Welcome to the island paradise of Barbados, where the sun, sand, and sea are not the only things that will tantalize your senses. The island is renowned for its vibrant food culture, which is a fusion of African, Indian, and British influences. If you’re a food lover, then you’re in for a treat as we take you on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance. “Feast like a Bajan” is a guide that will introduce you to the best food and drink spots on the island, from street food vendors to fine dining restaurants. You will learn about the local delicacies and how to cook them, the best rum distilleries, and where to find the freshest seafood. Get ready to indulge in dishes like flying fish, cou cou, macaroni pie, and rum punch, and experience the island’s unique flavors and aromas. So, let’s dive into the world of Bajan cuisine and discover why it’s a food lover’s paradise!

One of the best ways to get acquainted with any culture is through its cuisine.

There’s just something about food that really gets to the heart of people and reflects who they are in fascinating ways. So what does Bajan food say about the culture of Barbados? Well, the first words that come to mind are “comfort food!”

Must-try Bajan dishes

Bajan cuisine is made up of a mixture of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British influences, which makes for a fabulously interesting flavor palate. There are so many delicious foods to try, but if you really want to eat like a Bajan, here are some of the must-try dishes that will take you on a culinary journey of the island:

Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of Barbados and a must-try for any food lover. Flying fish is a local delicacy that is usually served with cou cou, which is a mixture of cornmeal and okra. The fish is seasoned with herbs and spices, and then steamed or fried to perfection. The cou cou is then served on the side, and it’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. In fact, Barbados is known as “the land of the flying fish”! This mild fish is especially plentiful in Barbados’ waters, so it has become Barbados’ national fish, immortalized on coins, artwork, and even the official logo of The Barbados Tourism Authority.

Macaroni pie is a popular side dish that is similar to mac and cheese, but with a Bajan twist. The dish is made with elbow macaroni, cheese, and a creamy sauce that is seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s then baked until golden brown and served hot. It’s affectionately called simply “pie” by the Bajans, and is sometimes served with fried flying fish or chicken. The jury is still out on this, but some people have called it the best mac and cheese dish you’ll ever have!

Photo credit to The Little French Bakery

Pudding and Souse is another popular delicacy in Barbados traditionally served on Saturdays. The pudding is actually a black and white pudding made with sweet potato and herbs, and it’s served with soused pork, picked in cucumber, onion, and lime juice. Pudding and souse is so popular in Barbados that there’s actually a souse factory in Cliff Land! It’s a great place to spend a leisurely Saturday and taste a variety of Bajan pork dishes — not to mention some of the best rum in the Caribbean. Bottoms up!

Photo credit to Angie Torres.

You can satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious Nut Cake. The name is a bit misleading since it’s not actually a cake in the traditional sense. Instead, a sugar mixture is boiled into a liquid consistency, and then spices and peanuts are added. It’s kind of like peanut brittle formed into round, flat pieces.

You’ll see fish cakes everywhere! They’re a popular street food in Barbados and a must-try for any food lover. Fish cakes are made with salted codfish, herbs, and spices, and then fried until crispy. They are usually served with a spicy pepper sauce, and they make the perfect snack or appetizer. Yum!

The history and culture behind Bajan food

Bajan cuisine is a reflection of the island’s rich history and culture. The island was first inhabited by the Arawaks and Caribs, who were skilled hunters and fishermen. They were later joined by African slaves who brought with them their own culinary traditions. The British also had a significant influence on the island’s food culture, as they introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques.

Today, Bajan cuisine is a fusion of these different influences, resulting in a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. The island is known for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices, which are used to create flavorful dishes that are loved by locals and visitors alike.

We learned this while on a Lickrish Food Tour! Our incredible tour guide brought us around to various spots throughout Bridgetown — all the while explaining about local sights, the history and the foods we were trying!

We highly suggest going on a food tour in any new location to better discover local hot spots that most tourists may not know about: this is where you’ll find some of the most incredible local flavors. This is exactly what happened on the Lickrish tour! As an added bonus three people in our group had birthdays that week (including Curtiss!) so everyone was feeling extra festive!

Where to find the best local cuisine in Barbados

If you’re looking to sample some of the best local cuisine in Barbados, then there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to dine on the island:

Oistins Fish Fry: This is a must-visit for any food lover in Barbados. Every Friday night, the town of Oistins comes alive with a vibrant fish fry that features fresh seafood, live music, and dancing. You can sample everything from grilled lobster to fried fish cakes, and it’s the perfect place to mingle with locals and visitors alike. It’s a super fun, casual setting for enjoying the local eats and limin’ — which means hangin’ out and relaxing. Make sure to leave your watch at home — you’re on island time, now!

If you’re in Barbados in April, you’ve gotta hit the Oistins Fish Festival, a deliciously exciting multi-day celebration! The festival is usually held on the weekend before Easter. Both locals and tourists attend the festival to cheer for competitions like greased-pole-climbing and fish-boning. There’s also karaoke and lots of street vendors selling toys for the kids, souvenirs made by local craftsmen, and of course — all kinds of fish! This is an ideal place to try out those fish cakes we talked about.

The main focus of the festival, though, is to honor the hard-working Bajans who make up the fishing industry in Barbados. Aside from tourism, this is the life force of the island, and it’s beautiful to see the community throwing this awesome party for the people who essentially feed everyone else!

Cuz’s Fish Stand: This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Cuz’s Fish Stand is located on the beach in Bridgetown and serves up some of the best fish sandwiches on the island. The sandwiches are made with fresh fish that is grilled to perfection, and they are served with a spicy pepper sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Champers: If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Barbados, then Champers is the place to be. The restaurant is located on the coast and offers stunning views of the sea. The menu features fresh seafood and local delicacies, and the wine list is extensive.

Popular Bajan drinks and cocktails

No trip to Barbados is complete without sampling some of the island’s popular drinks and cocktails. Here are some of the must-try drinks and cocktails:

Rum punch: This is the national drink of Barbados and a must-try for any visitor. The drink is made with rum, lime juice, sugar, and spices, and it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. We drank mannnny rum punches, during our stay. ;-) 

Mauby: This is a popular drink in Barbados that is made from the bark of the mauby tree. The drink is sweet and bitter, and it’s the perfect way to refresh yourself on a hot day.

Pineapple rum: This is a popular rum drink in Barbados that is made with fresh pineapple juice and rum. It’s the perfect drink to sip on while watching the sunset.

Last but not least, a couple of Bajan cuisine disclaimers:

1. Bajan hot sauce is not for the faint of heart! Like many Caribbean cultures, Bajans looove their spicy foods. So make sure you test a small amount before dousing your food with it.
2. The dolphin isn’t really dolphin. Don’t worry; if you see dolphin on a restaurant menu, know that it’s the word used for mahi mahi. No actual dolphins were harmed in the creation of that delicious dish you’re checking out.
3. Grab a cold one. No matter what you’re eating, make sure you’ve got a refreshing Banks beer close at hand — and take the brewery tour, if you get a chance!
4. Rum punch is a food group. You can’t enjoy Barbados without a sweet and tangy rum punch! Do be careful though, because they go down very easily and pack quite the punch (pardon my pun.)
5. Don’t forget to tip! Tipping is usually around 10% – 15% in Barbados. 

No matter what your tastes, you’re bound to find something in Barbados that tickles your fancy — and your tastebuds! You can also check out some of our other experiences in Barbados from the luxurious to the… er… piratey. Bottom line: we love this gorgeous island destination and know you will too. Happy limin’!

Enjoy this post? Pin it for later!