A few weeks ago I shared some of my family’s favourite sweet treats in Key West, Florida.
I’m back with another Good Eats in Key West recommendation and this time it’s seafood.
Known as the Conch Republic, Key West is a popular port of call for many cruises including the 5 night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Wonder.
So naturally along with key lime pie, we had to try the much talked about conch fritters during our few hours in the Conch Republic.
My husband and I have had conch several times (at local Chinese restaurants, in Hong Kong and Jamaica) but never in fritter form.
After disembarking at Mallory Square, we walked towards the Key West Aquarium and low and behold a little food stall right next to it called out to us.
Well, OK that didn’t exactly happen BUT who can resist the menu and the colorful signs?!
There’s quite a variety of dishes to try at Key West Conch Fritters and it took us a while decide what to order. Clam strips, calamari, or just fritters?
We eventually decided on just the conch fritters – no need to fill ourselves up with other things we can get at home.
There was a fair amount of people lining up at the food stall that day so we had to wait about 10 minutes before our food was ready.
Foodies, you know when you’re so excited to eat you forget to take a bunch of pictures for your scrapbook or Instagram? Yep, here’s the only two photos I found on my camera.
The conch fritters were delicious. Perfectly battered and deep fried – crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
What Mr. Kids On A Plane and I liked most was the key lime mustard (not shown in any of the photos – again, I was too anxious to eat! – but you can find the mustard at the side of the food stand along with ketchup) – sweet, sour and a little bit spicy all at the same time. Trust me when I say it was gooooooooood. As in, if they bottled it and sold it I would buy an entire case and bring it home!
The kids enjoyed the fritters too but they chose to eat it without the mustard – it was just too tangy for their tastebuds.
After a few hours exploring the island, my husband and I debated whether or not to order another tray of conch fritters before getting back on the ship. We were sweating buckets (it was 31C / 88F that day), the kids were cranky and we just wanted to go back to our air conditioned room and take a nap.
Conch isn’t readily available here in Toronto, especially prepared as a fritter, so now I regret not sweating it out for just a few more minutes with fussy children in tow to get that second tray!
Key West Conch Fritters food stand is 5 minutes walking distance from the ship dock so you can enjoy conch fritters at the beginning of the day or at the end.
If you’re headed to Key West, Florida, make sure you indulge in a tray of conch fritters. Or two. You won’t regret it.
Key West Conch Fritters
Wall St & Whitehead St (right next to the Key West Aquarium)
Key West, FL 33040
United States
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Man, you have my mouth watering with your description! Love the sound of the tangy mustard too. I too would not be able to resist that adorable stand!
I’ve never tried conch before but these fritters both sounds and look amazing!
I have never tried conch and am not a big seafood eater but the fritters did look amazing!