Bajan 101: How to Experience Authentic Barbados

Although the British influence is still present in Barbados, it does not overwhelm the strong blend of food, art and customs that combined together make up the Barbadian culture. With such a rich and ever-present culture, visitors of the island are ensured an original and authentic Caribbean experience. Here are a few tips on how you can be sure to experience authentic Barbados!

1.       Eat the local food. Barbadian cuisine is definitely one of the most flavourful! The national dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou (a mixture of cornmeal and okra) and Flying Fish. Macaroni pie is another popular dish that you would find at many local restaurants; this is our take on macaroni and cheese, seasoned and baked to cheesy perfection! Every Saturday, you will see signs advertising freshly made Pudding and Souse; a dish made using various parts of the pig, cooked and seasoned with pickled cucumbers, parsley, vinegar and salt, whereas the pudding is a mixture of sweet potato and seasoning with brown colouring. Another Barbadian favourite is breadfruit; used widely throughout the Caribbean to make both sweet and savoury dishes such as mashed (much like mashed potatoes), or sliced and fried to make breadfruit chips!

2.       Experience the different coasts. Barbados is an island totally surrounded by water and therefore offers much diversity when it comes to beaches. The West Coast comprises of a series of white sand beaches with tranquil blue seas whereas the East Coast and South East Coast beaches boast a more rugged and rough shoreline. Soup Bowl, located at Bathsheba Beach, St. Joseph on the East Coast is a favourite spot for many of the island’s local surfers. For long stretches of white sand beach, visit Foul Bay on the South East Coast. We recommend that you exercise caution when visiting beaches on the East Coast and South East Coast as the current and tides are strong. Batt’s Rock on the West Coast is perfect for snorkelling, swimming and basking in the Caribbean sun. Coming up the coast, you will reach the North Coast of the island, where you will find spectacular views of the sea crashing against the limestone cliffs.

3.        Interact with locals. While driving down the roads in the island, we guarantee that you will see local vendors selling local produce or coconuts roadside; strike up a conversation! Barbadians are known for being friendly and love to talk about our wonderful island! Another great way to experience the true authenticity of Barbados would be at Oistin’s Fish Market where you can interact with local vendors selling the fresh catch of the day. Oistin’s offers a unique atmosphere for tourists’ to experience the rich culture of Barbados through the food, music and locals in the area.

4.       Visit a Rum Shop. To fully immerse yourself in the Barbadian culture, we recommend visiting a rum shop! There are all sorts of rum shops all over the island, ranging from village shops selling local produce, provisions etc. to “hangout spots” where locals gather to drink, play dominoes and talk with friends. The cuisine at many rum shops is very traditional – macaroni pie, baked chicken, rice and peas; pudding and souse is a specialty at many!

5.       Visit St. Lawrence Gap. Located on the South of the island in the parish of Christ Church is St. Lawrence Gap, a stretch of road complete with many restaurants, hotels or condominiums, shopping and a bustling nightlife. There are many clubs in The Gap catering to all musical tastes from live music and karaoke to reggae or sizzling soca! Day-time entertainment in the Gap includes activities like playing sports such as basketball or cricket or soccer on the Dover playing field, water sports such as body boarding, jet skiing, scuba diving or snorkelling. There are also local vendors sprinkled throughout The Gap – a perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with locals!

6.       Visit Earthworks Pottery! In St. Thomas is the workshop of Barbados’ own Earthworks Pottery, hand-made ceramic pottery produced from the earth and clay of the island. The friendly artists are happy to explain the process. Known for their unique patterns and bright colours, Earthworks proudly produces fully functional lines of serving pieces and dinnerware in many different shapes and styles. Entry to Earthworks is free, and customers are rewarded with knowledge of this exquisite and unique pottery!