Must-try local Barbados foods
Fresh Fish
Seafood is a local cuisine staple and one of the best ways to enjoy local Barbados foods. It is readily available at restaurants and there is plenty to choose from. Some popular fish that are available to eat in Barbados include:- Flying fish is the national fish of Barbados and is often served fried, grilled or pickled. It can be found in many local restaurants and sold at fish markets throughout the island.
- Mahi-mahi - this fish is also known as dorado and is typically grilled, baked or fried. It is readily available at many restaurants in Barbados.
- Tuna - tuna is often grilled or served raw in sushi or sashimi dishes. It can be found at many restaurants in Barbados and is also sold at fish markets.
- Swordfish - this fish is typically grilled or pan-fried and is a popular menu item at many local seafood restaurants.
- Kingfish - this fish is often grilled or fried and readily available at island fish markets.
Macaroni Pie
Barbadian macaroni pie, sometimes simply called "pie" by locals, is an unquestionably delicious delicacy. All ages enjoy this meal, which is a regular choice at buffets and formal occasions featuring local Barbados foods.
Courtesy of the Crane Resorts
Cou Cou and Flying Fish
Flying fish and Cou Cou, the national dish of Barbados, is something you must have when here. It is the Barbadian version of the Sunday roast.
Pudding and Souse
One of Barbados' most popular and traditional meal pairings is pudding and souse, and when on the island, you can try sweet and spicy variants to decide which you prefer.
Fishcakes
These fish cakes, a delicacy in the Caribbean and one of the most popular local Barbados foods, are customarily made with flour, shredded salted cod or white fish, and various spices. They are pillowy, golden-brown delicacies that go well with pepper sauce, ranch, barbecue sauce, and other condiments that suit your palate.
Roti
Roti are a popular food in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. They are a type of flatbread that is typically stuffed with savoury ingredients and served as a meal. In Barbados, rotis are usually made with flour-based dough and filled with curried meat or vegetables. The most common types of rotis found in Barbados are:- Chicken Roti is the most popular type of roti in Barbados and is typically filled with curried chicken, potatoes, and chickpeas.
- Beef Roti are similar to chicken roti. This variety is filled with curried beef, potatoes, and chickpeas.
- Vegetable Roti - this type of roti is filled with various vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin, and carrots and is a popular option for vegetarians and vegans.
- Shrimp Roti - this roti is filled with curried shrimp, potatoes, and chickpeas and is a favourite among seafood lovers.
Courtesy of Visit Barbados
Conkies
Conkies are another popular meal found on the island of Barbados. This dish contains cornmeal, pumpkin, coconut, raisins, spices, and sugar. Conkies are rolled into banana leaves and steamed until done. make them at home too
Bakes
Bakes are a type of bread that is popular in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. They are made from a simple dough of flour, water, sugar, salt, and baking powder, which is then fried in oil until golden brown. Bakes can be eaten on their own as a snack or served as a side dish with a variety of savoury dishes. In Barbados, some popular ways to eat bakes include:
- Fried fish and bakes - this is a classic Barbadian dish, where the bakes are served alongside fried fish, usually with a side of hot sauce or pepper sauce.
- Saltfish and bakes - another popular combination, where the bakes are served with salted codfish cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
- Bakes and cheese - this is a simple but delicious snack, where the bakes are sliced in half and filled with melted cheese.
- Bakes and ham - a popular breakfast option in Barbados, where the bakes are served with ham and eggs.
