Fish tea is not really a tea as the name implies. This piping hot concoction, seasoned with the hottest of peppers, is a soupy mixture containing two of Cayman’s main staple dishes of long ago – fish and ground provisions. Add a bit of thyme and some salt and you are well on your way.

Sample a cup of Cayman fish tea and experience a taste of traditional island food, Cayman style.
 
While the Jet Ski racers are heating up the action during the East End Surf Challenge on 26 January, the Flowers Bottled Water Fish Tea Cook-Off participants will be cooking up some spicy treats on the shore.
 
According to Shane Edwards, the event organiser, many different species of fish can be used, although grouper was an old-time favourite. Other classic ingredients include cassava, yam, green banana, pumpkin, sweet potato and cho-cho, all cooked in coconut milk with some black pepper and season-all.
 
Of course, each cook has a special recipe, veiled in secrecy and legend and none of them are forthcoming on what makes their fish tea special.
The spicy soup looks and tastes much better than the name implies – just watch out for the bones.
 
Some cooks will removed the bones, but when you get the natural soup in a natural setting it is the real thing.
 
Fish tea has long been the central point of social gatherings. Start a party, set up a domino table and the rest is history they say.
 
“People all over the district made the tea; it was a crucial part of the social gatherings and parties. I can remember it always being on hand during the famous New Year’s Eve parties in the district. What a time,” says Shane.
 
As in previous years, the public will have their say in the fish tea competition.
 
“People will be able to taste the fish tea for free and we will give tickets to them to make a selection of who they think is best for the People’s Choice award. However the first, second and third places will be determined by three judges who will do a taste test,” says Shane.
 
The East End Surf Challenge is sponsored by What’s Hot, Flowers Bottled Water, Massive, Naya Wear, Maedac Supply, Red Bull, First Impression, Hot 104.1 and Cayman Screen Print.   WH