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Take a Bite of the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean…Literally
By: Rhe-Ann Prescod
There is this lingering question many ask about Barbados; Why is the island the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean?
To answer simply, Barbados has over 400 diverse restaurants and eateries. On the island, you can indulge in street food, international cuisine and of course the best Bajan food.
The island is also home to the Barbados Food and Rum Festival; one of the most sought-after festivals in the world. This year the festival takes place from October 19th – 22nd and can be described as the ultimate foodie dream weekend.
For a foodie, attending the Festival is probably the best time to visit the island but if bad luck strikes and you can’t attend, there are still a myriad of restaurants and eateries on the island to tantalize your tastebuds.
To take it a step further, based on the letters that spell out Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, we will give you a list of diverse restaurants and eateries you can try on your next trip to Barbados.
C- ChefetteYou cannot travel to Barbados without trying something from Chefette. This is the island’s local fast-food chain, known for its tasty broasted chicken. It’s also one of Rihanna’s favourite food spots on the island.
U- UMILocated at Sugar Bay Hotel, Umi offers savoury Asian-Fusion specialities. You can treat yourself to traditional and contemporary sushi as well as Asian-themed cocktails.
L - La CabaneWhen you think of dining in paradise, La Cabane gets it right. This seaside feet-in-the-sand dining experience makes every meal unforgettable with its Mediterranean style cuisine.
I - Il TempioThey say when you enter as a guest you leave as a friend. This authentic Italian restaurant is situated on the west coast of the island and has been dubbed “the best Italian food in Barbados” by late Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.
N - Nishi RestaurantEnjoy a diverse menu of English, Caribbean and Asian dishes at one of the island’s most popular sushi restaurants. Be sure to try the Volcano Maki Roll and thank us later.
A - Asian Spice Indian RestaurantIf you love the taste of authentic Indian flavours and aromas, then this is the restaurant for you. The Asian Spice Restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Mughlai cuisine, which is one of the most popular cuisines in North India.
R - Round House RestaurantWith the world-famous “Soup Bowl” as your backdrop, spend your day on the scenic East Coast basking in Continental Caribbean cuisine. Round House offers unique history, great food, friendly people and a nice mellow vibe.
Y - Yelluh MeatLet Yelluh Meat ignite your tastebuds with their flavourful breadfruit bowls. Filled with fresh ingredients, an assortment of meats and plenty love, these breadfruit bowls are a must try.
C – ChampersFor Barbadians and even visitors, Champers is like home. It’s the go-to restaurant to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any treasured milestone. This waterside dining offers delectable Bajan cuisine, picturesque views and a friendly atmosphere.
A-Ackee TreeWith a tagline of ‘Fabulous Foods’, Ackee Tree’s specialty is roti. They offer a variety of flavours and fillings including chicken, potato, pumpkin and lamb just to name a few.
P- Primo Bar & BistroPrimo is a bistro with style. It is a TripAdvisor Travelers’ choice and offers a diverse selection of international cuisine. You can try the Moroccan Curry, Greek Salmon or even the Lebanese Catch of the Day.
I- Irie FoodsTaste a bit of Jamaica at Irie Foods. Enjoy Jamaican delights like jerk chicken, rice & peas, oxtail, patties, ackee and saltfish and so much more.
T- TapasSituated on the south coast boardwalk, just a few feet away from the water’s edge is Tapas. The food is one thing but many rave about the drinks, especially the Botanist Botanical Punch.
A-Aeon Bar & GrillOpen daily, Aeon Bar is known for its affordable dining and exceptional entertainment. There is always some type of special being offered but many love to flock to the bar and grill whenever it’s Disney Karaoke night.
L - La Baguette French BakeryLa Baguette makes your day a little sweeter with their fresh French bread and pastries. Every morning the bakery’s boulanger (baker) prepares various baked goods from scratch including baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat and more.
O - OistinsNo one in the world can grill a fish like a Bajan and Oistins Bay Garden is where you can taste why. Friday night is the best time to experience the world-renowned Oistins Fish Fry where you can have various fish with grilled potatoes, macaroni pie, rice & peas and various salads.
F - FriiGuysWhat started out as a gourmet food truck, is now one of the island’s number one choices for anything fries. Located in Worthing Square, Barbados’ food truck hub, and the West Coast, you can revel in their home-cut fries with calamari, BBQ wings, shrimp, chicken and steak.
T - The CliffOriginally opened in 1995, the Cliff quickly became world-renowned as Barbados’ pemier dining destination. Its food, service and ambience were unparalleled. Reopened in 2022, the restaurant’s glass sea-facing kitchen allows guests to catch a glimpse of the culinary team as they create dishes that excite the eyes and wow the taste buds.
H - Harlequin RestaurantDescribed as casual starlight dining, Harlequin Restaurant prides itself on being vegetarian-friendly offering a menu for any type of food lover. If you get the chance to pop in, you must order the pina colada cheesecake.
E - Eco Lifestyle + LodgeBarbados is a sustainable destination so of course one can find farm-to-fork experiences on the island. Eco Lifestyle is a great option as it offers a tropically-inspired plant-based menu. Dining here can always be quite spontaneous as the menu changes with the season.
C -Cuzz’s Fish StandPerfectly seasoned grilled fish, sandwiched between soft fresh bread, topped with lettuce, tomato and your choice of condiments; a perfect fish sandwich. That’s what you get at Barbados’ favourite Fish stand.
A - ArtSplash CafeArtSplash provides the best, healthiest and locally sourced food possible with their selection of fresh breakfasts, lunches, snack, juices and smoothies. They also serve Lavazza Coffee that can be enjoyed alongside Free Wifi and their art gallery.
