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Barbados: A year of culinary experiences

  • Published 16 April 2018

The epitome of island luxury, Barbados is a small Caribbean gem that packs a mighty punch in more ways than one. Caribbean cuisine is utterly underrated, bursting with rich flavour, pungent spice and a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours for the ultimate gastronomic experience that will send you dizzy with pleasure. Barbados is certainly no exception to this rule. Expect loved ones and complete strangers to be brought together in the name of good food because the taste of the tropics knows no boundaries. 2018 has officially been named the Year of Culinary Experiences in Barbados but if it was up to us, it’d be every year! From the plethora of exquisite restaurants and the iconic Oistin’s Fish Fry to the stomach-filling street food and the flowing rum-based tropical cocktails, a holiday here surely won’t leave you unsatisfied. Pack your bags, bring along your appetite and you’ll be enjoying the festivities faster than you can say “flying fish” …
 

Thank God, it's Friday

Anyone who has visited Barbados knows that a trip to this beautiful island isn’t complete without a trip to Oistin’s Fish Fry. Taking place every Friday and located in the village of Oistin, this is the place where locals and tourists alike come together for some delicious food, live music and endless laughter. The BBQs are fired up and the mouth-watering aroma of grilled seafood and meats fills the air as guests tuck in to traditional fare such as marinated mahi mahi, barbecued pig tails and fried breadfruit chips. Oh, and this is the perfect opportunity to sample the versatile flying fish which tastes amazing whether its pickled, fried or steamed – but just wait until you taste it grilled. If these options are slightly too adventurous for you, never fear as Oistin’s Fish Fry caters for both the foodie and the fussy eater, even offering several options for children as it’s a popular attraction for families. The adults should certainly sample the tasty rum punch – punch being the operative word. Trust us, one night at Oistin’s Fish Fry and your Friday nights will never be the same again!
 


Whether the dress code is beachwear and bikinis or slacks and suits, eating out in Barbados is nothing short of a heavenly experience. Let’s begin with eateries that are more laidback and in-keeping with the ‘liming’ side of island life. With the amount of sandy stretches in Barbados, beach bars create the ultimate atmosphere for some delicious food along with incredible views and unbeatable sunshine. Cuisine in beach bars is usually kept simple but packed full of flavour, serving the likes of burgers, grilled meats, salads and seafood. What could be better than filling your stomach with hearty food, sipping on a tropical cocktail and gazing at the stunning sands that sparkle brilliantly under the Caribbean sunshine? We can’t think of anything either.

 When the sun starts to set and your belly begins to rumble once more, you know it’s time for dinner. Fine dining in Barbados is certainly something special, offering unique sun-kissed flavours that make the country so iconic. Don’t forget to pack your glad rags as most of the high-end restaurants strictly ban casual attire as well as demanding advance bookings. Ideal for a special occasion, most eateries boast al fresco seating, creating an incomparable setting for dining underneath star-studded skies and cool evening breezes. Need some suggestions? We’ve got you covered. Lone Star Restaurant offers an intimately chic dining experience overlooking the coast, serving a fusion of European fare with Caribbean influences. If you’re in the mood for unforgettable vistas while you eat, The Tide is a venue that certainly lives up to its name. Perched on the water’s edge of the island’s west coast, expect to find delights such as rustic seafood stew, roast pork tenderloin and pesto rubbed rack of lamb alongside vegetarian and kids’ menus too.
 

From the informal to the fancy

Whether the dress code is beachwear and bikinis or slacks and suits, eating out in Barbados is nothing short of a heavenly experience. Let’s begin with eateries that are more laidback and in-keeping with the ‘liming’ side of island life. With the amount of sandy stretches in Barbados, beach bars create the ultimate atmosphere for some delicious food along with incredible views and unbeatable sunshine. Cuisine in beach bars is usually kept simple but packed full of flavour, serving the likes of burgers, grilled meats, salads and seafood. What could be better than filling your stomach with hearty food, sipping on a tropical cocktail and gazing at the stunning sands that sparkle brilliantly under the Caribbean sunshine? We can’t think of anything either.

 When the sun starts to set and your belly begins to rumble once more, you know it’s time for dinner. Fine dining in Barbados is certainly something special, offering unique sun-kissed flavours that make the country so iconic. Don’t forget to pack your glad rags as most of the high-end restaurants strictly ban casual attire as well as demanding advance bookings. Ideal for a special occasion, most eateries boast al fresco seating, creating an incomparable setting for dining underneath star-studded skies and cool evening breezes. Need some suggestions? We’ve got you covered. Lone Star Restaurant offers an intimately chic dining experience overlooking the coast, serving a fusion of European fare with Caribbean influences. If you’re in the mood for unforgettable vistas while you eat, The Tide is a venue that certainly lives up to its name. Perched on the water’s edge of the island’s west coast, expect to find delights such as rustic seafood stew, roast pork tenderloin and pesto rubbed rack of lamb alongside vegetarian and kids’ menus too.
 

