Our guide to self-catering in Barbados

There's something uniquely liberating about a self-catering holiday that allows you to embrace the island's rhythm at your own pace. Nestled in one of our villas, you have the freedom to create your own culinary adventures, blending the rich flavours of local produce with the comfort of home-cooked meals. Self-catering holidays offer a perfect blend of independence and immersion, allowing you to explore the vibrant culture and cuisine on your terms. Whether you're savouring a leisurely breakfast on your villa's private terrace or preparing a sumptuous dinner with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the experience is both enriching and rewarding. As you delve deeper into this blog, we will share our top meal suggestions, guide you to the best supermarkets, and provide insider tips to ensure your self-catering experience in Barbados is nothing short of extraordinary. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises not only delicious meals but also unforgettable memories in this island paradise.

Supermarkets in Barbados

When planning a self-catering holiday in Barbados, knowing where to find the best supermarkets is essential for a convenient and enjoyable stay. Each parish offers distinct shopping options that cater to a variety of needs and preferences; but we have you covered, wherever you choose to stay.

St. James

In St James, ‘Massy Stores’ in Holetown is a go-to destination. Known for its wide range of products, Massy Stores offers everything from fresh local produce to international brands. The supermarket is well-organised and provides a pleasant shopping experience. Additionally, there’s a wine and spirits section, making it easy to pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy with your home cooked meals back at the villa. Another notable mention is ‘Jordan’s Supermarket’ in Fitts Village, which is perfect for those seeking a more local shopping experience with competitive prices.

St. Lucy

St. Lucy, though less commercialised, has its own hidden gem; ‘A1 Supermarket’ in Crab Hill. This supermarket is ideal for picking up essentials and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and household items. The friendly staff and reasonable prices make it a convenient option for those staying in the northern part of the island.

St. Peter

In St. Peter, the Speightstown community boasts several excellent supermarkets. Mentioned earlier, Jordans Supermarket is also located in Speightstown, St Peter. It is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This store provides a good selection of groceries, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and bakery items. For a more upscale shopping experience, head to ‘Trimart Supermarket’, which offers a wider selection of gourmet and specialty items. Both options ensure you’ll find everything you need for your self-catering holiday.

Christ Church

Christ Church, a bustling parish with numerous attractions, offers several superb supermarkets. ‘Massy Stores Super Centre’ in Worthing is a standout, providing an extensive range of products, including organic options and a well-stocked deli. The store’s convenient location and ample parking make it a popular choice. Additionally, ‘Popular Discounts’ in Oistins is known for its affordability and variety, ensuring you get great value for your money.

Food markets

With a rich cultural heritage and vigorous culinary scene, Barbados is a paradise for food lovers. When you visit, you'll want to head to the best food markets in St. James, St. Lucy, St. Peter, and Christ Church to stock up on fresh, local ingredients. Each of these parishes offer unique markets that reflect the island's diverse flavours and traditions.

St. James, Holetown Market

Located in the heart of the island's west coast, Holetown Market is a bustling hub for fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Open every day, this market is known for its wide array of fruits and vegetables, including tropical favourites like mangoes, papayas, and breadfruit. Fish vendors offer the day's catch, from flying fish to snapper, perfect for a self-catered seafood feast. Don't miss the artisan stalls where you can find homemade jams, spices, and baked goods.

St. Lucy, Speightstown Fish Market

In the northern parish of St. Lucy, the Speightstown Fish Market is a hidden gem. This market is smaller but offers an authentic Barbadian experience. Fishermen bring in their fresh catch daily, and you can find an excellent selection of fish, lobster, and shrimp. The market also features a few produce vendors selling locally grown vegetables and fruits. The friendly atmosphere and the chance to chat with local fishers make this market a must-visit.

St. Peter, Mile and a Quarter Market

Mile and a Quarter Market in St. Peter is a vibrant spot where locals gather to buy and sell fresh produce. This market is renowned for its variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. You'll find everything you need to prepare delicious meals, from sweet potatoes and yams to fresh thyme and scotch bonnet peppers. The market is also known for its homemade treats, such as coconut bread and tamarind balls, which are perfect for a sweet snack.