R - Rum VaultThe Rum Vault is the first of its kind on the island of Barbados and is perfect for a date night. In this intimate dining experience, the Vault Chef and Rum Ambassadors take you on a culinary journey featuring exquisite rum-pairing dining experiences as well as rum-tasting flights.
I - Italia CoffeeThis list would not be complete without mentioning a Frescante Espresso from Italia Coffee. This cup of magic is a favourite at the island’s leading coffee house. You can also sip coffee from all over the world as there’s always a daily brew.
B - BaiaBaia takes inspiration from the diverse culture and deep gastronomical heritage of Latin America. Situated on the famed West Coast, Baia brings to the Caribbean mouthwatering Peruvian-fusion food, exceptional cocktails and live entertainment in a laid-back, rustic luxurious setting.
B- Bikini Beach BarbadosThis is the island’s newest seaside restaurant and beach club located on the West Coast. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean, American and International favourites. This is a great atmosphere to unwind and relax while being served a delish teriyaki pineapple bowl.
E - East MoonLocals have said this is arguably one of the best Chinese restaurants on the island where you can enjoy all your favourite Chinese dishes. The food is authentic, the service is great and it is well priced.
A - Atlantis Historic InnSundays in Barbados are best spent with a plate filled with rice, macaroni pie, meats and every kind of salad possible. That’s why you should definitely try Atlantis' famous Sunday buffet lunch. It’s a guaranteed delight with delicious Bajan food, refreshing cocktails and a beautiful view.
N - Naniki BarbadosNestled on the lush slopes of the scenic Scotland District, with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic is Naniki. Known for its “country dining” the menu features a variety of Caribbean delicacies, including; catch of the day, curried or grilled chicken or roast pork served with local favourites like yam, breadfruit, sweet potato and their special coconut bakes.
So, now that you have a very detailed guide and the lingering question has been answered, it’s time for you to eat your way through the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean…literally.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) will be hosting We Cookin’– The National Barbados Food and Rum Competition from January to December, 2025 as part of the We Gatherin’ Barbados 2025 celebrations..
This competition is a community initiative geared at allowing the most lauded chefs in the community of each parish to compete in a ‘cook off’ for the best pork or fish dish, served with any ground provision, as they vie for attractive prizes. The parish based cook offs will then culminate with a national event where the winning chefs from each Parish Competition will be given the chance to compete for the grand prize at the National Competition in December 2025.
In an effort to support local farmers in the respective communities, as well as those in the fishing industry, the competition will require the participating community members to use local pork or fish and any locally sourced ground provision.
(1) Enter Your Best Pork or Fish Dish
Interested participants may enter via www.foodandrum.com. The top Three (3) will move on to the second round with the live cook-off.
How to enter?
Create a dish that features either pork OR fish, that is served with any ground provision in any variation.
To enter the competition you can:
Upload a photo of you holding the dish and the recipe via www.foodandrum.com
If you do not have access to a computer take your dish and recipe to the Heritage Centre in your parish where a representative will take a photo of you and the dish, and record your contact details.
Your likeness and the dish must be clearly visible in the photo.
The top three (3) entries will be chosen by a panel of judges with the winners announced at least one week prior to the Cook Off. The three finalists will be contacted by the BTMI.
Prior the Live Cook-Off, all parish finalists will be required to attend a short briefing sessions with regards to the conduct of the competition.
All successful applicants are required to be in possession of a valid certificate of good health (Food Handling Certificate) from a registered medical practitioner.
Applicants must habitually live within the parish and may be required to provide proof of residence (Utility bill).
(2) Parish Competition – Live Cook-Off
The Live Cook-Off of competition will take place typically on the last Saturday of each month, featuring the top three (3) cooks who will re-create the dish featured in their submitted entry photo. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. The judges’ decision is final.
BTMi will provide the equipment such as stove, fridge, grill and utensils, cutlery and crockery to be used in the Cook off.
Contestants will receive a stipend of BDS$150 to purchase the items for the cook off.
(3) National Competition – National Live Cook-Off
The winners from each of the eleven (11) parishes will “face-off” in a National Competition in December 2025 in order to determine the overall Best Community Cook..
Terms & Conditions – We Cookin’ – The National Food & Rum Competition
1. Who is eligible for this promotion?
This contest is open to persons who habitually reside within the parish. Applicants may be required to provide proof of residence within the parish.
2. Winning Contestant
The winner of the competition will be chosen by a panel of judges at the Live Cook Off. The winner will then qualify for the National Competition to be held in December 2025.
3. Who is NOT eligible for this promotion? Persons in any of the following categories are NOT eligible to participate or win prizes:
Any person who at any time on or after May 1, 2017 was or is a director, officer, employee, agent of BTMI.
Individuals engaged in the development, production or distribution of materials for the Promotion of this competition (collectively the Promotion Entities).
Professional Chefs- those that work as chefs in Restaurants, hotels, are culinary ambassadors or awardees.
4. BTMI hereby specifically reserves the right to terminate, cancel, suspend and/ or modify the promotion if any fraud, virus or other technical problem corrupts the administration, security, safety of the promotion, as determined by BTMI in its sole discretion.
5. BTMI reserves the right to at any time vary the terms of the Promotion, to amend its Terms and Conditions, or to withdraw the Promotion. In any of these events notice will be given via media advertisements or messages to customers or via its social media platforms and will be effective immediately or as of the date referred to in such notifications.
6. BTMI cannot be held responsible if any or all included prizes are unavailable for any reason, including any natural or unnatural occurrence.
7. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. reserves the right to disqualify any contestant for reasonable cause.
8. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. reserves the right to post, publish or otherwise use any image entered in this promotion.
9. Contestants must agree to be included in any promotional video or photographic promotion of the contest or Barbados Food & Rum.
10. Contestants must be able appear in person on the communicated day of competion in their respective parish.
11. This is no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram or Facebook.
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