Barbados, the culinary gem of the Caribbean, is known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an island vibe that seeps into every dish.
From savory mains to sweet treats, Barbadian recipes are a delicious mix of African, British, and Caribbean influences.
You’ll find dishes that are hearty, zesty, and downright unforgettable.
Ready to bring some island magic to your kitchen? Dive into this list of 11 irresistible Barbadian recipes that’ll transport you straight to the tropics. Trust us—you’ll want to try them all.
1. Cou Cou and Flying Fish
This is Barbados’ national dish for a reason. Cou Cou, made with cornmeal and okra, has a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfectly complemented by the tangy, slightly spicy Flying Fish.
The fish is often steamed with a mix of onions, lime juice, thyme, and tomatoes, creating a bright, flavorful topping.
Ingredients for Cou Cou:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup sliced okra
- 2 cups water (for boiling)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Cou Cou:
- Boil the okra in 2 cups of water until tender. Strain and set aside.
- Mix the cornmeal with 1 1/2 cups of water to form a smooth paste.
- Add the cornmeal mixture to a pot with the strained okra and stir constantly over low heat until it thickens.
- Season with salt and serve hot.
Ingredients for Flying Fish:
- 4 flying fish fillets (or substitute with white fish)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Flying Fish:
- Rub the fish with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- In a pan, sauté onions and tomatoes until soft. Add thyme and scotch bonnet (if using).
- Lay the fish in the pan, cover, and steam until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Serve the fish over Cou Cou for the ultimate Barbadian experience.
Why did this make it to our list?
Cou Cou and Flying Fish are iconic in Barbadian cuisine. They embody the heart and soul of the island’s food culture and are an absolute must-try.
2. Macaroni Pie
Macaroni Pie is Barbados’ twist on baked mac and cheese, but it’s way more flavorful.
It’s cheesy, creamy, and spiced with mustard and hot sauce for that signature kick.
This dish is served as a side at nearly every meal, but it’s tasty enough to be the star.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix evaporated milk, egg, mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the milk mixture and 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Why we chose it
Macaroni Pie’s comforting and cheesy goodness is a staple at Barbadian tables. It’s simple to make and impossible not to love.
3. Bajan Fish Cakes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, Bajan Fish Cakes are the perfect snack or appetizer.
Made with salted cod and seasoned with herbs and spices, these golden bites are a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted cod (soaked and flaked)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make It:
- Combine flour, baking powder, paprika, onion, and parsley in a bowl.
- Gradually add water, mixing to form a smooth batter.
- Stir in the flaked salted cod.
- Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Why we selected it
These fish cakes are a beloved Barbadian street food. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them totally crave-worthy.
4. Bajan Pepper Sauce
If you’re a fan of heat, this sauce is for you. Bajan Pepper Sauce is a bright, tangy, and fiery.
Condiment made with scotch bonnet peppers, mustard, and vinegar. It’s a staple on Barbadian tables.
Ingredients:
- 6 scotch bonnet peppers
- 1/2 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop.
Why did this make it to our list?
This sauce packs a punch and adds Barbadian flair to any dish. It’s versatile, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.
5. Pudding and Souse
Pudding and Souse is a weekend favorite in Barbados. The “pudding” is steamed sweet potato, seasoned.
With onions and spices, while the “souse” is pickled meat (usually chicken or beef) marinated in lime juice, cucumbers, and hot peppers. It’s tangy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients for Pudding:
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (grated)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Ingredients for Souse:
- 2 lbs chicken or beef (boiled and cooled)
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (sliced)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Combine grated sweet potatoes, onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Steam until soft.
- Marinate the cooked meat with lime juice, cucumbers, scotch bonnet peppers, and salt. Chill for an hour.
- Serve the pudding alongside the souse.
Why we selected it
This dish is a true Barbadian comfort food that highlights the island’s love for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
6. Bajan Coconut Bread (Sweet Bread)
This sweet, coconut-packed bread is a treat you’ll want to bake over and over.
It’s slightly sweet with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- Mix flour, grated coconut, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add melted butter and milk, stirring until combined. Fold in raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a staple in Barbadian households.
7. Jug Jug
Jug Jug is a dish inspired by Scottish haggis but with a Caribbean twist.
It’s made with pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, and flavorful seasonings. This hearty dish is both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pigeon peas (cooked)
- 1 cup guinea corn flour
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Mash the cooked pigeon peas until smooth.
- Sauté onions in butter and add mashed peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add guinea corn flour, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Serve warm as a main or side dish.
Why we chose it
Jug Jug is a unique blend of cultures and flavors that’s hearty, comforting, and unmistakably Barbadian.
8. Conkies
Conkies are sweet cornmeal and coconut dumplings steamed in banana leaves.
They’re soft, sweet, and loaded with flavor, making them a favorite dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin (grated)
- 1/2 cup sweet potato (grated)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup milk
- Banana leaves (for wrapping)
How to Make It:
- Mix cornmeal, grated coconut, sugar, pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins, and milk until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture onto banana leaves, fold, and secure.
- Steam for 30-40 minutes until firm.
Why we selected it
Conkies are a delightful combination of sweet and earthy flavors, wrapped in tradition.
9. Rice and Peas
Rice and Peas is a classic Caribbean side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Made with coconut milk, pigeon peas, and fragrant spices, it’s a must-have on any Barbadian table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup pigeon peas (cooked)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions in a pot, then add coconut milk, water, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add rice and pigeon peas, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.
Why did this make it to our list?
It’s a versatile side dish that’s both flavorful and filling, complementing any meal beautifully.
10. Tamarind Balls
These tangy-sweet candies are made with tamarind pulp and sugar. They’re sticky, tart, and irresistibly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tamarind pulp
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
How to Make It:
- Remove seeds from tamarind pulp and mix with sugar and salt.
- Roll into small balls and coat with additional sugar.
Why we chose it
Tamarind Balls are a fun, nostalgic treat that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
11. Coconut Turnovers
These flaky pastries are filled with sweet coconut, making them a perfect dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter (chilled and cubed)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
How to Make It:
- Mix flour and butter until crumbly. Add cold water to form a dough and chill for 30 minutes.
- Combine grated coconut, sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and fill with the coconut mixture. Fold and seal.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
Coconut Turnovers are a delicious blend of flaky pastry and sweet filling that’s hard to resist.
Conclusion
Barbadian cuisine is a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and history. These recipes offer a taste of the island that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
Ready to spice up your kitchen? Try these dishes and let the flavors of Barbados whisk you away.
Share your culinary adventures and bring the island vibes to your table!