Weekend Shout Out to Montserrat's National Dish: Goat Water

Montserrat's national dish is the tasty and heartwarming stew called Goat Water. Served piping hot, with tender chunks of herb-flavoured goat meat, this thick stew is usually accompanied by freshly baked rolls or slices of local butter bread.

 

 

Montserratians love this national dish, and while you will not find a wedding, funeral repast, or national celebration without it on the menu, it isn't only reserved for special occasions. Every Friday, somewhere on the island, you can purchase a bowl of goat water. While no two cooks make the dish the same, it can be enjoyed by many as it is not spicy and is quite filling.

 

Every Friday morning, John Fergus at The People's Place on Hilltop sets up his coal pot out front with a big stainless-steel pot for his goat water. Uncle John's goat water moves quickly, so it's a good idea to pull over and order yours before it's all gone.

 

You can find goat water every Friday by noon at Miss Juliet at the Boiling Point in Little Bay. Be prepared to have a good laugh as the conversations are always lively and Miss Juliet has a great sense of humour. Also on her menu are spareribs, liver, macaroni pie, and potato salad.

 

The ladies at Martin's Takeaway in Salem also serve goat water on Fridays. You will want to take a cup to go because you will probably eat the first serving right on the spot. During festival season, be sure to ask if any ducana is on the menu. Be prepared to leave with some of their tasty desserts, such as potato pudding and coconut tarts. They have truly mastered Montserrat's traditional cuisine.

 

On a Saturday morning in Carr's Bay, you will find Miss Annie under the sea grape tree serving this smooth brown goodness along with other local favourites like green banana, dasheen, breadfruit and saltfish.

 

While they do not have public food outlets, two other great chefs who have mastered Montserrat's goat water are Dr Gregory Julius and Patricia West. They are available for private catering events.

 

 

Source: Visit Montserrat