Traditional Dishes
Trying traditional Bajan cuisine is a must-do on your trip to Barbados. The island is often known as The Land of the Flying Fish, very appropriately named as its national dish is flying fish with cou-cou. Flying Fish is delicious and extremely versatile, it can be fried, steamed or pickled and it comes out truly tasty each time. Cou-cou, made with corn meal is very similar to polenta, with a smooth texture.
If you’re interested in digging into some other classic Barbadian dishes, try macaroni pie. This is a Barbadian take on macaroni and cheese and as one of the most famous dishes on the islands, it won’t disappoint! Find it on the menu in many local restaurants and from street vendors. Fancy something different? Try pudding and souse – a hot pepper pickled pork with spicy sweet potatoes. Insider tip: if you want to eat like a local, you’ll only eat your pudding and souse on a Saturday!
Street Food
Local food doesn’t get more real than the authentic treats served up in the streets. Barbados is known for offering some of the best street food in the world where both visitors and locals are spoiled for choice. Using fresh tropical ingredients, delicious spices and unique preparation, Barbadian street food offers authentic food at great prices without skipping on flavour! Fish cakes are one of the most popular foods available from street vendors and can be enjoyed by itself or in a bun, known as a ‘bread and two’. Hot Legendary Fishcakes in Oistins is renowned for offering some of the best fishcakes around or, you can find them in most rum shops, served along with ham, cheese or fish cutters!
Breadfruit bowls are another Barbadian street food favourite. Breadfruit is a spiky, oval-shaped fruit which, when cooked, tastes like fresh bread. This fruit is hugely popular in the Caribbean and Barbados, in particular. Yelluh Meat in Bridgetown is one of the best places to try breadfruit, offering their famous ‘build your own breadfruit bowl’ menu.
One incredible Street food experience not to be missed is The Friday Night Fish Fry at the Oistins Bay Gardens. With tons of amazing food and fresh seafood on offer, you can be guaranteed to find plenty of options to tickle your taste buds. Enjoy your food amongst art and craft stalls, live music and, of course, an unbeatable Barbadian atmosphere.
Casual Dining
Casual dining in Barbados combines convenience and relaxation with idyllic scenery and, of course, delicious food. Enjoy tasty dishes from all over the world while sitting back and relaxing in a laid back and welcoming atmosphere, in traditional Barbadian style.
From sports bars to coffee shops and fast food outlets, there are plenty of options for a casual bite to eat on the island. Boasting endless stretches of coastline, it’s no surprise that beach bars have grown in popularity in recent years and can be found dotted all over the island. Some beach bar favourites include Blue Pineapple, Nikki Beach, 111 East, Copacabana, The Cliff Beach Club and La Cabane.
There is one thing all the islands casual dining spots have in common – the opportunity to dine alfresco beneath the stunning blue skies! Dining like this is an experience to remember forever. So, whether you fancy a quick affordable snack or more expensive haute cuisine, Barbados has exactly what you’re looking for. Enjoy some of the best-loved casual dining spots such as Blakeys, Just Grilling and The Beach House.
Fine Dining
Treat yourself, you’re on holidays! From Bajan cuisine to Italian, Japanese, Mexican and more, if you want to experience the taste of Barbados at its very best there are a number of fine dining restaurants on the island to choose from. Hailed as one of the Caribbean’s top restaurants, the Cliff Restaurant, located on the upmarket west coast, offers stunning oceanfront views and unrivalled food. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes and top-class service.
Other options include, The Tides, which specializes in exquisitely crafted seafood dishes or Champers, which is known for its consistently great food and offers real value. If you’re in the mood for international dishes and unforgettable panoramic views, be sure to pay a visit to Tapas, located by the picturesque south coast boardwalk.
Do you want to find out more about Barbados’ culinary delights? Check out the Visit Barbados YouTube channel for some delicious recipes and find more information on our website.