Christ Church, Oistins Fish Market

Oistins Fish Market in Christ Church is perhaps the most famous on the island. Known for its lively atmosphere, especially during the Friday Night Fish Fry, this market offers a fantastic selection of fresh fish and seafood. Whether you're looking for mahi-mahi, tuna, or the island's famous flying fish, you'll find it here. The market also has stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, making it a one-stop shop for all your self-catering needs.

Typical Bajan breakfasts

As you settle in and make yourself comfortable, we want to ensure that you experience the rich and delightful culinary traditions of the island, starting with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Here are some typical Bajan breakfast ideas to inspire your self-catering experience.

Bajan Bakes

Start your morning with a traditional Bajan bake, a type of fried dough that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These delicious treats are often served with fish, such as saltfish or flying fish, which are staples in Barbadian cuisine. To prepare, simply mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add water to form a dough, roll into small balls, and fry until golden brown. Enjoy them hot, with a side of butter or jam if you prefer.

Saltfish and Plantains

Another classic breakfast dish is saltfish with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and peppers, paired with fried plantains. Start by soaking the saltfish overnight to remove excess salt, then boil and flake it into small pieces. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers until tender, then add the saltfish and cook until heated through. Serve this savoury dish with slices of ripe plantains, fried until golden and caramelised.

Cou-Cou and Flying Fish

Cou-cou, made from cornmeal and okra, is a traditional Barbadian dish often enjoyed for breakfast. To prepare, cook the cornmeal and okra with water, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth consistency. Pair it with flying fish, seasoned with a blend of local herbs and spices, and lightly pan-fried. This hearty combination is sure to keep you energised throughout the day.

Porridge

For a simpler yet equally satisfying option, try a bowl of Bajan porridge. Cornmeal porridge is a popular choice, made by cooking cornmeal in milk or water until thick and creamy. Sweeten to taste with sugar, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a touch of warmth. Alternatively, you can prepare oatmeal or cream of wheat porridge, using similar methods and flavourings.

Fresh Tropical Fruits

Barbados is blessed with an abundance of fresh tropical fruits, and incorporating them into your breakfast is a must. Enjoy a vibrant fruit salad featuring local favourites like mangoes, papayas, bananas, and pineapples. Not only are these fruits delicious, but they also provide a refreshing and nutritious start to your day.

Souse and Breadfruit

For those who enjoy a more adventurous breakfast, try souse; a pickled pork dish traditionally served with breadfruit. Souse is made by boiling pork with lime juice, cucumbers, onions, and a blend of spices, then letting it marinate overnight. Serve it chilled alongside boiled or roasted breadfruit, which has a texture similar to potatoes.

Typical Bajan lunches

Macaroni Pie

A Bajan twist on macaroni and cheese, Macaroni Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s made with macaroni, cheese, and a mixture of milk, eggs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Often served as a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with fried or grilled fish, chicken, or even a fresh salad.

Pepperpot

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, try making Pepperpot, a rich and flavorful stew. This dish typically includes a variety of meats such as pork, beef, and mutton, all simmered slowly with spices, cassareep (a special sauce made from cassava root), and vegetables. It’s a wonderful dish to make in advance and enjoy over several days.

Fish Cakes

Barbadian Fish Cakes are a popular snack or light lunch option. These crispy, bite-sized morsels are made from salted codfish mixed with flour, herbs, and spices, then deep-fried until golden brown. Serve them with a side of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Roti

Although originally from India, roti has become a beloved part of Bajan cuisine. A Bajan roti is a flatbread filled with curried meat (usually chicken, goat, or beef) and vegetables. The curry is rich and flavorful, made with a blend of Caribbean spices. It's a convenient and delicious option for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Bajan Green Salad

No meal is complete without a fresh, vibrant salad. A Bajan Green Salad typically includes local ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado, all tossed with a light vinaigrette made from lime juice, olive oil, and herbs. It’s a refreshing and healthy addition to any lunch.

Conkies

Although traditionally made during the Independence Day celebrations in November, Conkies can be enjoyed year-round. These sweet treats are made from a mixture of cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins, and spices, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. They make for a delightful dessert or snack that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Typical Bajan dinners

Oistins-style Fish Fry

For those seeking a sizzling delight, the Oistins-style Fish Fry offers an enticing array of freshly caught fish, marinated in an aromatic blend of herbs and spices before being grilled to succulent perfection. This lively and colourful outdoor culinary experience is a beloved Bajan tradition, the perfect dish to try cooking on your outdoor barbecue.

