Your Guide to the Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend in Paradise

By: Rhe-Ann Prescod

If you love flavours that will transport you to foodie nirvana, unforgettable events and simply paradise, then Barbados should be your next destination. The island is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and the Birthplace of Rum so there is something for every kind of food connoisseur and rum aficionado to enjoy.You can visit the island any time of the year but if you are truly looking for a culinary adventure, then October is the best time to book your ticket to Barbados.During this month, the island comes alive for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which will be held this year from October 24th-27th. Described as the Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a mecca for foodies all over the world, where the island’s finest culinary talent is celebrated. It has become one of the most sought-after festivals in the world, earning the title of the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival in 2023.So, here are a few things you should know to prep yourself for the Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend in Barbados.

Paradise is just a plane ride away

With direct gateways from our key source markets, USA, UK, Canada, Caribbean and Latin America, travelling to Barbados is more convenient and easier than ever.Plan your trip today! Visit https://www.visitbarbados.org/plan-your-trip for more information.

Where to Stay

From luxurious villas, cozy airbnbs and all-inclusive hotels, there are a variety of accommodation options to create your home in paradise. The festival has also partnered with a few hotels around the island to offer special packages to festival goers. You can visit https://www.foodandrum.com/where-to-stay/ for more information.

The Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend

The festival is known as a foodie’s dream weekend because there is something for every type of food and rum lover to enjoy. The culinary bliss kicks off on Thursday October, 24th with the famous Oistins Fish Fry which beautifully fuses Bajan cuisine and entertainment. Then, the Friday morning is spent learning tips and tricks from international chefs at Chef Classics cooking demos and, in the night, you will be transported to the world of rum at the Rum Route moving bus party. On Saturday, at the crack of dawn, is Rise & Rum: The Breakfast Beach Party which includes premium cocktails and the most delicious breakfast spread on one of the island’s picturesque beaches. You can then end your day by taking your palate on an unforgettable voyage at the Journey of Food dinners. And, it all culminates on Sunday October 27th at Liquid Gold Feast, the ultra-premium grand finale event.Prior to the weekend, there are also pre festival events such as Community Popups, Bajan Fair, Culture of Cuisine Talks and the Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition.

A Celebration of Culinary Excellence

Featuring 29 local chefs and mixologists, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival showcases the best that Barbados has to offer within the culinary industry. This year the festival will also feature an impressive lineup of international chefs including Netflix’s Pressure Cooker’s Chef Renee Blackman, Michelin Chef Michael O’ Hare from the UK and Chef Wandile Mabaso from South Africa. Chef Wandile has cooked for celebrities like Beyonce, Jay-Z and Kelly Rolland.

All Things Rum

Barbados is the Birthplace of Rum so of course ‘liquid gold’, also known as rum, is at the centre of the festival. You can indulge in the finest rum cocktails from the island’s top mixologists during the festival weekend but the best event to learn and taste everything rum is Rum Route. During this event, a party bus will take you on a rum shop hop and to rum distillery tours inclusive of rum tastings and samples. This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for all rum lovers with your own rum passport to document your journey.But there is more… the route continues! This year the first ever Rum Night will be held at Pelican Island Barbados and will bring the atmosphere of a “Bajan Rum Shop” straight to you!

Explore the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean

The island is home to over 400 restaurants and so while you are on island for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, take some time to explore the flavours of paradise. From food trucks, beachside restaurants and of course fine dining establishments there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Pack for the Occasion

Any trip to paradise includes, sun dresses and swimwear but if you are coming during the festival don’t forget your yellow outfit for the Rise & Rum: The Breakfast Beach Party, and of course your gown or suit for Liquid Gold Feast.So, now that you have all the details, it’s time to book your tickets to the ultimate foodie dream weekend. Visit foodandrum.com for more information.