The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Bahamian Foods. If you manage to be in an Bahamian restaurant or you are visiting The Bahamas, I recommend the following:
1. Crack Conch with Peas and Rice
Conch is the only seafood that uses special Bajan spices: garlic, pepper, thyme, onion and a pinch of marjoram. The sauce is then mixed with a batter consisting of flour, beaten egg and water. The peel should be washed with water and lemon juice, beaten with a hammer so that the pulp softens, then cut into small pieces and covered with the batter mixture. Deep fried to a golden brown colour, served with Bahamian pea rice, which is fried bacon mixed with peas, onions, tomatoes, thyme, salt, pepper and glutinous rice.
2. Conch Ceviche
Conch ceviche is a classic Bahamian-style ceviche with clam meat as the main ingredient. It usually consists of clam meat, tomatoes, red onions, scotch bonnet peppers for heat and some diced sweet mango. This ceviche is usually served with freshly squeezed lime and lime juice. The food should be served immediately after being sprinkled with salt and pepper and discarded.
3. Conch Fritters
Consists of minced and tenderised shellfish meat fried with tomatoes, onions, celery, peppers and various spices, usually hot. The clam meat and vegetables are combined because it takes a lot of work to get some of the meat, so every piece counts. Because clams are so popular in the Caribbean, this dish can be easily found on all the islands. Fried until golden brown and crispy, this appetizer is best served with a Bahamian sauce made with lime juice, mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
4. Cracked Conch
Cracked conch is one of the most popular Bahamian dishes: the meat of the conch is coated in flour and fried until golden brown and crispy. The name of the dish refers to the method of tenderising tough meat with a meat mallet or frying pan. These browned shells are often served with fried potatoes or peas and rice. When served with fries, the dish is usually served on sweet bread and served with tomato or gravy.
5. Bahamian Stew Fish
Fish stew is one of the staples of Bahamian food, and one of the most common dishes on local tables. The fun thing about fish stew is that you can never be sure what kind of fish it’s made from. It is a preparation that is cooked with the catch of the day, which can be sea bass, snapper, or any other variety. The procedure for making this dish is to fry the catch of the day, and then simmer it in a thick sauce, made with plenty of vegetables. Undoubtedly one of the most local flavours you’ll ever taste.
6. Chicken Souce
The Bahamas, like every island, is a region of exotic and tasty drinks, but also of hangover-busting recipes, and chicken souse is the best example of this. This soup is the star of Saturday and Sunday lunches, with three main ingredients: lime, hot chilli and, of course, chicken. Its revitalising broth can energise anyone, which is why this classic Bahamian grandmother’s soup is one of the most important dishes in Bahamian cuisine.
7. Peas and Dumpling Soup
Peas and dumpling soup is the official soup of the Bahamas. The toppings usually include dal, ham, stewed tomatoes and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peppers and onions. Most cooks also add goat chilli, coconut milk and even plantains. The dumplings are usually made with a mixture of flour, salt, pepper and milk, although some dumpling makers choose coconut milk instead of regular milk. Especially popular when the temperature drops, the soup is a staple of home kitchens and local restaurants, traditionally served in Styrofoam cups and served with Johnny Cake.
8. Island Banana Bread
Banana bread is a Caribbean delicacy consisting of butter, flour, eggs, milk, mashed banana and shredded coconut. The bread is usually sprinkled with chopped macadamia nuts before baking. Some chefs like to enhance the flavour of the bread by adding a little lemon zest or allspice to the mixture, making it even more unique.
9. Duff
A Bahamian dessert consisting of a dough filled with fruit such as guava, known as guava duff. The dish is then boiled or steamed and served in a sweet butter sauce containing rum or brandy. Many locals claim that the sauce is the main ingredient of this dessert and cannot be omitted. Since the dessert is quite decadent, it is usually reserved for special occasions.
10. Conch Salad
Of the flavours most deeply rooted in Bahamian dishes, the Conch Salad stands out. The star of Bahamian cuisine, it is usually prepared as a mince, mixed with onions and cereals, or cooked as a burger. Conch, a delicious large, firm white-fleshed mollusc, is the most popular shellfish, usually served raw and fresh, seasoned with lemon juice and condiments. It can be fried or steamed and is a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews or salads. Depending on who prepares it, coconut milk, coriander and pepper may be added, creating an explosion of sweet and spicy flavours on the palate.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.