Bahamian cuisine

Part of a series on the
Culture of The Bahamas
History
Languages
Religion
Music
Media
Sport
Symbols

Bahamian cuisine refers to the foods and beverages of The Bahamas. It includes seafood such as fish, shellfish, lobster, crab, and conch,[1] as well as tropical fruits, rice, peas, pigeon peas, and pork. Popular seasonings commonly used in dishes include chilies (hot pepper), lime, tomatoes, onions, garlic, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, rum, and coconut.[1] Rum-based beverages are popular on the islands.[2] Since the Bahamas consist of a multitude of islands, notable culinary variations exist.

Bahamian cuisine is somewhat related to that of the American South, with dishes held in common such as "fish 'n' grits".[3] A large portion of Bahamian foodstuffs are imported (cf. economy of the Bahamas).[3] International cuisine is offered, especially at hotels.[3]

Many specialty dishes are available at roadside stands, beach side, and in fine dining establishments. In contrast to the offerings in the city of Nassau and the many hotels, "shack" type food stands/restaurants (including Goldies and Twin Brothers) are located at Arawak Cay on West Bay Street about 15 minutes from downtown Nassau and 25 minutes from Atlantis Paradise Island resort. This is a very organized and safe place to enjoy fresh seafood and all local Bahamian dishes.[2] Travellers Rest Restaurant, in Nassau, is known for serving authentic "local" foods.[2][4]

Bahamian cuisine is showcased at many large festivals, including Independence Day (Bahamas) on July 10 (during which inhabitants prepare special dishes like guava duff), Fox Hill Day (second Tuesday in August), and Emancipation Day. Some settlements have festivals associated with the traditional crop or food of that area, such as the Pineapple Fest in Gregory Town, Eleuthera.

Bahamian traditions and food have been exported to other countries with emigrants.[5] Coconut Grove, Florida celebrates the Goombay Festival in June, transforming the area's Grand Avenue into a Carnival (Caribbean Carnival) in celebration of Bahamian culture, Bahamian food and music (Junkanoo and "Rake'N'Scrape"[6]).[7] Fantasy Fest in Key West, Florida includes a two-day street party known as Goombay held in Key West's Bahama Village neighborhood.[5] It is named after the goombay goatskin drums that generate the party's rhythms and held in celebration of the heritage of Key West's large Bahamian population with food, art, and dancing.[5]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Brittin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Frommers was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference tourism was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Bahamas Restaurants, Find the Best Restaurants in Bahamas, Caribbean | Travel + Leisure
  5. ^ a b c "About the Bahama Goombay Festival". Bahama Village Goombay Festival. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  6. ^ Music of the Bahamas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  7. ^ "Goombay Festival -Annual Coconut Grove Tradition". Florida Backwoods Travel. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.