What to Eat and Drink in Bermuda: A Culinary Journey
Experience Bermuda's culinary heritage, where local flavors blend West African, British, Portuguese, and Caribbean traditions.
Bermuda’s vibrant food scene is a flavorful tapestry woven from West African, Portuguese, British, and West Indian influences. While international cuisines abound on the island, the real charm lies in discovering Bermuda’s unique spin on classic dishes—often starring the freshest seafood, seasonal produce, and a touch of island ingenuity. This guide explores signature Bermudian dishes, sweet specialties, must-try cocktails, and where to sample authentic flavors during your Bermuda visit.
Understanding Bermudian Cuisine
Bermuda’s geographic position and colonial history have shaped a food culture that is deeply multicultural. Expect a delicious blend of flavors and cooking techniques, with ingredients ranging from fresh Atlantic fish and spiny lobster to homey root vegetables and exotic spices. Bermudian food is at once comforting and surprising, offering both familiar dishes and unique local twists.
- West African, Portuguese, British, and Caribbean influences define many local recipes.
- Fresh seafood is a recurring star: tuna, wahoo, snapper, spiny lobster (in season), and much more.
- Look for casual fish spots, cozy cafes, British-style pubs, and upscale restaurants serving up both traditional and contemporary Bermudian fare.
1. Sample a Bowl of Bermudian Fish Chowder
Considered Bermuda’s national dish, fish chowder is as Bermudian as it gets. Unlike the creamy New England version, Bermudian chowder is a robust, dark broth simmered with shredded fish (like snapper or grouper), potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, a medley of spices, and often a special blend of local condiments.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, hearty, slightly spicy, and full of umami.
- Traditional condiments: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers sauce. Add them at the table for an authentic, fiery kick.
For the ultimate Bermudian chowder experience, let the flavors develop with a generous shake of pepper sauce and a splash of rum—served steaming hot, it’s a true island comfort food.
Where to try it: Wahoo’s Bistro, The Lobster Pot, Hog Penny, and many local eateries.
2. Enjoy a Traditional Sunday Codfish Breakfast
Codfish and potatoes is not just a meal in Bermuda—it’s a Sunday morning ritual. Rooted in the island’s history, when salted cod from Portugal became a staple, this breakfast is at once hearty, nostalgic, and irresistibly flavorful.
- Salted cod is soaked and gently boiled to remove excess salt, then served with boiled potatoes.
- Generously ladle over a rich tomato sauce or onion butter sauce; some add both for a balance of tangy and buttery flavors.
- Traditionally garnished with boiled banana, avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs, and accompanied by cornbread or Johnny bread (a pan-fried quick bread).
Every forkful offers a spectrum of flavors—salty, creamy, sweet, and savory—making this dish a memorable start to your day.
Where to try it: Temptations Cafe, Café Ole, Seaside Grill.
3. Savor an Old-School Bermudian Breakfast
Bermudians have a soft spot for sweet pastries in the morning. Despite efforts to reduce sugar intake, favorites like the coffee roll (a fluffier version of a cinnamon roll with firm white icing) remain a beloved breakfast staple.
- Slice the coffee roll, toast it lightly, and stuff it with a fried egg, melted cheese, and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory island twist.
- Pair it with a strong black coffee for the full experience.
Where to try it: Keith’s Kitchen (food truck), Sensational Delights, The Spot.
4. The Iconic Bermuda Fish Sandwich
No trip to Bermuda is complete without tasting a true fish sandwich. Forget what you know—here, fresh, flaky white fish (like wahoo, snapper, or mahi-mahi) is fried until golden and stacked high on slices of raisin bread (yes, really!), lavishly spread with tartar sauce and hot sauce.
- Add “the works”: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, extra tartar, and hot sauce for a fully loaded experience.
- The blend of sweet bread, savory fried fish, and spicy sauce creates a surprisingly harmonious bite.
This unassuming sandwich has achieved cult status among locals and visitors alike.
Where to try it: Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy, Seaside Grill, local bakeries, and cafes throughout Hamilton.
5. Discover Spiny Lobster (Seasonal Special)
Bermuda’s spiny lobster is a local delicacy—plentiful between September and March, when the crustacean is in season. Unlike its Maine counterpart, the spiny lobster lacks claws but boasts a meaty, succulent tail with a sweeter, slightly firmer texture.
- Lobster is often broiled, grilled, or baked, sometimes slathered with herb butter or spices.
- Traditional accompaniments may include buttery new potatoes and creamed spinach.
- For a real treat, look for lobster chowder or cold lobster salad on select menus.
Where to try it: Lobster Pot, Wahoo’s Bistro, island seafood restaurants during lobster season.
6. Cassava Pie: A Savory Holiday Classic
Cassava pie is a beloved Bermudian dish enjoyed year-round but especially during Christmas and Easter. More than just a pie, it is a sweet and savory casserole made from fresh, grated cassava (a starchy root), bound with eggs and sweetened with sugar, encasing a filling of savory chicken or pork.
- The combination of hearty meat and sweet, pudding-like cassava creates an unexpected but comforting contrast.
- Often enjoyed alongside roasted meats and vegetables at family gatherings.
Where to try it: Local bakeries, especially around holidays, and at home-cooked family meals.
