Three of the tasty Barbados foods that are popular with locals and tourists alike are macaroon cake, fried flying fishY fish cakes.

Bajan Macaroni Pie

Macaroni pie in Barbados is a local dish made from macaroni, butter, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, milk, mustard, white pepper, onion powder, red or cayenne pepper, eggs, and salt. This Barbados meal is great for adults and kids who love mac and cheese. It can be easily found all over the island as it is a local specialty.

To prepare the macaroni cake, the macaroni are placed in boiling water, which is sprinkled with a little salt. The macaroni is cooked until it begins to soften. This usually takes between 7 and 9 minutes. The macaroni is then drained before being mixed with melted butter. The cheddar cheese is then grated and mixed with the butter and macaroni mixture.

The eggs are then beaten in a separate bowl. Other ingredients, such as milk, mustard, white pepper, onion powder, red or cayenne pepper, and salt, are added once the white and yolk are fluffy. The mixture is then added to the macaroni, cheese, and butter mixture in a deep saucepan.

Most often, as an added topping, shredded cheddar cheese, along with breadcrumbs, is spread over the top of the dish before it is placed in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Some people also add two or three tablespoons of tomato sauce to add extra flavor and color.

Fried Bajan Flying Fish

Barbadians prepare this dish using filleted flying fish, limes, salt, Bajan seasoning, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, white pepper and paprika.

A mixture of water, lime and salt is prepared. This is where the flying fish fillets will be soaked or marinated for about half an hour. Then the flying fish is rinsed and dried. The eggs are beaten before being mixed with salt, white pepper and any other seasonings. This is where the fish fillet will be placed for half an hour. The longer they are allowed to sit, the more flavor will be seen in the fillets.

The fish fillets are then coated in Bajan seasonings before being coated in breadcrumbs, which undergo a separate preparation. To prepare the breadcrumbs you will need to add flour, white pepper, salt and paprika. Some people choose to add dried herbs and garlic for an even better flavor.

Canola or olive oil is used for frying as they are believed to be healthier. Flying fish fillets are fried skin side up.

Bajan Fish Cakes

Fishcakes are popular for use at dinner parties in Barbados, as well as fast food takeaways sold at many beaches and local holiday events.

Fish cakes are made from boneless fish, usually cod. First, the fish is salted by placing it in a saucepan with water and boiling it for half an hour. This process is repeated using a new batch of water until the fish has the desired salinity. The fish is then flaked or shredded.

Minced onion and garlic, pepper sauce, flour, baking powder, egg, milk, water, butter, parsley, and black and white pepper are mixed and stirred in a bowl. This is done until a thick dough forms. The shredded fish is then added to the mix. Small amounts of dough are quickly fried until golden brown in very hot oil. It is common to find fish cakes served with a spicy Bajan sauce.