Team Barbados has done it again! The island’s finest chefs kept their crown as the Caribbean’s culinary kings and queens, successfully defending their title as National Culinary Team of the Year at the 2024 Taste of the Caribbean awards.
In a display of skill and creativity, the team proved that when it comes to Caribbean cuisine, Barbados continues to set the gold standard.
The team’s success didn’t stop there. Rising star Dejuan Toppin showcased the next generation of Bajan culinary talent by claiming the prestigious Junior Chef of the Year title, while mixologist Alex Chandler impressed judges with his innovative creation to win Best Non-Alcoholic Drink. These individual honors further cemented Barbados’ fine showing at the competition.
Barbados and Cayman Islands were the only national teams to cop gold medals, while silver medals went to Bahamas, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, & Turks and Caicos.
CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Vanessa Ledesma explained: “Beyond showcasing our region’s exceptional and diverse culinary and mixology offerings, Taste of the Caribbean is a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, providing essential resources, and cultivating opportunities that empower Caribbean culinary and hospitality professionals to thrive”
These award-winning achievements highlight why Barbados is truly a food lover’s paradise. Visitors can taste this culinary excellence for themselves by joining one of the island’s popular food tours, where local guides share the secrets behind our world-class cuisine.
From traditional Bajan delicacies to innovative modern dishes, you’ll discover why our chefs are the Caribbean’s finest. Come hungry, leave inspired – and experience firsthand why Barbadian cuisine continues to earn top honors on the international stage:
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