Food and grocery shopping in Tobago is an experience that will either bring extreme frustration or a huge smile to your face. Allow lots of time. Shopping on Tobago is not something that can be hurried. Tobago time operates in a different dimension and "hurrying" is a guaranteed way of raising blood pressure and creating tension.
Forget about hypermarkets and huge department stores. Forget about stock control, laden or logically laid-out shelves. One goes shopping to see what is available, not to buy specific items. Never assume that something that is on the shelf today will be there tomorrow.
Every village has one or more small shops or mini-marts selling basic 'local' supplies. The range of commodities available are minimal and many staples are only available in economy sizes. Be prepared to buy airtight food containers to keep ants at bay.
The main supermarkets are listed on this page and are normally open until 8:30pm Monday to Saturday, and to 1pm on Sunday. They close or operate to limited hours on public holidays. They accept credit card, but require identification, so be sure to take your photo-licence or passport. We are only listing the major supermarkets as these are the most likely to be of interest to visitors. The location of most small supermarkets and minimarts can be found on our main location map.
You will find fruit and vegetable stalls everywhere along the road, even in the very smallest villages. Our favourite places to buy fresh vegetables are Bon Accord Food Basket and Public Demand Fruit & Veg , both in Bon Accord. A useful place for fresh and frozen meat straight from the farm is the Golden Grove Farm Shop . We show the location of a number of small recommended fruit and vegetable shops and stalls on our interacte map and encourage readers to notify us whenever they come across an outlet that could be usefully included on our list.
Those expecting exciting retail therapy are going to be disappointed with their holiday on Tobago. I'm not complaining because this lack of commercialisation is a major part of what draws so many of us back to Tobago time and time again.
Local souvenirs are limited to wood carvings, leather sandals, bags, tams (head covering) and non-precious jewellery, much of which are made by the Rasta community.
Local rum is cheap and of very high quality. White Oak is a popular brand. Please note that civil aviation authorities ban the transport of alcohol where the percentage of alcohol by volume is greater than 70% (140 proof), both in checked and cabin luggage. So, think twice before treating yourself to the 75% Puncheon rum.
Please remember that trade in many animals, plants and products made from them is controlled internationally to safeguard endangered species. It may be illegal to import some items; or a licence may be required to do so. Failure to comply with these laws may result in confiscation of the items plus a heavy fine.
As far as Tobago, goes, the prohibition primarily applies to conch shells and corals - including hand-crafted jewellery incorporating coral fragments. Take no notice of any seller's claim that it is okay to take such items home - IT IS NOT OK.