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Top 10 Barbados Delicacies
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The island of Barbados is known for excellent and diverse cuisine; therefore it was extremely difficult to compile a list of only 10 delicacies of Barbados.
While you are spoilt for choice in terms of cuisine in Barbados, you must try everything on this list at least once. Please note that the decision to place Flying Fish and Cou-cou as two separate items on this list was a tough one because lets face it, this combination is our national dish.
However we think it was a wise decision since these two have formed their unique following over the years - Happy eating!
» Flying Fish
This little fish accounts for about 60% of all the fish landed on the island, not to mention the fact that it is a huge part of our cultural identity - no surprise then that it found its way on this list. But in all fairness to the little sea going creature, it is simply divine! Everyone who has ever tasted this little delicacy, locals and tourists alike instantly find themselves hooked on its unique flavor. Whether steamed or fried, pickled or barbecued, in between salt bread or with a side of coucou, this little fish is one of the definitive features of your typical Bajan meal.
» Cou-cou
Made from cornmeal and okra, or breadfruit and green bananas, and topped with a variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers - either choice is the favorite choice of Bajans far and wide.
» Mauby Drink
With all of the carbonated drinks on the market today it is easy to forget about this sweet gem of a beverage. But Bajans are traditionalists and Mauby has made it onto this list, and in smashing form if I might add; as it is now possible to buy the syrup at any local grocer, or if you want to be a bit old fashioned about things, the bark is also available for purchase. Either way you choose, the unique bitter-sweet flavor of this age old thirst quencher is there for all to enjoy.
» Pudding & Souse
Yet another Bajan delight as over the years rushing over by a local stall on Saturday afternoons to pick up 10, 20 or even 30 dollars worth of this classic combo has become something of a ritual for many island goers. The pudding is made from the intestines of the pig, stuffed with a unique blend of seasoning and sweet potato. The souse is essentially boiled pig's head or feet served cold with onions, cucumbers, limes, parsley and hot and sweet peppers.
» Conkies
This delicacy only really dominates the Bajan tables once a year around independence celebrations (November 30th) but it would have been a shame not to have included this iconic dish on this list. The outer appearance may be a bit shocking at first, totally wrapped in banana leaves, but this is quickly overshadowed by the sweet and unique flavor garnered from combining cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potatoes and spices, all steamed together.
» Coconut Bread / Sweet Bread
This Bajan delicacy could not have a better suited name because it is sweet; sweet, sweet, sweet! Many of us Bajans have memories as a child waking up on the eve of any national holiday to the sweet smell of this delicacy baking in the oven. I would say with confidence nothing can quite compare to this sweet, sweet bread crumbling in your mouth accentuated with the wonderful flavor and taste of the coconut placed strategically in the center.
» Sea-Egg
They are about 17 different species of sea urchin to be found in the coastal waters of this little island, and it is the golden roes of the White Sea Egg (Tripnustes Esculentus Leaks) that over the years have become a savored Bajan delicacy. Harvesting of these eggs are controlled by the law to prevent depletion of the species, so visitors are advised to get them while the getting is good i.e. when they are in season.
» Rum Cake / Great Cake
It has been always contended that Barbados is a society of "lovers of alcohol", and this argument is supported by the fact that most Bajans possess an undying love for great cake, also known as black cake. Some persons would argue that this is merely a subtle instantiation of their love for alcohol - for this is all black cake really is; alcohol, sweet, wonderful alcohol in the form of a cake, and loved by all Bajans. In all fairness to this wonderful delicacy, it is delicious, and it invokes memories of Christmas mornings and family weddings - the good times in our lives that instantly bring a smile to our faces.
» Ginger Beer
Good old ginger beer, a nonalcoholic beverage indigenous to the island and one of those things that growing up in Barbados of old you had to drink and you had to like it - this isn't to say that it tastes awful or anything, as the potent ginger root, sweetened to ones preference does an outstanding job in the flavoring department.
» Bakes
At some point in their lives, every Bajan has had this simple yet wondrous mix of sugar, water and flour. Bakes are affectionately known as "survival food", and rightfully so because when cupboards are bare, you can almost always find these three ingredients somewhere. Not to mention they also taste great - for these reasons, good old fashion bakes are a prominent and proud member of this list of the top ten Bajan delicacies.
All of the items on this list were chosen because they transcend mere talk of delicacies and which are more popular and which taste better. This list embodies a Bajan tradition, our lifestyle and our progression.
These foods are every bit as important as the national flag, and our anthem and pledge because they are apart of the blueprint of any person who lived and grew up in Barbados.
This short top 10 list however, could never do justice to the amount of Bajan foods like fish cakes, cassava pone and sugar cake to name few, that could also have been included in this list as favorite dishes of Barbados.
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