Slow Food is a new movement that is sweeping across the world. Despite it’s rising popularity, many people are probably still unaware of what slow food actually means. We all know what fast food is. McDonald’s, Burger King, all of the foods we can get quickly and aren’t necessarily good for us, the world, and the local economies. Slow food is the opposite of that. It’s local, often organic, healthy food. Slow Food Barbados described it as Good, Clean, Fair food. It doesn’t travel far to get to you and it is not processed. I’m proud to say all but one of my meals in Barbados was considered slow food. I learned a lot about the value of slow food to the local economy and community and I tried a few new delicious foods as well during my journey!
Slow Food Barbados
Lionfish
One of Barbados’ biggest problems is Lionfish. This destructive fish eats just about anything and has no local predators. It’s ruining the local reefs and fishing populations. To avoid senseless killings of these beautiful fish, they are encouraging locals and tourists to eat a lot of it. I saw it on menus grilled and fried. I opted for the grilled special at Marco Polo Restaurant, just across the street from the Crane Resort. Marco Polo Bar & Grill is owned by Marc and Sally, two British expats. They source all of their food locally and prepare it in a Caribbean style at an affordable price. This was my first slow food meal, and it was a great way to kick off the tour.
Flying Fish
While not as destructive to its habitat as the Lionfish, Flying Fish are found in abundance off the shores of Barbados (and my readings suggest they’ve been a local favorite for over 100 years!). It’s one of the most common fish to eat in the area. My second experience with slow food was on my snorkeling day trip where they served up some delicious fried flying fish and several Bajan sides. The chef on my Balador cruise prepared this lovely meal on the boat while I was swimming with a baby turtle!
Dining at the Crane Hotel
After a long day on the water, I decided to dine at the resort that evening. They were having their weekly BBQ special at the Carriage House. I opted for the shrimp and veggies. Another splendid choice. In addition to the food, there was also lovely live music for the evening.
For lunch the next day I opted for a lobster roll from L’Azure, the cliff side restaurant with views of the Atlantic Ocean. It had a unique Bajan taste, a lot of flavor, and very fresh.
Oistin’s Fish Market
Every Friday night, tourists and locals flood the fish market. Several different vendors are serving up their freshest catches, there’s live music, and a great vibe. If you ask anyone what to do in Barbados, this is at the top of everyone’s list.
I visited one of the first fish stands on the street, LaAmor’s Delights. I ordered a crab cake which was quite different from the ones I am accustomed to in the US. It was flat, without much meat. I also had my first taste of local favorite Macaroni Pie. It’s basically a macaroni and cheese casserole! While I did find Barbados to be a very safe and friendly island, I was a bit overwhelmed attending the fish market alone as a solo female traveler. I went with a group from my hotel, but they broke off upon arrival to find their friends. It’s very much like a large crowded street fair.So I enjoyed my dinner and retired to the hotel for an early night.
Celestine’s
The next day I hired Andy, a local taxi driver to give me private tour of the island. Along the way Andy took me to Celestine’s where we ordered fresh juices, fishcakes, and coconut bread! This little road side restaurant is a favorite among locals, but her fresh breads can often sell out, so beside to go early! Everything I had from Celestine was absolutely amazing. Andy suggested mixing the juices. I had Mango, golden apple, and sour sop. They all tasted amazing on their own, but mixing all three together really made for a tropical delight! This little spot was truly off the beaten path and exactly the kind of place a traveler would hope to find.
The Cutter (Fish Sandwich)
I’m not a huge fan of eating food from a truck, but the New York food truck scene is breaking me in little by little. After a few underwhelming meals at my last hotel, I decided to give this fish sandwich truck a shot. The sandwiches, known as cutters, are made with fresh fried flying fish (how’s that for a tongue twister?) It was pretty good considering the price, convenience, and sustainability.
The Last Supper
I called Andy one last time to give me a lift to the airport. Once again he showed his hospitality and asked me if I was feeling hungry. I did just eat that fish sandwich, but after the previous day’s local treats, I wasn’t going to say no. Andy took me to a parking lot at a local beach, where a woman was selling food out of the back of her van. Since I just had a sandwich, I loaded up on sides. You’ll see below I had a fabulous macaroni pie, Bajan rice, and cassava, a local root vegetable.
I don’t always practice the slow food lifestyle, especially not in the fast paced environment of New York. It was amazing to see how easy it really was in Barbados though. The only reason I ate at my hotel the one evening was because I had a voucher for food that I was not going to waste! I learned a lot about the locals and their food preferences and cooking styles. I learned about the lifestyles and how hard they’re working to make food sustainable on the island. Something else I learned about Barbados is that it is considered the foodie island of the Caribbean. There are several well known restaurants on the island (L’Azure included) The Cliffs, one of the island’s most famous and most expensive restaurants also sources foods from local farmers and fisherman! I plan to explore them in my future visits while maintaining the slow food approach!
