If you're like me, then a part of the travel experience is trying a few of the local dishes. You know, the ones that you will likely not get back home. The Bahamas is known for rich, flavorful and unique cuisine and Eleuthera definitely delivers on the well- known Bahamian favorites. Here are 5 must-try local dishes when visiting Eleuthera!
1. STEW FISH
Photo Credit: Bodinevitoria.com
This dish consists of herbs and fresh local fish, usually grouper or snapper. The fish is seasoned and fried before simmering it in a rich, flavorful gravy made from a roux prepared by slowly browning flour with just the right amount of oil and then adding ingredients such as salt, onion, diced or crushed tomato, hot (spicy) pepper, fresh thyme, water and lime juice. Some locals add veggies like carrots, russet or sweet potato to the simmering stew, while others prefer just the fish and gravy.
Whatever slightly altered version you try, one thing you can be certain to get with your stew fish experience is a side of Johnny cake and/or yellow grits. Both items pair perfectly with the savory stew, but Johnny cake also known as Johnny bread, is another uniquely Bahamian food that I know you will love. The delicate balance between sweet cake and buttery bread makes it perfect for dipping into stew or just having with your morning coffee. Most restaurants that have stew fish on the menu will likely only offer it during breakfast hours but fun fact.......Bahamians eat this any time of the day or night!
Whatever slightly altered version you try, one thing you can be certain to get with your stew fish experience is a side of Johnny cake and/or yellow grits. Both items pair perfectly with the savory stew, but Johnny cake also known as Johnny bread, is another uniquely Bahamian food that I know you will love. The delicate balance between sweet cake and buttery bread makes it perfect for dipping into stew or just having with your morning coffee. Most restaurants that have stew fish on the menu will likely only offer it during breakfast hours but fun fact.......Bahamians eat this any time of the day or night!
2. CONCH SALAD
Photo Credit: Legendary Conch
Conch is a locally caught mollusk found primarily in the warm waters of the Caribbean. It is often described as a large sea snail and that is usually enough to turn some visitors off from trying it. However, if you have ever tried Ceviche, this local delicacy won't be too far-fetched a try. The conch, usually in its freshest form of never previously frozen, is diced into small to medium sized cubes and mixed with fresh diced tomato, cucumber, onion, sweet (green and red bell) pepper, hot pepper (usually habanero, scotch bonnet or local goat pepper). This array of fresh ingredients marinates in a citrus blend of freshly squeezed lime and orange juice with added salt to taste.
Over the years some Bahamians have created variations to conch salads by adding seasonal fruit such as pineapple, and mango, giving it the name Tropical Conch Salad. Whether you decide to try the traditional conch salad or its tropical variation, I am sure you won't be disappointed! Conch salad is not usually readily available at restaurants here on Eleuthera. In fact, there are usually conch salad vendors who specialize in the art of making it but often availability is limited to the weekends when most people are in relaxed mode. Hence, the reason I call it a delicacy!
Over the years some Bahamians have created variations to conch salads by adding seasonal fruit such as pineapple, and mango, giving it the name Tropical Conch Salad. Whether you decide to try the traditional conch salad or its tropical variation, I am sure you won't be disappointed! Conch salad is not usually readily available at restaurants here on Eleuthera. In fact, there are usually conch salad vendors who specialize in the art of making it but often availability is limited to the weekends when most people are in relaxed mode. Hence, the reason I call it a delicacy!
3. CRACKED CONCH
Photo Credit: Unca Gene's Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Since I already loosely explained to you what conch is, it only makes sense to talk about our famous cracked conch next. Contrary to what it sounds like, nothing is being cracked but rather the conch is being pounded using a meat tenderizing tool which, fun fact....... we call a conch bruiser! The seasoned, tenderized conch meat is then dredged in a batter of eggs and flour and deep fried to golden brown perfection.
