The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Bermudian Foods. If you manage to be in an Bermudian restaurant or you are visiting Bermuda, I recommend the following:
1. Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are the main source in Bermuda’s waters during the spring and autumn. The largest fish caught here weighs around 200 pounds. Sliced and grilled fish is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
2. Spiny Lobster
In the months of September through March, you’ll find lobster in almost every restaurant, including Lobster Pot, Wahoo’s and Blû, as well as in grocery shops around the island. This delicacy is smaller than its Maine counterpart and has no claws, so most of the tender, tasty meat is in the tail. Bermudian chefs often mix lobster into bisques, tacos and pasta sauces, but it’s just as delicious with a little butter.
3. Glasseye Snapper
The glass eye (also known as catalufa), found in tropical waters around the world, is not actually a snapper; it is a member of the leucoma family. Divers love to see the coloured glass eyes on Bermuda’s reefs, while foodies love the buttery taste of the fish’s white flesh.
4. Black Rum Cake
Rum cake is a traditional dessert in Bermuda. It is made from Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, which is distilled on the island. Gosling’s Rum is the pride of Bermuda. The Bermuda Rum Cake distinguishes itself from other Caribbean rum cakes by using this Gosling’s Black Seal Rum which gives it a unique flavour profile. Flavours include traditional dark rum blended with ginger, banana and fruit juice and a special Christmas rum cake.
5. Fish Cake
A pie version of the traditional Bermuda cod and potato breakfast, this dish is also topped with chopped and split peas, rice, thyme, onion and crispy bacon to create a hamburger-shaped fish pie.
6. Fish Chowder
This is Bermuda’s national dish. Its main ingredients are fish fillet, fish stock and tomato puree, while the other ingredients can vary and are usually vegetables (potatoes, onions, celery, green peppers, carrots), herbs and spices such as thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns and cloves. Traditionally, the soup is flavoured with dark rum and a local hot sauce made with sherry pepper. Unlike milk or cream soups, this one is not as thick and has a lighter, broth-like consistency.
7. Hoppin 'John
This local favourite is also known as Hop ‘n’ John or Peas ‘n’ Rice, depending on who you talk to. It’s a hearty dish made with baked beans, sliced sausage, bacon or chicken, Bermuda onions and lots of brown rice seasoned with garlic and thyme. It’s often served on special occasions and is regularly included in Bermuda picnics. Visit any restaurant serving local cuisine and Hoppin’ John is likely to be on the menu.
8. Fish Sandwich
From humble restaurants to sophisticated bistros, the fish sandwich is a perennial staple in Bermuda. The basic recipe is often the same throughout the islands: fried fish fillets with tartar sauce, on sultana bread or whole wheat toast. Made with lettuce, tomato, grilled Bermuda onions, cheese, salsa and coleslaw, Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy is an unusual gem known for being one of the best places to eat fish sandwiches in Bermuda.
9. Codfish
Enjoy a hearty cod breakfast with the locals on Sunday mornings: a plateful of boiled or steamed salted cod served with boiled potatoes, onions, banana slices, a hard-boiled egg and, occasionally, avocado slices. Poured with tomato or onion sauce and butter.
10. Rockfish
In Bermuda, the grouping refers to black onions and is the island’s recipes and menus. Try it “Bermuda style”: roasted ripe plantains with lemon butter sauce and sautéed with toasted almonds.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Caribbean Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.