7. Sweet Treats: Malasadas & Bermuda Donuts
Bermuda’s take on sweet pastries features influences from Portugal and elsewhere. Chief among them is the malasada—a pillowy fried doughnut rolled in sugar, introduced by Portuguese immigrants.
- Malasadas: Eat warm, straight from the fryer, as a morning snack or dessert.
- Look for other sweet options like coconut cakes, banana bread, and ginger beer-flavored donuts at local cafes and bakeries.
Where to try it: Village Pantry, specialty bakeries, local cafes.
8. Seasonal Fruit and Garden Produce
Bermuda’s sub-tropical climate provides a variety of colorful, fresh, and flavorful produce—integral to both daily meals and holiday feasts. Seasonal fruits and vegetables not only brighten the plate but infuse local cuisine with vibrant tastes.
- Common local fruits: guava, prickly pear, passion fruit, avocados, bananas, loquats
- Distinctive vegetables: spinach, bok choy, sweet potatoes, yams, onions
- Many restaurants now creatively showcase plant-based and locally-sourced dishes, highlighting Bermuda’s edible gardens.
9. Bermudian Fish Cakes: Bite-Sized Tradition
Fish cakes are a classic Bermudian snack or light meal, blending salted cod (or fresh fish), potatoes, peppers, and herbs, all shaped into patties and pan-fried. Crunchy on the outside, moist and flavorful within, they’re a staple at casual eateries and during holiday festivities.
- Often served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a slather of mayonnaise or hot sauce—a favorite around Good Friday.
- Look for variations with spicy or herbaceous twists, depending on family recipes.
Where to find it: Local bakeries, cafes, church fairs, and pop-up food stalls around the island.
10. Traditional Quick Breads: Johnny Bread & Cornbread
Every Bermudian family has a recipe for Johnny bread—a quick skillet bread, simultaneously dense and fluffy. Typically made with flour, baking powder, eggs, and sugar, it’s pan-fried and sometimes finished in the oven. Cornbread also appears as a staple on breakfast and dinner tables throughout the year.
- Enjoy Johnny bread warm with codfish breakfast or split and filled with ham, cheese, or sweet toppings.
- Cornbread is a perfect partner for chowder or stew, soaking up every drop of broth.
11. Iconic Bermudian Cocktails and Drinks
Bermuda is famous throughout the world for its unique cocktails—refreshing, rum-forward, with a tropical vibe that perfectly matches the island setting.
Rum Swizzle
- Bermuda’s signature punch: a blend of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fruit juices (often pineapple and orange), Angostura bitters, and a splash of grenadine.
- Served in pitchers, it’s perfect for warm evenings and large gatherings.
Sample the original at the Swizzle Inn or create your own blend at local bars.
Dark ‘n Stormy
- Bermuda’s most iconic cocktail: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum layered over spicy ginger beer, finished with a wedge of lime.
- Simple, crisp, and utterly refreshing—protected by trademark and served everywhere on the island.
Other Noteworthy Drinks:
- Barritt’s ginger beer: A non-alcoholic favorite, spicy and fizzy.
- Local craft beers: Try samples from the Bermuda Craft Brewing Co. and other microbreweries.
- Homemade fruit punches and lemonades at beach bars and family kitchens alike.
Planning Your Bermudian Food Adventure
While some traditional dishes appear mainly on family tables or at holiday gatherings, local restaurants have increasingly embraced and reimagined Bermuda’s culinary roots. Here’s how to make the most of your food experience:
- Visit small cafes and bakeries for breakfast classics and authentic sweet treats.
- Check seafood restaurants and bistros for daily catch specials, especially during lobster season.
- Order ‘the works’ on your fish sandwich for a truly local feast.
- Time your visit around Easter or Christmas to sample cassava pie and special-occasion dishes.
- Attend local festivals or church fairs for homemade fish cakes, baked goods, and unique culinary finds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Bermudian cuisine unique?
A: Bermuda’s food scene is defined by the island’s multicultural heritage—blending West African, British, Portuguese, and Caribbean flavors—along with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical produce.
Q: Is fish chowder spicy?
A: Bermudian fish chowder is well-seasoned but not inherently spicy. Locals often spice it up with Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers and Gosling’s Black Seal Rum to add heat and depth.
Q: When is spiny lobster season in Bermuda?
A: Spiny lobster is in season from September through March. During these months, you’ll find it featured on many restaurant menus across the island.
Q: Where can I try authentic Bermudian food?
A: Look for local favorites like Wahoo’s Bistro, The Lobster Pot, Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy, Keith’s Kitchen, Seaside Grill, and family-run bakeries in Hamilton and St. George.
Q: What drinks should I order in Bermuda?
A: Be sure to try the Rum Swizzle and the Dark ‘n Stormy—Bermuda’s most famous cocktails—plus local ginger beer and fruit punches.
Conclusion
Bermuda’s culinary traditions reflect generations of cultural exchange, resourcefulness, and celebration. Whether you’re sipping a rum swizzle as the sun sets, savoring spiny lobster with ocean views, or biting into a sweet coffee roll on a breezy morning, each meal reveals another layer of island life. Don’t hesitate to venture beyond the familiar—your Bermudian food adventure is sure to be memorable and delicious.