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Take it to the streets

For the ‘need it now’ moments, street food in the Caribbean is truly one of kind. Designed to be filling, messy but with nothing but flavour, these authentic delights will have you falling in love Barbados – although we’re positive that already happened when you stepped off the plane. If you think that eating food on the corner of the road isn’t exactly your cup of tea, Barbados’ street cuisine is guaranteed to convert you with just one bite. Fresh tropical ingredients and traditional cooking techniques come together in perfect harmony, allowing delectable flavours to cascade across your taste buds for a crescendo of culinary delight. Expect to find favourites such as fried chicken, fish cakes, jerk meats and macaroni pie but the real heart and soul of Barbados is captured in flying fish with coucou, the Bajan national dish. But don’t be fooled into thinking Barbados is one-dimensional when it comes to cuisine. Boasting an array of multicultural dishes found throughout the island, one of the country’s best-loved street vendors is Lemongrass Express, a tasty noodle bar serving the freshest Thai fare that doesn’t hurt your wallet. We hope you’re hungry…
 


Yes, you’ve guessed it – rum! This rich pungent spirit is a staple across the entire Caribbean but there’s something a little more special about the drink in Barbados. The liquid gold was birthed in Barbados, its production vital to the island’s wealth, prosperity and popularity and just one sip will have you understanding why. Whether you drink rum neat, on the rocks or infused into a delicious fruity cocktail, the Caribbean gem is home to legendary watering holes serving the amber elixir on every corner so you certainly won’t have to travel far for a sip or two. John Moore Bar welcomes locals and visitors alike with open arms, located on the waterfront for spectacular views while you knock a few back with good company and new friends. Or why not see the behind-the-scenes production of this flavourful drink? A tour of the historical St. Nicholas Abbey and its distillery gives a fascinating insight into Barbados’ history – and the rum tasting is pretty good too! If you want your rum a little sweeter head to Café Sol, the island’s hotspot for tasty tropical cocktails that will have you convinced that you’ve died and gone to heaven. Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7pm and again from 10 to 12pm along with fantastic two-for-one deals on cocktails all throughout the week. Don’t forget there are rum shops dotted all over, small yet lively shacks that are recognisable by their vibrant exteriors, serving multiple ranges of the rich tipple and a true taste of Bajan culture.
 

Feel the island spirit

Yes, you’ve guessed it – rum! This rich pungent spirit is a staple across the entire Caribbean but there’s something a little more special about the drink in Barbados. The liquid gold was birthed in Barbados, its production vital to the island’s wealth, prosperity and popularity and just one sip will have you understanding why. Whether you drink rum neat, on the rocks or infused into a delicious fruity cocktail, the Caribbean gem is home to legendary watering holes serving the amber elixir on every corner so you certainly won’t have to travel far for a sip or two. John Moore Bar welcomes locals and visitors alike with open arms, located on the waterfront for spectacular views while you knock a few back with good company and new friends. Or why not see the behind-the-scenes production of this flavourful drink? A tour of the historical St. Nicholas Abbey and its distillery gives a fascinating insight into Barbados’ history – and the rum tasting is pretty good too! If you want your rum a little sweeter head to Café Sol, the island’s hotspot for tasty tropical cocktails that will have you convinced that you’ve died and gone to heaven. Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7pm and again from 10 to 12pm along with fantastic two-for-one deals on cocktails all throughout the week. Don’t forget there are rum shops dotted all over, small yet lively shacks that are recognisable by their vibrant exteriors, serving multiple ranges of the rich tipple and a true taste of Bajan culture.
 

Re-discover your love for food


Barbados’ culinary scene encompasses a multitude of various cuisines that doesn’t just start and finish with Caribbean fare. From European fusion and fresh Thai to flavourful Cantonese and tasty Italian, every taste bud is undoubtedly catered for. The real question is – how do you get to try them all? In honour of 2018 being the Year of Culinary Experiences in Barbados, the island has a brilliant ‘re-DISCOVER’ programme in partnership with select restaurants, offering a three-course dinner and a bottle of wine for just $99 (BDS)/$50 (USD) per person. This is a brilliant way to eat your way around this stunning country at an affordable price while sampling some of Barbados’ finest dishes. All bookings must be made in advance with the respective restaurants and is subject to availability. To find out more about re-DISCOVER, click here.
 

Is your mouth watering as much as ours?

Barbados is known for many things but in our opinion, nothing tops its incredible cuisine. Here, stomachs are guaranteed to be filled, smiles are guaranteed on faces and good times are guaranteed to be had. If you simply can’t wait to tuck in to this beautiful Caribbean island, contact one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 now and start planning the culinary getaway of a lifetime.
 

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