Turks and Caicos Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
It's possible to find vegetarian dishes at many of the restaurants in the Turks and Caicos Islands, though admittedly, the overall selection is slimmer than what you would likely find back home. There are no dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants in the Turks and Caicos. Vegan dishes are harder to find, but some restaurants do serve them. Where possible, many establishments are happy to create vegetarian versions of dishes or other modifications upon request.
As an arid, tropical archipelago, the Turks and Caicos doesn’t have a strong agricultural industry. Not much produce is grown locally. Providenciales is home to one hydroponic farm that grows tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and sprouts, and a second that specializes in sprouts and herbs. Likewise, a few upscale resorts have small hydroponic gardens to raise herbs and greens.
The island of North Caicos has long been the garden island of the country, thanks to its more fertile soil and greater rainfall. North Caicos has a few farms that grow peppers, tomatoes, legumes, papaya, squash, and sweet potatoes. Due to the limited agriculture in the Turks and Caicos, nearly all produce is imported into the country from the United States.
Featured Vegetarian Dishes
Salads, Veggie Burgers, and More
For salads, a great option is simply the self-serve salad bar at the Graceway Gourmet supermarket in central Grace Bay. The salad bar is stocked with dozens of types of fresh greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheeses, and dressings. Salads are sold by weight.
Several restaurants serve vegetarian burgers. Big Al’s Island Grill serves a black bean burger, a veggie burger, and a portabella mushroom burger. They also offer a grilled veggie panini, an arugula salad, and a Caprese salad.
Thai Orchid, located at the Regent Village in Grace Bay, has a menu that includes several vegetarian dishes, with a steamed vegetable salad, spicy tofu, vegetable curry, and more. Turks Kebab, also in Grace Bay, is a Mediterranean restaurant with some salads and appetizers that are meatless. Bay Bistro, Solana, Baci Ristorante, and Mango Reef all also have very wide menus, which have some vegetarian choices as well.
For a range of plant-based dishes, try The Farm on Grace Bay. This restaurant grows some of its produce and herbs onsite in its hydroponic garden and has a range of vegetable-centric meals on offer.
For breakfast, coffee, teas, and snacks, some great options include Crest & Berry, Lemon 2 Go, Shay Café, and Beans & Leaves.
Private Chef Services
For guests staying at a vacation villa, another option that works well for those with dietary and food concerns is to arrange the services of a private chef. Providenciales is home to many talented chefs, and dishes can be created to conform exactly to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and even kosher needs.