Learn about St Helena's Culture & Cuisine

One of St Helena’s greatest attractions is its unique culture. A heart-warmingly friendly population of fewer than 4,500. A true melting pot of the peoples and nationalities that have transited the island over the past 500 years. Saints are deeply connected to nature, extremely prideful in their island, and hold strong family and community values. In such a remote, tight-knit community everyone knows everyone, and the driver of each car waves to each other as they pass.

Saint culture is experienced with all the senses

It’s the taste of fresh yet gorgeously oily sustainably caught fish, fried straight out of the sea. The juicy sweetness of fruit picked straight off the tree. The herby, potatoey goodness of a fishcake, and the comforting, warming flavours of Saint curry.

It’s the sound of birds roosting in the trees at sunset in the capital of Jamestown, back-dropped by the rolling waves lapping up at the seafront and the gentle chatter of Saint dialect on the Georgian streets.

It’s the smell of frying onions, curry powder and herbs wafting out of the small Georgian houses. The pureness of the fresh, clean air. The scent of the ocean – crisp and free from seaweed – wafting inland.

It’s the sight of dramatic, blindingly orange sunsets at the ocean’s horizon. The diversity of vibrant greens, blues and oranges dominating the tranquil landscape. The quiet, Georgian streets of Jamestown dotted with history at every turn.

It’s the feeling of a Saint’s warm welcome, the freedom you experience, and the connection you create with the people and things you care most about.

The people

Being Saint is about having pride in the tiny island and its unique, tight-knit community. It is about loving the safety provided by an island free from extreme weather events, dangerous animals, war and political unrest – and where serious crime is a rarity. Being Saint is about feeling a deep connection to the natural environment, and possessing a resourcefulness and resilience inherent when facing the challenges of extreme isolation.

Untouched by rapid technological advancement until recent decades, St Helena has retained a traditional British lifestyle. Its residents cherish face-to-face interactions, blending the familiar comforts of Britain with a unique island identity, such as pairing a traditional British Sunday roast with a Saint curry.

With just 4,200 residents St Helena is a place where everyone knows everyone. The driver of each car waves as they pass each other. It is a place where you can disconnect from technology, and reconnect with what really matters in life. The friendliness of the people; the positive work-life balance; and the sense of a true and safe community. It’s a culture both comfortingly familiar and heart-warmingly different.

The food

Food is a central part of Saint culture. It’s considered an essential element of any get-together. On weekends its common to have a ‘cook-up’ (BBQ/braai), to take a packed lunch on a round-the-island drive, or gather as a family around a massive Sunday lunch spread.

St Helena’s cuisine exemplifies the island’s melting-pot nature, the strong connection to the ocean, and the importance of dietary staples. Traditional dishes include plo (a curried rice, meat and veg dish reminiscent of pilaf), fishcakes, curry (often beef, goat or tuna) and fried fish or eel.

Rice and potatoes feature heavily in St Helena cuisine, as they’re cost-effective foods. St Helena’s sustainably caught tuna is valued highly in the global market. Finger foods and desserts like cheese straws and coconut fingers are popular snacks.

The drink

St Helena Coffee is one of the most highly valued coffees in the world. Just 250g costs £150 at Harrods, but you can enjoy a fresh cup on-island for around £2. The green-tipped bourbon Arabica strain was imported from Yemen in the 1700s and has since remained free from cross-breeding and disease. Visitors can tour a local coffee plantation, and sample freshly roasted coffee, and each October-December can even help to harvest the beans.

The St Helena Distillery is known as the remotest distillery on Earth. They produce a range of spirits and liqueurs charmingly named ‘The Spirit of the Saints’. Visitors can tour the family-run distillery, including tasting the products, which include local gin, rum, and St Helena Coffee liqueur.

Parades & festivals

Public holidays in St Helena typically include parades and festivals and are times of island-wide celebration. A cluster of celebrations takes place during the December festive season. The Festival of Lights is perhaps the most popular, featuring elaborate floats and lights-based outfits parading down Main Street after dark.

Each Easter weekend features traditional fishing on Maundy Thursday, a fish fry on Good Friday with yesterday’s catch and weekend long camping.

21 May marks the island’s national day. The St Helena’s Day celebrations include a traditional opening ceremony, a themed parade and street party, music, fireworks, and stalls.

Every other October, St Helena’s adaption of Carnival take place. Elaborate outfits are on display during this fundraiser event for the local Cancer Awareness & Support Charity.