often form part of the culinary challenges.
As Barbados welcomes these culinary athletes, the island and the entire Caribbean region anticipate an event that will not only crown champions but also illuminate the rich tapestry of Caribbean food and drink, further cementing its status as a premier global culinary destination. The news today underscores the vibrant and evolving gastronomic landscape of the Caribbean.