Martinique Gourmande Festival: A Taste of the Island Across Quebec
Every September, a little slice of Martinique arrives in Quebec, bringing with it the scents of Creole kitchens and the rhythms of Caribbean culture. The Martinique Gourmande Festival, now in its 18th year, runs from September 9 through 21, 2025, turning Montreal and Quebec City into stages for Martinique’s culinary heritage.
Known internationally as the Island of Flowers, Martinique is famed for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and storied food traditions. The festival offers a window into that world, spotlighting the island’s rich mix of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Visitors can taste their way through a program that blends gourmet dining, cultural experiences, and hands-on discovery.
This year, more than 50 participating restaurants across Quebec — including Montreal and Quebec City — will feature Martinique-inspired menus. Local chefs are working alongside Martinican culinary ambassadors to showcase dishes like accras de morue (salt-cod fritters), Creole boudin sausage, spiced seafood, and desserts fragrant with tropical fruit. Rhum agricole, one of Martinique’s proudest exports, takes centre stage in cocktail creations, while wine pairings explore the island’s terroir.
Beyond the dining rooms, the festival spills into public spaces. Street-food kiosks, cooking workshops, and market pop-ups invite Quebecers to taste Creole specialties in a convivial, open-air atmosphere. Cultural programming layers in music, storytelling, and artisanal crafts, turning the event into more than just a food fair — it’s a celebration of Martinique’s identity.
Visitors can also expect thematic evenings dedicated to rum pairings and fresh seafood, along with family-friendly activities that bring the island’s festive spirit to life.
“Martinique Gourmande is an invitation to travel,” the organizers note, “an opportunity to discover the flavours, aromas, and warmth of our island without leaving Quebec.” For 13 days, gourmands, culture seekers, and anyone curious about the Caribbean will find a reason to celebrate.
So whether you’re booking a table at a participating restaurant or simply wandering through one of the festival’s public events, consider this your passport to Martinique.
