Cuisine shines bright at Barbados Food and Rum Festival

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Fall’s coming faster than pumpkin spice latte. But Canadians still want to feel the warmth of the sun on their shoulders, stroll along pristine beaches, and eat foods that burst with a kaleidoscope of spices and flavours that taste even better when enjoyed against a picture-perfect vacation backdrop coupled with darn good rum.

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Barbados has all this and more. It’s been described as a special place, and Barbadians as very special people who know how to welcome visitors with open hearts and open arms.

Travel industry types say Barbados continues to be one of the most popular hot spots that Canadians choose as their vacation destination — not only is the tiny island renowned for its hospitality, but the food scene is not to be believed, continuously drawing fans looking for the next food trend.

It’s a shining star on the culinary front — the famous Food and Rum Festival, coming up this Oct. 24-27 — can attest to the fact many are chomping at the bit to get going and get eating!

The island isn’t very big — its total land area is around 430 sq. km and its coastline stretches to just under 100 km — its pace is more relaxed, gentle, but it packs a wallop of vacation satisfaction. Its iconic dishes are seasoned with amazing flavours, such as thyme, chilies, nutmeg, that are reflective of the island’s identity and personality.

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Bajan cuisine is simple, complex, delicious and steeped in centuries-old culinary heritage. From the fresh seafood and poultry to the abundance of vegetables, the Bajan cook demonstrates a wonderful versatility with just a handful of ingredients.

From local food stands or classy restaurants, the core of the Bajan kitchen philosophy is found in recipes that just burst with a special boldness partnered with subtle layers of flavouring.

From its powerful street food scene, to its abundance of amazing restaurants with jaw-dropping views, Barbados offers up the best of its land and sea: Famous foods of the Bajan kitchen include fly fish — the national dish — fish cakes, snapper, pepper pot, rice and peas and the famous Barbados Great Cake, also known as black cake or rum cake, which is rich in heritage as well as the famous spirit Barbados is known for.

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And Barbados is all about the rum — it’s considered the birthplace of this golden nectar, thanks in part to the heavy influence of the island’s sugarcane fields. Barbados rum has profound cultural and historical roots that run deep. The island is home to some of the most famous rum distilleries in the world, including the legendary Mount Gay distillery, which was founded back in 1703, and is believed to produce the oldest rum found anywhere in the world. There’s also St. Nicholas Abbey, about an hour north of Bridgetown, that dates back to the 17th century and now runs as a museum, still producing rum in small batches.

Rum isn’t just a spirit in Barbados, but part of its backbone, offering up a dynamic cocktail scene with award-winning mixologists and rum ambassadors whose influences can be felt around the world.

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Think of that next time you order a Bajan rum punch and a plateful of savoury fish fry on your next visit!

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Eating Your Way Through Barbados

Start making plans to enjoy some of the finest cuisine when you visit Barbados, including the following:

Oistins Fish Fry: The spirited town of Oustins offers up a real taste of Bajan cuisine with freshly grilled and fried seafood, live music and a wonderful festive atmosphere that offers a true reflection of Barbadian culinary tradition. Every Friday and Saturday night!

Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant: Situated in the island’s North Point, where stunning ocean views pay homage to a menu brimming with local seafood, this restaurant is unique in that it’s set within a natural cave.

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Tapas Barbados: A stand-out eatery right on the beach that offers a selection of delicious dishes with complimenting cocktails.

The Cliff: The setting is straight out of the movies, with majestic views of the ocean and gourmet dishes created by a Michelin Star chef and their team to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.

Oro Restaurant (on the ninth floor of the O2 Beach Club and Spa): If you’re looking to dine with a breathtaking view, look no further than Pro, where the meals are luxe, the drinks divine. Get vegetarian options.

Cuz’s Fish Shack: Envision yourself in your beachwear, sitting on a beach towel and noshing on freshly made fish sandwiches at this famous, casual beachside shack in Bridgetown

Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant: A favourite of locals and visitors, this wine bar and restaurant is situated on a cliff, overlooking Accra Beach.

The Fish Pot: Is a family-run restaurant located in an 18th-century building on the northwest side of the coast. Known for its tranquil and gentle atmosphere, the seafood dishes are a wonderful reflection of the island’s culinary personality.

Castaways: Sweet and charming beachfront restaurant with stunning views of the ocean, this eatery is known for its uber-relaxed atmosphere and delicious local cuisine.

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