While staying in St. Kitts, one does not have to eat at expensive diners all the time. There are many local places to eat for about $2.00 to $3.00 usd per person. In downtown Basseterre there are many. For example, by the "round about" on the way from Basseterre to the airport there are a few local places. Very good local food. Friday and Sat. Night at the same "round about" there are vendors selling the best BBQ chicken and ribs. Very inexpensive. Don't be afraid to ask the locals where they eat.
If you plan to rent a car and are on a tight budget, check out J's Place at the foot of Brimstone Hill. Very inexpensive, but out of the way. Upside to that is you would be neat Sprat Net, which is open on the weekends and in my opinion, the best place to eat on the Island.
If you visit Brimstone Hill (A must) eat at Ian's place up there. Eat local food. He does serve hot dog and hamburger but the local food is so much better.
On the Saturdays, you must try the local soup called "Goat Water" very, very good. Not made from goat but from bits of lamb. You can find most little diners serve it on Saturday.
Saturday is market day, and if you are adventurous, go to the markey and try out some of the stuff. The Market is on Bay Rd. Just ask anyone.
You cannot get real directions from people as there isn't any real addresses so ask. Most locals will walk you there. They are not looking for money. But a little tip won't hurt. They may or may not take it.
The down side. Sorry folks, everyplace has it's downside. Do not walk around downtown Basseterre at night alone (especially females) and do not carry a purse. Stay away from near Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Ferry terminal at night. There are some less than honest folks that like to hang out around there.
So the obvious is: How do I know this stuff? I lived on the Island for 5 years. Loved it but had to get back to reality. Had enough sun, surf and fun.
Great place....have a wonderful holiday. The ppl of SKB are very friendly and helpful. If you find the service at diners a bit aloof or unfriendly....it is not meant to be so, the local ppl are not N. American or European...Thank God they have thier culture. Appreciate thier differences, learn to dance while there and watch out for the Rum Punch...It punches back!