Island Living Bahamas

Some people eat to live while others live to eat. For Bahamians, who love their food, it's definitely the latter. No matter what you're in the mood for, tasty bites, a hearty main course, delicious desserts and refreshing drinks are never hard to find. 

Fresh seafood is a specialty. Many main courses feature conch, crab, grouper and snapper pulled right from nearby waters. Pair it with a side of peas 'n rice, Bahamian style mac and cheese, creamy coleslaw or fried plantain for an authentic Bahamian meal.

For dessert, tropical flavors like guava, soursop, dilly and mango, are a local hit. Wash it all down with a local beer (there are many to choose from) or a popular fruity cocktail.

If you're looking for the best in Bahamian eats check out the suggestions below. Bon appetit! 

Conch Salad - a light, flavorful bowlful of fresh raw conch mixed with tomato, onion, and bell peppers, and finished off with a lot of freshly-squeezed lime juice and as much goat pepper as you can stand. Pick some up at the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay on West Bay Street and grab a cold local beer while you're at it. It's the perfect way to wash down this Bahamian favorite.

Fried Snapper - this delicious meaty fish is found in abundance in local waters and is served up fried or smothered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, peppers and onions. Round out with a side of peas 'n rice and creamy coleslaw.

Chicken Souse - this classic Bahamian soup is thicker than a traditional soup but thinner than a stew. This dish usually revolves around chicken or pork in a spicy and sour broth. Souse can be enjoyed any time of the day but you'll often see locals enjoying it for breakfast, usually with a thick slice of Johnny Cake.

Guava Duff - this king of Bahamian dessert features the guava fruit and is a nod to The Bahamas' colonial past. Duff is an old English word for pudding. It is usually served with a rich rum sauce and can be found on most menus around town. Although there are many variations so be sure to try more than one.

Bahama Mama - this cocktail was invented by Bahamian bartending legend Oswald Greenslade, who named the now classic drink after a popular local entertainer. The Bahama Mama is a sweet, fruity blend with a generous serving of rum.