One of the best things about traveling to a new place is sampling local tastes and flavors. The Bahamas has a great tradition of delicious local dishes, featuring ingredients like guava, rock lobster and conch. Bahamian cuisine is influenced by the dishes and cooking style of the American South, which is evident in the side dishes and seasoning used. Grits are common, as is a considerable amount of spice. There are some elements of Bahamian cuisine that are similar to cuisine throughout the Caribbean, such as fresh seafood, peas n’ rice, and some that are unique to the islands of The Bahamas.

Here are some of the most popular and unique elements of Bahamian cuisine. These dishes are definitely worth a try on your next vacation in Nassau Paradise Island!

SEAFOOD

It’s no surprise that seafood is a major component of Bahamian cuisine. The beautiful waters surrounding the islands have provided the residents of The Bahamas with a bounty of fresh seafood and shellfish for generations.

Conch, pronounced “konk,” is a local staple and the national dish of The Bahamas. This mollusk is found throughout regional waters and its meat is prepared in a variety of ways. At Arawak Cay (also known as The Fish Fry), you can watch conch salad being artfully prepared, and try conch fritters or cracked conch, battered and deep-fried conch meat seasoned to perfection. Another popular preparation of this unique seafood is conch chowder, a tomato-based soup with conch that is stewed until the meat is succulently tender.

Rock Lobster looks quite different than lobster found in colder waters. This spiny, clawless lobster is often served broiled, or minced up in salads. Fresh fish is very prominent in Bahamian cuisine, and dishes like fried snapper or grouper served with grits, or peas and rice, are very common.

SIDE DISHES

Peas n’ rice is a staple of Caribbean cooking, and you’ll find peas n’ rice as a side dish for many Bahamian meals. The “peas” in question are pigeon peas, a hearty legume that is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions, often some salt pork, and spices.

Another classic Bahamian side dish is baked macaroni and cheese. Different from its saucier American counterpart, Bahamian Mac and Cheese is seasoned with onions, green peppers, and a variety of spices and herbs, thickened with eggs and evaporated milk, and baked. It’s cut into squares and served as a hearty component of lunch, dinner, and holiday meals.

A true Bahamian meal would not be complete without one of these other side dishes on your plate: a creamy potato salad and cole slaw. Bahamian cole slaw is slightly sweet, thanks to a generous pinch of sugar in the dressing.

Of course, when we’re talking about Bahamian dishes, we can’t forget Johnny Cake. This simple bread is eaten as a snack or side dish, and its simple flavor easily compliments every meal. Try our recipe for Johnny Cake and see how easy-to-make and delicious this Bahamian staple truly is!

DRINKS

Switcha is a unique Bahamian term and delicious drink! It’s essentially a lemonade, made of local lemons and limes, and perfectly refreshing on a hot Bahamian day. If you’re looking for a drink that’s a little stronger, try some Sky Juice – a local cocktail prepared with coconut water, gin, and condensed milk. It’s a Bahamian favorite with a flavor that is distinctly Caribbean.

As we know, The Bahamas has a long history with rum, and it’s no surprise that rum is featured in many Bahamian cocktails, such as the Goombay Smash—which combines rum with pineapple juice and coconut—or the Bahama Mama.

DESSERTS

Rum is also featured in one of The Bahamas most-loved desserts: rum cake! Pick up one of The Bahamas’ best versions, Tortuga Rum Cakes, while shopping in Nassau, or make your own at home with our authentic recipe.

The most quintessential Bahamian dessert is guava duff. This dish features one of The Bahamas’ indigenous fruits ¾ guava ¾ folded into a sweet dough and steamed or boiled. It’s often served drizzled with a decadent butter rum sauce.

Want to learn more about Bahamian Cuisine? Take an authentic Bahamian cooking class with Tru Bahamian Food Tours on your next vacation. Learn more about local ingredients, work with Executive Chef Elijah Bowe in the kitchen at Graycliff’s gourmet restaurant, and then sample your culinary creations! This immersive three-hour experience includes a three-course lunch with wine pairings, recipes to take home with you, and a tour of Graycliff’s legendary wine cellar.

Which Bahamian dish is your favorite? Which one are you dying to try? Tell us in the comments!