Popular Friday Fish Fry at Oistins on Barbados
Grilled Dorado and Secret Sauce Draw Tourists and Bajans on Weekends
Oct 19, 2009
Just five miles east of Bridgetown, Oistins Bay is home to much of Barbados's commercial fishing activity. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, local Bajans and tourists alike are drawn to the open stall fish grills for some of the island's most delicious and reasonably priced food.
The Island of Barbados
A former British colony, Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island, bordered on the west by the Caribbean Sea, and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Rum is thought to have originated on Barbados, and the Caribbean's oldest commercial distillery, Mount Gay, has produced rum since 1703.
At 166 square miles, Barbados is a fraction of the size of Rhode Island (1,214 square miles), the smallest state in the U.S. Sunny skies and sugar white beaches contrast with green hills and cane fields. The flag of Barbados reflects this sun and ocean orientation, with alternating stripes of blue (for the sky), yellow (for the sand) and blue (for the water), and with Neptune's trident emblazoned in the center. A West Indies island nation, Barbados offers a distinctly British feel, with its cricket and polo, mixed with the colorful music and dress of the Caribbean.
Seafood, naturally, highlights the island's cuisine, and the most popular dish everywhere consists of flying fish. The official currency is the Barbados dollar (BBD), which is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of two BBD to one USD. Prices on the island are on the high side, particularly for food and restaurants, although more moderate fare can be found at rum shops and small local establishments. One of the best food bargains on the island is the Friday night fish fry at Oistins.
The Friday Night Fish Fry at Oistins on Barbados
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, open air shops across from Oistins' fish markets grill fresh fish for hordes of local residents (Bajans), as well as tourists. Although fish is grilled here on all three nights, Friday is the most colorful, the most noisy and the most fun. Dozens of impromptu-looking kitchens stretch along the north side of the main road, and as evening approaches, smoke curls into the air and the delectable smell of grilled fish is irresistable.
Gas-fired grills predominate, and hungry folks quickly line up as the fresh fish begins to sizzle. The wait can be as long as 45 minutes at some of the more popular stands, but it is well worth it. Combination plates cost about 10 U.S. dollars, and include a choice of grilled Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Tuna or Marlin, plus a salad and a side of potatoes. The fish is grilled to order, with two filets of your choice dipped in a secret marinade and dropped on the searingly hot grill. The explosive marinade bursts into flame as the fish grills and the crowd salivates.
Another secret sauce is added to the cooked fish, which is served with the sides and plastic utensils in a Styrofoam box. The essential iced Banks beer is available, as well, although many of the locals prefer island rum. Dining is community style at colorful picnic tables, and conversation is open and exuberant. Bajans are friendly and out-reaching, and many new friendships are cemented at the Friday night fish fries.
Oistins' Friday Fish Fry: One of the Most Popular Attractions on Barbados
A convivial atmosphere, friendly locals, sun-tanned tourists and some of the island's best food combine to make Friday night at Oistins an event to savor.
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