Bermuda, a British island territory in the Atlantic ocean, is known for being a great destination for an island vacation because of its relaxing pink sand beaches, beautiful blue water, exciting activities to do and sights to see. In addition to all of that, the island also has a delicious array of traditional Bermudian cuisine to try. Here are some of the most popular recipes found in Bermuda.
Fish Chowder
Fish chowder is probably the most popular dish in Bermuda and is considered to be the national dish. It is made with fish, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, carrots, celery and is seasoned with Sherry Pepper Sauce and black rum. Each recipe for the chowder can be a little different but it is thought to have originated in the 17th century by the British colonizers of Bermuda. Bermuda is easy to visit and explore on Bermuda cruises, so you can try this dish and all of the other delicious cuisine.
Codfish Breakfast
You can spend days discovering all that Bermuda has to offer, whether its food, beaches, museums or another activity, but one culinary tradition that is a must try is that of a codfish breakfast. Locals of Bermuda will usually have the traditional Codfish breakfast on Sunday mornings. The breakfast consists of boiled or steamed salted cod along with boiled potatoes and a tomato onion or butter onion sauce. A banana, hard boiled egg and avocado are served with it all.
Fish Cakes
In addition to fish chowder and a classic codfish breakfast, another popular codfish dish are fish cakes. Recipes for Bermuda fish cakes include codfish, potatoes, rice, peas, onion, thyme and bacon all mashed together into a patty and then fried in butter or oil. These are eaten for breakfast or as snack, and many locals of Bermuda make them on their own. Here is one Bermuda fish cake recipe you can try on your own.
Spiny Lobster
Another very popular seafood in Bermuda is spiny lobster. The season runs from September through March, and although the lobsters are smaller than Maine lobsters and don’t have claws, the meat that is found in the tail is still very tender and full of flavor. It is often served boiled with melted butter.
Fish Sandwiches
Fish sandwiches are another very popular dish in Bermudian cuisine. There are different ways to eat it, but the recipe for a classic Bermuda fish sandwich includes a fried fish fillet, usually wahoo, grouper or turbot, with tartar sauce on raisin bread. Sometimes any combination of hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, coleslaw, onions or cheese are also included on the sandwich, but that depends on preference and who you ask about what the correct way to eat it is.
Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John, also known simply as peas n’ rice, consists of bleak eyed peas, onions, brown rice, thyme and garlic, all simmered together. Sometimes there is chicken, sausage, or bacon added as well. The popular dish accompanies many meals and is likely to be on the menu at any restaurant in Bermuda.
Cassava Pie
Cassava pie is an example of the sweet and savory flavor combination that is often found in Bermudian cuisine. It is made with cassava, a starchy root vegetable, along with nutmeg, vanilla, salt, allspice, sugar, butter, eggs and chicken.
Black Rum Cake
One of Bermuda’s claims to fame is Black Rum Cake. The cake is very dense, dark in color and rich in flavor. It is made with lots of fruits such as figs, dates, cherries, currants, golden raisins, dark raisins, prunes and candied orange peels all processed together with spices and then soaked in rum. There are other variations and flavors of rum cake that are popular as well.
These are some of the most popular and traditional recipes found in Bermuda. If you have the opportunity to visit the beautiful island of Bermuda, make sure to try these while you’re there.
