Oistins

Oistins is a working fishing village on the south coast of Barbados that has become one of the most famous food destinations in the Caribbean. The Oistins Fish Fry, held every Friday and Saturday evening, is the most authentic Barbadian food experience — and one of the great Caribbean experiences full stop.

The Fish Fry began as a simple gathering of local fishermen selling their catch directly to the public. Over the decades it has grown into a major event, but it has never lost its authentic character. A row of stalls, each run by a local family, serves fresh fish cooked over open fires. Flying fish — the national dish of Barbados — is the star of the show, served fried, steamed or in a cutter (a Bajan sandwich made from salt bread). Fish cakes, macaroni pie, peas and rice and rum punch complete the menu.

The atmosphere is extraordinary. Live music — calypso, soca, reggae and steel pan — fills the air from early evening. The crowd is a genuine mix of locals and tourists, which gives it an authenticity that is increasingly rare in the Caribbean. Tables are set up in the open air, and the combination of fresh fish, rum punch, live music and warm Caribbean air is genuinely magical.

The Fish Fry runs from around 6pm until late on Friday and Saturday evenings. It's hugely popular, so arrive early to get a good table. The prices are very reasonable — a full meal with drinks should cost around £15–20 per person.

Outside of the Fish Fry, Oistins is a pleasant, unpretentious town with a working fish market, good beaches and a genuine Bajan character. Miami Beach, just north of the town, is popular with families. Enterprise Beach, just east, is quieter and more secluded.