What to eat Barbados? culinary specialties and gastronomy

In general, restaurants are open for lunch from 11am until mid-afternoon, and open early for dinner, from 5pm until 9-10pm. Closing days depend on the establishment.

Eating out in Barbados is relatively expensive (as is the case on many islands), especially when many ingredients have to be imported. Expect to pay around €27 for a dish in a good restaurant. On the plus side, portions are quite generous and if you can't finish, you'll be offered a doggy-bag (and if you're not, don't hesitate to ask).

For those on a smaller budget or just for a quick bite, there are plenty of small restaurants, cafés, street food stands and rum shops, especially in the city. And of course, there's always Chefette, Barbadian Mc Donald's. This is your chance to try out everyday Bajan cuisine.

Almost all establishments accept credit cards, but always keep some cash on you, especially in the smaller establishments.

In restaurants, you'll always be offered a carafe of water as soon as you reach your table. Gratuities and taxes are included in the bill, although in some cases, when you pay with a card, the terminal will prompt you to add a tip. You can always accept or refuse. It all depends on the quality of service you receive.

In local restaurants, Saturday is often the day of the national dish: cou-cou with gravy and fried flying fish (when in season), while on Sundays it's pudding and souse that take pride of place. Souse " is essentially marinated pork (various parts such as feet, ears, snout) and "pudding" is steamed sweet potato.

If you're sensitive to spices, be careful with chili-based sauces - they're hot. Ask for advice before ordering, or mention it to the restaurant staff.

Unlike some destinations, the water that comes out of the tap, largely filtered by the coral rock and drawn from Barbados' aquifers, is perfectly drinkable. Don't hesitate to fill up your water bottles and add ice cubes to your drinks.

Children are welcome in restaurants (except in some resorts, which are adults-only). Even fine addresses like Champers, in Rockley, or The Tides in Holetown, have a dedicated children's menu.

Smoking is prohibited inside restaurants.

Most cafés are open from early morning (between 7 and 8:30 a.m.) to late afternoon (between 2:30 and 4 p.m.). Bars, on the other hand, generally open around 11am, and some only from mid-afternoon.Happy hour usually runs from 5pm to 7pm. Some even have two (in the early afternoon or shortly before closing time).

Like the restaurants, service is included in the bill and credit cards are widely accepted (but remember to carry some cash). Expect to pay at least 5 BBD for a beer, 8 BBD for a glass of rum and 10 BBD for a rum punch.

The legal drinking age is 18. Some places (such as clubs) may ask you to show ID for age verification before entering. So be prepared to show some if you go out.

In general, in a rum shop, you don't order by the glass but by the bottle (going to the rum shop is a social activity). The smallest size is the Mini, followed by the Flask and then the Pint and a Half. If there are several of you, or if you join the locals, everyone pays for their own round. If you're in solo mode, there are always shots.

For non-alcoholic refreshment, try fruit punch (a mix of several fruit juices) or coconut water (a sparkling version is available).

While Barbados doesn't really produce cocoa, its neighbors Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago are known for their quality beans. Two leading Barbadian artisan chocolate makers use them in their creations: Agapey and Green Monkey.

Another particularity inherited from the British:afternoon tea is a lively tradition in certain cafés, hotels and resorts. Except that, alongside the scones, you might come across a piece of rum cake!

Smoking is prohibited inside a café or bar.