Bajan Fish Cakes (Barbados)

In Barbados, the fish cake is an experience. Deep-fried Bajan fish cakes are served at high-end establishments, gatherings, small rum shops, and on street corners. Where there is food, you are bound to find fishcakes! There is no traditional recipe for the Bajan fish cake. Still, it always includes saltfish (typically cod but can be pollock), flour, spices, and fresh herbs. They are served plain or with Bajan pepper sauce, aioli, or in a Bread & Two (two saltfish in-between bread buns). However you like your fish cakes, Bajan fish cakes are a must-have.

After eating countless fishcakes while in Barbados, I got curious about why and how fishcakes became part of Barbados’s culinary culture. So, I went researching. Salt-cured fish was introduced in the Caribbean in the 16th century. Vessels from North America, mainly Canada, brought lumber and pickled and salted cod. These were traded for Caribbean molasses, rum, sugar, and salt. Surprisingly, even though saltfish is now a critical ingredient in a Bajan appetizer staple, the saltfish is still imported. Now every time I eat fishcakes, I think of colonialization, slavery, and imports. I had no idea that such a small ball of goodness had so much history and connection to foreign countries.

Anyway, I am geeking out a bit. Sorry, lol! Let me tell you about some places, on different sides of the island, where you can find fish cakes while in Barbados.

Lisa’s Fish Cakes

Lisa is a wonderful sweet Bajan lady who sells her fish cakes at various farmers' markets in Barbados. You can find her at Brighton’s Farmers Market (center of the island) on Saturday, Holders Famers Farmers Market (West of the island) on Sundays, or Hastings Farmers Market (south of the island) on Wednesdays.

Animal Flower Cave restaurant

If you’re a visitor to Barbados, you’ll likely visit the Animal Flower Cave (AFC), given that it is very well-marketed to tourists. What is under-marketed is how great the food is, particularly the Bajan fish cakes! I have eaten a lot of fishcakes, and AFC’s are, to date, the best I have had. Unfortunately, the cave is on the northmost point of Barbados; it can take a while to get to and from their site.

Hot Legendary Fish Cakes

Since you will likely find yourself at the infamous Oistin’s Fish Fry on a Friday, should you be looking for an appetizer before your meal or a post-meal meal, there is a Hot Legendary Fish Cakes stall at the market.

Round House

The historic oceanfront inn on the East Coast has pretty good fish cakes. While on the East Coast, I went to Round House twice just for the fish cakes.

Or you can just make the fish cakes yourself. Here is a recipe from VisitBarbados on Youtube.

If you do not want to go through the process of soaking the sailfish and all, you can purchase a delectable homemade batter from Mary by sending a WhatsApp to +-246-237-6271. All you will need to do is buy oil and you can fry it yourself.

#Barbados