Top 5 Must-Try Bajan Food on My List

Barbados is one of my top must-visit vacation destinations, and I suppose everyone familiar to the country feels the same way. Pristine shores, sparkling azure waters, unique culture—everything about this island has the power to call out on people on travel or wanderlust mode.

If I ever manage to visit Barbados, one of my goals is to try as much authentic Bajan food as I can; I say “as much as” because I’m aware that some lodging and restaurants offer food from other more popular cuisines as well. Who knows, maybe the small hotel Barbados I get to choose will tempt me to be “safe” on dining most of the time? Food will always be one of the best ways to make a truly lasting Barbados experience, and I’m determined not to miss out on that.

To get started on my Bajan food quest, I decided to give myself direction and do research on the country’s must-try dishes.

1. Cou-Cou
Mainly comprised of corn meal and okra, Cou-Cou is a part of the national dish of Barbados. It is a staple Caribbean dish commonly served along with steamed or fried flying fish (the other half) or stew dishes. Some said the original recipe can be bland or boring, but may be spiced up if desired.

This dish also has bits of history in it, since sources say it can be traced back to the early colonial period of Barbados. It is often associated with the African ancestry of Barbados as a standard meal for African slaves brought to the island. Some people even say it can be considered as a “sibling” to the cous-cous of North Africa, and a cousin to the more chic polenta of Italy.

Barbados Apartment Hotel

2. Seafood
I’m a fan of seafood, and there’s no question that this island is full of it. From all the research I’ve been doing, most blogs seem to agree that seafood is among the must-try in Barbados. And why not—the island nation boasts of a wide variety of seafood, and the flying fish is just one of them. Seaside favorites like crabs, mussels, and shrimp are imported and made available by some restaurants, while lobsters, red snapper, dorado, king fish, and tuna are offered in many restaurants.

3. Bajan Macaroni Pie and Fried Flying Fish
One Barbados vacation website recommends trying Bajan Macaroni Pie and Fried Flying Fish, the island’s own version of the popular “Mac and Cheese.” Anything with fish and pasta is good in my book. While it’s commonly served with fried flying fish fillet, other Bajan fish like Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi are also used as substitutes.

4. Bajan Black Eye Peas and Rice
That’s one interesting name for a rice dish, isn’t it? It is described by most websites as a well-known rice dish in the island, and served in many family meals. Also called as “Rice N Peas,” this dish also has a variation that uses parsley and kidney beans.

5. Rum Cake
Barbados is known to make the best rum, so when I came across a suggestion of rum cakes for dessert, I found it interesting! No meal is ever complete without dessert, and it would be ideal to top my Bajan food experience with this Rum Cake.

I may also try cooking these up while on vacation, depending on my budget (since I know I’d have to shop for ingredients and look for an apartment-type small hotel Barbados with a cooking area)…and maybe if I have the guts to try put my “cooking skills” to the test with a new cuisine!