The Bahamas is a country consisting of over 700 islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Its cuisine is influenced by West African, Spanish, and British cultures. The famous foods in the Bahamas include conch, johnnycake, and guava duff.
Conch is a popular dish in the Bahamas, and it is the national food of the country. The meat from the conch shell is removed and either served raw in a salad or cooked in a stew or fritters. Conch salad is a popular dish made from diced raw conch, onion, tomato, and bell pepper, dressed with lime juice and served with hot peppers. Conch fritters are deep-fried balls made with diced conch, onion, bell pepper, and celery mixed with flour, baking powder, and spices. They are usually served with a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce or spicy mayo (Bahamas.com, n.d.).
Johnnycake is a staple food in the Bahamas made from flour, salt, water, and sometimes butter or sugar. It is similar to a biscuit or cornbread and can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Johnnycakes can be sweet or savory, and they are often served with fish or stewed meats (Smith, 2019).
Guava duff is a dessert made from grated guava, flour, sugar, and butter, wrapped in a cloth and boiled until cooked. It is then served with a sweet rum sauce. The dish has a sweet, fruity flavor and is often served during Christmas and other festive occasions (Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, 2021).
In addition to these famous dishes, other popular foods in the Bahamas include fried fish, conch chowder, and boiled fish served with grits or peas and rice. The cuisine of the Bahamas reflects the country’s history and culture and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country.
