After the turning point of love, I present to you another culinary specialty of Les Saintes: “Les crêpes de poisson Saintoises” (Saintoise fish pancakes).

In the heart of the Guadeloupe archipelago, Les Saintes is brimming with little-known culinary treasures. Among them, Saintoises fish pancakes stand out for their subtle blend of Creole tradition and gastronomic finesse. This generous dish, inspired by both French and Caribbean influences, is a must-try for lovers of local cuisine.

Origins and tradition

Saintoise fish pancakes have their roots in the ingenuity of Caribbean cooks, who adapted recipes from mainland France to local ingredients. This dish is typically served on holidays or during Sunday family meals. It features all the richness of the seafood that Saintes is known for, particularly fresh white fish (often snapper, tuna, or sea bream).

A tasty recipe

The recipe begins with the preparation of a slightly salted crêpe batter flavored with nutmeg or chives. The filling consists of flaked fish, which is first poached or pan-fried, then mixed with a Creole béchamel sauce enriched with garlic, local onions, mild chili peppers, and sometimes lime zest for freshness.

The crepes are then filled and rolled, and the whole thing is baked in the oven until it has a golden, melt-in-the-mouth crust.

A dish with a thousand variations

Depending on the family or restaurant, you can find variations with seafood or crab. However, purists prefer the version with local white fish, whose firm flesh goes perfectly with the sweetness of the crepe.

How to enjoy them?

Served as a starter or main course with a crisp green salad, Saintes fish crepes are ideally accompanied by a planteur punch or a lemon ti-punch. It is a convivial, comforting dish that perfectly illustrates the warmth and generosity of Caribbean cuisine.

As soon as you arrive in Terre de Haut in the morning, head to the Bourg. 

Opposite the fish market, you will find two fish crepe vendors. They also offer small patties filled with a mixture of crab, fish, meat, or cod. 

Don't hesitate to buy some, as they are only available in the morning ;-)