Bajan-style BBQ Chicken

Elevate your dining experience with the bold and savoury flavours of Bajan-style BBQ chicken. Marinated in a blend of local spices, tangy citrus, and a touch of heat, this succulent and tender chicken dish captures the essence of traditional Bajan grilling techniques, delivering a mouthwatering culinary delight.

Jug Jug

Explore the unique flavours of jug jug, a traditional Bajan dish made with pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, and finely minced meat, usually pork. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this hearty and savoury dish is a staple at Bajan Christmas celebrations and showcases the island's culinary artistry.

Bajan Fish Cutter

Delight in the classic Bajan fish cutter, a mouthwatering sandwich featuring crispy, seasoned fish fillets nestled within a soft and fluffy salt bread. Its satisfying crunch and vibrant flavours make it a popular street food choice throughout Barbados.

Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice

The perfect side dish. Experience the comforting flavours of Bajan black-eyed peas and rice, a traditional dish that combines tender black-eyed peas, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice. This hearty and soulful accompaniment complements an array of Bajan main dishes, infusing each bite with warmth and nourishment.

Bajan Sweet Bread

Treat yourself to the delightful Bajan sweet bread, a moist and sweet confection infused with tropical flavours such as coconut, rum-soaked fruits, and warm spices. This treasured dessert embodies the essence of Bajan baking traditions and provides a delightful finale to any meal.

Your starter shopping list.

Let's break this down for you…

Bajan Bakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Butter or jam (optional)

Saltfish and Plantains:

• Saltfish
• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Ripe plantains

Cou-Cou and Flying Fish:

• Cornmeal
• Okra
• Flying fish
• Local herbs and spices

Porridge:

• Cornmeal
• Milk
• Sugar
• Cinnamon or nutmeg

Fresh Tropical Fruits:

• Mangoes
• Papayas
• Bananas
• Pineapples

Souse and Breadfruit:

• Pork
• Lime juice
• Cucumbers
• Onions
• Spices
• Breadfruit

Macaroni Pie:

• Macaroni
• Cheese
• Milk
• Eggs
• Spices

Pepperpot:

• Pork, beef, and mutton
• Spices
• Cassareep (cassava root sauce)
• Vegetables

Fish Cakes:

• Salted codfish
• Flour
• Herbs
• Spices
• Hot sauce

Roti:

• Flatbread
• Curried meat (chicken, goat, or beef)
• Vegetables
• Caribbean spices

Bajan Green Salad:

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Avocado
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Herbs

Conkies:

• Cornmeal
• Coconut
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato
• Raisins
• Spices
• Banana leaves

Oistins-style Fish Fry:

• Fresh fish
• Herbs and spices

Bajan-style BBQ Chicken:

• Chicken
• Local spices
• Citrus

Jug Jug:

• Pigeon peas
• Guinea corn flour
• Minced pork
• Herbs and spices

Bajan Fish Cutter:

• Fish fillets
• Salt bread

Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice:

• Black-eyed peas
• Rice
• Herbs

Bajan Sweet Bread:

• Flour
• Coconut
• Rum-soaked fruits
• Warm spices

Our favourite self catering villas in Barbados

Nirvana, in St James, is blissfully located on the beach in Barbados and lives up to its name as a place of peace and happiness with epic ocean views. With a spectacular open plan kitchen complete with island unit and dining table, there is plenty of space to enjoy home cooked meals. French doors open straight out onto the outdoor area, where guests can make use of the barbecue and al fresco area.

Easy Reach in St Peter is a delightful modern beach house, so close to the water that its rope-railed timber terrace feels like a boat deck. It’s a fabulous location for a family villa, on Barbados’s famous Mullins Beach sands and with an incredible outdoor dining area, sunset views can be admired whilst dinner is being devoured. 

Emily House in Christ Church is the ideal place to while away the days at this stylish beachfront villa on Barbados' southern coast, a simple beach-chic gem with an oceanfront infinity pool. With a modern, large and fully equipped kitchen leading out to the al fresco area; this villa provides seamless indoor, outdoor living. 

Our Villa Specialists are happy to book a range of experiences for you. If you're feeling inspired by these experiences and would like to speak with one of our Specialists, make an enquiry or browse our Barbados collection today.