Eating, drinking and nightlife
Eating
Just like the Barbadian lifestyle, the food here combines diversity, excitement and easy-going comfort. Bajan food is a kind of fusion cuisine; an eclectic mix of African, European, Indian, Chinese and the wider Caribbean foods. This means it’s flavoursome, exotic and more than a little spicy. Bajan Seasoning, which is a fine blend of spices, is used quite commonly in local dishes and you’ll find a huge prevalence for zesty sauces to be placed on everything – even on the fast food staples you know.
Fresh seafood is readily available and fish is a part of many of the traditional Bajan meals. Make sure you try the ‘flying fish cutter’ – a kind of fried fish sandwich that’s utterly delicious. The national dish is known as ‘Cou Cou and Flying Fish’ and should definitely be sampled if you get the opportunity. Aside from its plentiful, excellent value local food, Barbados also does gourmet cuisine better than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean. The Cliff is one of the most famous restaurants – a beautiful beachside property serving up elegant meals in modern chic. You’ll find it on the west coast between Bridgetown and Holetown, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, it is worth venturing into a nearby town to sample the culinary delights on offer. Dining out is not very expensive with typical mid-market restaurants costing less than £20 per head. It’s worth noting that restaurants often don’t open for breakfast, and those that do often open late, around 9am.
Drinking
Rum is hugely popular in Barbados; there are three dedicated distilleries and a huge number of dedicated rum bars – if you love rum there’s truly nowhere better than here. Mount Gay Rum is produced here and is believed to be the oldest rum company in the world.
Nightlife
If you’re staying on the South Coast or if it’s at least in travelling distance, then it’s worth heading to St Lawrence Gap to sample the vibrant nightlife. And on a Friday night, you can’t miss the Oistins Fish Fry – a beachside party with barbequed fish, calypso rhythms and dressed-up locals dancing the night away.
Barbados Travel Guides
- Useful facts
- A beginner's guide to Barbados
- Top 10 things to do in Barbados
- The best beaches in Barbados
- Top 10 luxury hotels in Barbados
- Top 10 family hotels in Barbados
- Top 10 places to eat in Barbados
- Platinum Coast beach holidays
- Why Barbados holidays are such a hit with families
- Uncovering celebrities love affair with Barbados
- South coast, Barbados beach holidays
- A true taste of Barbados
- Luxury holidays in Barbados
- Family holidays in Barbados
- Crane Beach, Barbados beach holidays
- Eating out In Barbados
- Eating, drinking and nightlife
- Things to do and excursions
- Pre-bookable excursions
- Five of the best destinations to visit in June