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Wow it’s amazing that slow food is so abundant in Barbados!
There’s a huge movement going on there now. A lot of support from the government to provide jobs through agriculture, which I didn’t even tough here and so much support from local businesses too.
Fantastic! Loved ready about your culinary adventure in Barbados and thank you for your support of our local farmers, fishermen and chefs. Glad you found Celestine’s, it’s a true Bajan gem and Celestine herself is a lovely host.
Great post. It looks like you had some awesome fresh food in Barbados and I really like the slow food concept. I notice (unsurprisingly) that there were a lot of fish dishes, but how easy is it to get veggie food there?
All of the food looks so delicious! We’re the lion fish and flying fish good? Did they taste like normal fish or did they have any unique tastes?
It was a delight to read this. And no, I didn’t know about ‘slow food’, I grew up hearing about ‘a good hot meal”! 🙂 Food has always been a big thing, and I am so glad you got to enjoy some Barbadian meals.
P.S. Next time at Oistins Fish Market just plop yourself down at a table if you can, or get close to a group and start chatting. It’s a party, and most people are uber friendly so you won’t be alone anymore.
I’m headed back in two weeks and going with friends. I think it will be great!
I heard about slow food before, but in a culture so past paced as it is in 21st century it`s hard to live this lifestyle. Or at least this in my opinion. I rarely have time or mood to cook. Don`t get me wrong, I`ll eat my mom slow food EVERY SINGLE TIME!
Seems like in Barbados you have options and it`s easier to slow down with your life and enjoy the moment and the taste of food.
I know what you mean. very often my ‘slow food’ is scrambled eggs and salad! 🙂
Ooooooh I love slow food! This is a really great post, so interesting. I love hearing about other cultures – so fascinating. And Barbados!! Hello?!! Thank you for sharing xx Susana
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This all looks so delicious. We have lion fish in the Keys and I have always wanted to try it! Great post:)
Ive never heard of the term “Slow Food” 🙂 Everything you ate looks delicious. That Lionfish looks like something I would really enjoy.
Wow!!! Barbados is one of my travel goals!! Caribbean food is so good!!! Looking forward to this with all the amazing food you got to experience!!
Everything looks so delicious! I love exploring new foods, especially comfort foods!
I never knew that’s what slow food was! The dishes sound amazing but I don’t eat meat or fish. That macaroni and cheese however can get in my belly! Ree love30
All of this looks so tasty! Wish I could try some!
– Jessica
Miss Moore Style
This looks like a delicious assortment of seafood dishes and just the kind of food I like to eat. The lobster roll looks very yummy.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in Barbados food – I hadn’t heard of the concept of slow food before, slow travel yes, so I’m glad this is taking off 🙂 Thanks for the tip on Lionfish – glad to know that the locals are taking an approach to the situation where it can be beneficial to the local economy without unnecessary culls.
Wait you eat flying fish? I never knew that – looks like a delightful place for sea food lovers (aka ME) 🙂 If you were to choose one from all these, which was the best?
I love Caribbean food! The different islands with have local spices and combinations for a unique island taste. Food just tastes better freshly caught.
Got it. So slow food are those food cooked normally. 🙂 never heard of that tag before but it is good to know now. By the way the food looks reallt appetizing.
Interesting! I’ve never heard of slow food before but I’d totally take slow food over fastfood any day 😛 Barbados would totally be up my alley with all the fish. Huge fan of seafood so I can’t wait to go one day!
I’ve never heard of slow food before but it looks fab and everything I ate in Barbados was gorgeous. Makes me hungry!
What a detailed and scrumptious post!
I love my food slow and warm and aren’t I a worshipper of fish. Seems likes Barbados has a unique assortment! I’d get my teeth wrapped around that lion predator!
So much seafood in so many different varieties! I’m not a huge seafood fan, but I know it’s best to have it near an ocean. haha! The macaroni salad looks amazing and I LOVE cassava!
Everything looks delicious! I feel like the lobster roll would be my favourite as you can just never go wrong with it! Seafood is definitely a favourite of mine!
Hope you get in safely. Rainy season has started here, but the fish are still biting. So sorry I can’t see a ‘contact’ form on here. Be bold!
Just returned home last night. Another wonderful stay in Barbados!
good t know. God Bless and Happy New Month!:)
I hadn’t heard about the concept of slow food before, but it does sound quite good in comparison with fast food from McDonald’s. My problem now is that I got quite hungry viewing your photos and fast food is probably not a good solution. 🙂
In America, you certainly don’t come across these Caribbean fish often, but I’d definitely try it given the chance after reading your slow food journey. I wish we had more of a movement behind slow food here too! Thanks for sharing.