Must-Try Barbadian Food & Drink
One of the best ways to experience a culture while travelling is to try authentic local cuisine. Barbadian food incorporates a mix of English and African ingredients, and uses many of its locally grown produce and spices. Barbados is also home to the yellow fin tuna, snapper, and mahi mahi fish; however, it is most popularly known as “The Land of the Flying Fish” because flying fish is the most commonly used type of fish in dishes. Barbados is the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Here are some Barbadian staples that you can’t leave without trying:
Food
- Cou-Cou & Flying Fish – National dish of Barbados. Made with okra, cornmeal, steamed or fried flying fish, in a tomato, onion, and garlic sauce.
- Mahi Mahi - Available from award-winning L'Azure overlooking Crane Beach, Mahi Mahi is served Pan Seared or Blackened with Spicy Lentils, Rice or Fries
- Bajan Black Eye Peas & Rice – This is the most common rice dish in Barbados. It is a great compliment to any meat, such as fried fish, and is sometimes made with kidney beans and parsley.
Drinks
- Mount Gay Rum – Mount Gay is the most famous Barbadian rum.
- Banks Beer – if hard liquor isn’t for you, Banks is the beer of Barbados.
Sweets
- Tamarind Balls – Sweet and sour snack.
- Coconut Bread – Also known as sweet bread
- Bajan Candied Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes and brown sugar, sometimes covered in sweet cherries and pineapple.
If you would like to get the ultimate taste of Barbados, come check out the annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival! This year the event will be taking place from November 20-24. With this and so many events taking place in Barbados this year, it’s a guaranteed great time! Book your stay at The Crane and unwind in luxurious bliss and dine at award-winning restaurants.
