Dive Into the Culinary Scene within the Bahamas

An archipelago of greater than 700 islands, the Bahamas might collectively be finest identified for its clear turquoise water, idyllic seashores (with dozens on the island of Nassau alone), and world-class diving. However the sun-soaked Caribbean nation’s contemporary and flavorful meals scene — usually skilled alongside a pristine beachfront backdrop — is price a go to alone. From positive eating locations to laid-back native fish fries, these are the important methods to get a style of the Bahamas. 

For an insider-led dive into the nation’s delicacies, be a part of Tru Bahamian Meals Excursions for a personal Bahamian cooking class and lunch expertise. Native cooks information individuals by making ready conventional dishes like conch fritters, contemporary seasonal fish served with Bahamian macaroni and cheese, and a coconut or pineapple tart, paired with loads of island storytelling. Or go for the Savor Outdated Nassau tour, the place you’ll wind by historic neighborhoods to pattern genuine specialties like curry hen, peas and rice, and a Bahama Mama cocktail. End the tour with a chocolate and wine pairing from the island’s solely vineyard.

For one more true Bahamian expertise, go to the well-known Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. The gathering of colourful waterfront shacks serves the island’s freshest seafood. Attempt Twin Brothers or Oh Andros for crispy conch fritters, conch salad, and seafood stews. Share a heap of fried snapper and peas and rice whereas listening to dwell music and sipping frozen daiquiris or a chilly Kalik beer.

When lunchtime hits, head to Solemar, snag a desk on the open-air terrace, and order a dramatic seafood tower piled with stone crab, oysters, and poached lobster tails. Or cease into Oasis, an informal bar and bistro, for fish tacos, crab desserts, and loads of stellar vegetarian choices.

Downtown Nassau is residence to its personal treasures, together with Cafe Matisse, one of many island’s oldest eating places, tucked away in a historic constructing. Reproductions of the namesake French artist’s work adorn the eating room partitions, however request a desk within the intimate backyard courtyard for lunch or dinner and order plates of seafood-centric pasta from the Italian-inspired menu.

Hunt down a few of the finest cocktails on the island with a particular journey to Yellowbell, contained in the Island Home boutique lodge. The craft cocktail bar, run by the identical staff behind Bon Vivants and The Dilly Membership, is open to the general public for completely blended tropical cocktails amid an island-chic house. Attempt a basic Jungle Hen made with Caribbean rum, or share a ardour fruit and hibiscus-infused Bimini Punch.

For a splashy dinner, ebook a desk at Graycliff, a 280-year-old mansion that after hosted British the Aristocracy and now homes one of many Western Hemisphere’s largest wine cellars, with over 5 million bottles. In candlelit eating rooms adorned with vintage furnishings, {couples} can share refined Bahamian-Continental delicacies earlier than ending their evenings with housemade goodies crafted by on-site chocolatiers.

Or go for serene oceanfront views at Dune on the iconic Ocean Membership, a 4 Seasons Resort, the place iconic chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten blends French, Asian, and Bahamian cuisines. Reserve a desk at sundown, when floor-to-ceiling home windows body the white sand seaside, and order from the menu of JG classics, like black truffle pizzas, and island stars like conch salad, purple snapper, and native lobster.

For an ideal nightcap, The Dilly Membership has established itself as one in all Nassau’s premier craft cocktail locations. Drinks are made with native substances like soursop, coconut, and citrus. Order a frozen cocktail, or ask the bartender for a advice from the intensive rum listing.