Cracked conch can be paired with French Fries or garden salad, placed on a bread bun to make a juicy conch burger or served as an entree with another Bahamian classic, peas-n-rice! This food is delicious on its own, but most people use a combination of ketchup, hot sauce and tartar sauce to further enhance its flavor. You definitely have to try this!
Cracked conch can be paired with French Fries or garden salad, placed on a bread bun to make a juicy conch burger or served as an entree with another Bahamian classic, peas-n-rice! This food is delicious on its own, but most people use a combination of ketchup, hot sauce and tartar sauce to further enhance its flavor. You definitely have to try this!
4. PEAS-N-RICE
Photo Credit: Ilene Powell @ Buccaneer Club
Not to be confused with rice and peas like some other Caribbean countries offer, this dish is arguably one of the most popular side dishes offered in The Bahamas. This flavorful Bahamian staple is prepared by adding herbs, green pigeon peas and rice to a tomato-based broth, steamed to fluffy perfection. Peas-n-rice can be paired with practically any meat such as poultry and seafood, whether baked or fried, and most dine-in restaurants on the island offer it on their menus.
In typical Bahamian style, there are variations to traditional peas-n-rice such as bean-n-rice (where red kidney or lima beans replace peas) or conch-n-rice (where conch replaces peas). They are all delicious in my opinion! Some restaurants may add pork fat or other animal fats to their peas-n-rice for added flavor, so if you have dietary restrictions remember to ask about this before ordering.
In typical Bahamian style, there are variations to traditional peas-n-rice such as bean-n-rice (where red kidney or lima beans replace peas) or conch-n-rice (where conch replaces peas). They are all delicious in my opinion! Some restaurants may add pork fat or other animal fats to their peas-n-rice for added flavor, so if you have dietary restrictions remember to ask about this before ordering.
5. CONCH FRITTERS
Photo Credit: Daddy Joe's Restaurant
As you can probably tell by now, we love our conch! I am sure you can probably find conch in other countries, but I personally believe that no other country has been quite as creative as Bahamians in putting together some of the most unique and flavorful conch dishes in the world.
Not to be left out is our famous conch fritters. This deep-fried delight consists of chopped conch mixed in a batter made with minced onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, hot pepper, thyme, flour, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt and a blend of other spices. The batter is spooned into the hot 350-degree oil where it plumps into airy bite-sized balls, we call conch fritters. A simple sauce made with ketchup, mayo and hot sauce is mixed for dipping which further adds to this savory treat bursting with flavor. No need to use a fork to eat conch fritters which is considered a finger food, and you can find them on the menus of most dine-in restaurants as an appetizer. A must-try for sure!
Not to be left out is our famous conch fritters. This deep-fried delight consists of chopped conch mixed in a batter made with minced onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, hot pepper, thyme, flour, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt and a blend of other spices. The batter is spooned into the hot 350-degree oil where it plumps into airy bite-sized balls, we call conch fritters. A simple sauce made with ketchup, mayo and hot sauce is mixed for dipping which further adds to this savory treat bursting with flavor. No need to use a fork to eat conch fritters which is considered a finger food, and you can find them on the menus of most dine-in restaurants as an appetizer. A must-try for sure!
BONUS MUST-TRY FOODS
Now that you have a list of my 5 must-try local dishes when visiting Eleuthera, here are a few bonus dishes that you can easily fit in:
- Baked Macaroni and cheese (we bake ours in a way that can be sliced and easily served as a side dish).
- Coleslaw (Lots of places have coleslaw but Bahamians make it a bit different, and you just might like it. Also served as a side dish).
Photo Credit: 3Js Takeaway & Grill Pit
Be adventurous! I hope you get an opportunity to experience each of my 5 must-try local dishes on your visit to this beautiful island, Eleuthera! Please comment and let me know your thoughts on each dish you get to try!
Eleuthera is a real vibe!.......It's an experience!
Eleuthera is a real vibe!.......It's an experience!
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