{"id":7369,"date":"2023-06-16T13:28:46","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T17:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/?p=7369"},"modified":"2023-06-16T13:40:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T17:40:39","slug":"discovering-the-flavors-of-barbados-a-foodies-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbados.org\/blog\/discovering-the-flavors-of-barbados-a-foodies-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering the Flavors of Barbados: A Foodie’s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From fresh seafood to local delicacies, the cuisine of Barbados is rich, flavorful, and unique. Let’s explore some of the must-try island dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing Fishy About It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most iconic dishes of Barbados is flying fish<\/strong>, a delicacy that’s a must-try for any foodie visiting the island. This fish is often prepared in a traditional Bajan style, which involves seasoning it with salt, pepper and herbs before coating with flour, egg & breadcrumbs, and pan-frying to crispy golden brown perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying fish is often served with sides like rice and peas, macaroni pie, and coleslaw<\/strong>, making for a truly delicious and satisfying meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Fried flying fish with rice & peas and macaroni pie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Served up with cou-cou <\/strong>(a polenta-style dish made from cornmeal & okra) it forms our national dish<\/strong>. You’ll also find flying fish deliciously nested in a warm salt bread for a quick lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other popular fish that we Bajans enjoy are marlin, mahi mahi, kingfish, tuna, and barracuda. For some of the freshest fish & lobster on the island be sure to check out the Oistins Fish Fry<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Grilled
Grilled mahi mahi with mashed potatoes, salad, and gravy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fishcakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make a batter of salted fish, fresh herbs and flour then drop a large spoonful in oil and fry to golden brown perfection… that’s a Bajan fishcake<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tasty treats are a favourite for breakfast or as an appetizer. Bajans also like to grab a “bread & two”<\/em> (2 fishcakes in a soft salt bread) for a quick, satisfying bite on the go. Hint: be sure to top your fishcakes with some Bajan pepper sauce!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Fishcakes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most Bajans have a love for pork and we particularly devour it in Pudding & Souse<\/strong> a traditional Friday or Saturday lunch dish. The pork is pickled with cucumber, lime and herbs to form the souse<\/em>, while sweet potato is steamed to make the pudding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bajan
Pudding & Souse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lean pork is an increasingly popular choice for making souse, while traditionalists prefer it made with the conventional pig ear, snout, tongue and trotters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pork is also commonly used roasted <\/strong>with herbs or stewed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chicken is a staple on most Bajans tables with fried chicken, stewed chicken, jerk chicken, and chicken soup (with vegetables & dumplings) being popular recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Roasted
Roasted chicken with greens, roasted butternut squash, and tomatoes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On The Sweeter Side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Barbados has plenty of desserts, pastries, and confectionaries to satisfy your cravings! One of the most popular is coconut bread<\/strong>, a sweet bread that’s made with shredded coconut, raisins and dried cherries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut is also the star ingredient in two other sweet treats – sugar cakes<\/strong> and turnovers<\/strong>! Be sure to also try some of the local confectionaries… our favourites are sweet & sour tamarind balls<\/strong>, peppermint comforts<\/strong>, and crunchy nut cakes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sugar cakes, guava jelly, nut cake, and tamarind balls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, no foodie’s guide to Barbados would be complete without a mention of the island’s rum<\/strong>. Barbados is known for its rum, and there are several distilleries on the island where you can take a tour and learn about the history and production of this iconic spirit. Be sure to try a Bajan rum punch, a refreshing cocktail made with rum, lime juice, sugar, and nutmeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n