Discover essential equipment needed for starting a successful Caribbean restaurant in the U.S., from commercial pressure cookers to heavy-duty blenders.
Starting a Caribbean restaurant in the U.S. is an exciting venture. The taste of the Caribbean is like a soothing breeze for those who yearn for the flavors of home. However, making these dishes at home is different than making them in a restaurant. So, what equipment does a successful Caribbean restaurant need? We answer that question for you below.
Commercial Pressure Cooker
A commercial pressure cooker is essential for tenderizing oxtails, goat meat, and other tough cuts of meat commonly found in Caribbean cuisine. The high-pressure environment allows for faster cooking times, ensuring your meats are perfectly tender—a hallmark of a well-prepared curry goat or oxtail stew.
Consider investing in a commercial meat cutter as well, since they can help you easily slice these tough cuts before you put them in the pressure cooker. That said, a commercial meat cutter can save your restaurant money.
Roti Tawa or Flat Griddle
Roti, a staple in Caribbean food, requires a specific type of hot plate to achieve its distinctive texture. A Roti Tawa or flat griddle provides an evenly heated surface important for cooking flatbreads to perfection. The even heat allows the roti to puff up, indicating you’ve cooked it just right—soft on the inside but with a slight crisp on the outside. Perfect for scooping up curry or wrapping savory fillings!
Calypso Burner
A calypso burner comes in handy for those mouthwatering street foods such as jerk chicken or grilled seafood. The Calypso burner simulates the high heat and smoky environment of traditional Caribbean grilling, crucial for achieving the authentic char and flavor profile that is synonymous with Caribbean barbeque.
Look for other high-quality grills if you can’t find a Calypso burner you like. The most important thing is getting your restaurant running and using proper ingredients to replicate the distinct Caribbean flavors. You can always invest in a Calypso burner you love later.
Industrial Food Processor
Many Caribbean dishes boast a blend of fresh herbs and spices. An industrial food processor saves time and ensures consistency when creating these blends for marinades and seasonings. A heavy-duty food processor can handle the volume and provide a fine, consistent paste every time, whether you’re making the infamous jerk spice blend, green seasoning, or a smooth coconut curry base.
Heavy-Duty Blender
Besides savory dishes, people celebrate Caribbean cuisine for its array of tropical drinks. A heavy-duty blender is a must-have to crush ice and blend fruits for smoothies, cocktails, and other beverages like the refreshing mauby or soursop punch. Quick, efficient, and powerful, it ensures a silky-smooth texture for the perfect drink to cool down a spicy meal.
While you can try to blend tropical drinks in a food processor, most people prefer blenders for wet recipes because of the tall jar.
Now you know what equipment a successful Caribbean restaurant needs to get started. You will need more equipment than this and may have to start with substitutes until you find the equipment you love. However, you can get the equipment you need and start sharing delicious Caribbean food sooner rather than later with passionate dedication.
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