In addition to its breathtaking beaches and friendly locals, Barbados is known worldwide for its delicious Caribbean cuisine. Featuring a unique blend of cultural influences including West Africa, Spain, Portugal and England, Barbadian (also called Bajan) food relies heavily on fresh fish, local pork, and island staples like sweet potatoes, yams, and breadfruit (a fruit that actually tastes a bit like bread or potatoes when cooked!).

While most ingredients in Bajan food will be familiar to you, you’ll find that the island's local spices, herbs, and unique food pairings will surprise – and delight! – your taste buds. Below, seven dishes you must try on your next villa vacation in Barbados.

1. Cou-Cou & Flying Fish

You can't leave Barbados without trying its national dish! Traditionally served on Fridays, cou-cou and fish consists of cornmeal (prepared like polenta) and okra served alongside steamed or fried flying fish, usually accompanied by a gravy made with tomatoes, garlic, butter, and herbs. If you’re a spicy food lover, make sure to have plenty of addictive Bajan hot sauce on hand.

2. Macaroni Pie

Locally referred to simply as “pie,” Bajan Macaroni Pie is a Caribbean-ized version of your standard mac 'n cheese. Along with macaroni and cheddar cheese, Macaroni Pie contains mustard, onions and spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Pair your pie with flying fish, red snapper, or blue marlin for a typical Bajan lunch or dinner.

3. Conkies

Conkies are traditional Bajan treats historically made and sold during the month of November, when Barbados celebrates its independence from the United Kingdom. This celebratory snack consists of coconut, pumpkin, corn flour and sweet potato all wrapped up in a banana tree leaf.

4. Fish Cakes

This easy-to-make, easy-to-eat snack is very popular throughout the island – you’ll see fish cakes at rum shops, social gatherings, and food stands everywhere. Cod or white fish is covered in flour and spices, deep fried, and served alongside hot pepper sauce or ketchup.

5. Pudding & Souse

Pudding and Souse is a beloved Bajan meal that is only served on Saturdays, the traditional day reserved for slaughtering. Historically, the “pudding” portion of the dish referred to Black Pudding, the British dish containing pig’s blood, but modern-day variations rarely list blood as an ingredient. Nowadays, the pudding is typically made from pig intestines stuffed with seasoned sweet potatoes. The pudding is served alongside souse, which is made up of boiled and chopped pig’s head (or sometimes feet) that has been pickled in limejuice and cucumber and garnished with parsley.

6. Pepperpot

Pepperpot is a deliciously spicy stewed meat dish, usually featuring local pork, beef, or mutton and served with bread or rice. The dish originally hails from Guyana, but has become a point of pride for Barbadians, who serve it up during Sunday lunches alongside pumpkin fritters and pickled green bananas.

7. Sea Eggs

The sea egg is one of seventeen sea urchin species native to the waters surrounding Barbados, and it is hailed as one of the island’s most delicious delicacies. Barbados law restricts sea egg harvesting during most of the year in order to preserve the health of the species, and anyone found diving for sea eggs during closed season is penalized with a hefty fine. If you do happen to visit during sea egg season (September through December), make sure to try a few. You can find them served up raw, steamed, or fried at your local food stand or grocery.

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