Everyone thinks grits are Southern. This Caribbean island is changing the narrative.
April 15, 2026 / Authentic FoodAuthentic Food explored the deep cultural roots of grits in Turks & Caicos, with Rock House serving as the backdrop for the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival’s Headliner’s Dinner. The feature highlighted Rock House Executive Chef Rakesh Bahadur’s take on the island’s beloved staple, showcasing how he incorporates grits into dishes featuring local ingredients such as conch, red snapper, grouper, pigtail, and oxtail. The story also explored how grits evolved into an important part of Turks & Caicos’ culinary identity, moving beyond its Southern associations to become a distinctly Caribbean tradition.