It was the middle of the afternoon on Friday, first day in Barbados. Less than twelve hours earlier we were in New Jersey, and now we had traveled to an island only a few degrees north of the equator. It didn’t matter how exhausting the day had been, I wanted to go to Oistins!Located on the southern tip of the island, Oistins is a small fishing village that attracts both visitors and locals to its famous Friday night fish fry. Nothing is fancy about Oistins, but it is a true example of an authentic Bajan (that’s the local term for Barbadian) dining experience. It should come as no surprise that fish is the main dish on the menu and any seafood fan will be satisfied, but enough other choices for the non fish eaters can be found as well.
Michele and I hopped on a ZR minibus and the ride to Oistins took about twenty minutes from out hotel. We decided to go a little bit earlier in the evening because I had worked up an appetite from the long day, and we wanted to beat the large crowds that would be showing up later. Not far from the bus stop where we got off were the plethora of vendor’s stalls, all with grills and fryers running at full capacity. Menus written on chalk boards in front of the stalls listed the choices and prices, and vendors generally always had tuna, dolphin fish, and of course flying fish among the selections. Waitresses working for the various owners stood by to take orders and seat patrons at the nearby tables.
I decided to order the grilled flying fish, part of the national dish of Barbados, and a side of rice and peas for my meal. We were seated at one of the nearby picnic tables; all of the dining in Oistins is outdoors in this relaxed atmosphere where we mingled with other folks from the UK, Canada, and USA. Dinner arrived a short while later along with Banks beer, the locally brewed beverage. I used the Bajan yellow pepper sauce with the fish; I had heard reviews of how spicy it was, but for me it didn’t seem over the top on heat and added a nice compliment to the fish. A long day of travel was rewarded with a tasty and filling meal!
After paying the bill, Michele and I walked around the area checking out some local vendors and crafts for sale. An outdoor stage was being prepped for musical acts to follow shortly, and the crowds were getting larger as more visitors and locals arrived in Oistins.
It had been a long day, and we walked back to the bus stop to take the bus back to our hotel, which is a story itself! I promised myself another trip to Oistins before leaving Barbados, and I returned during the week for more delicious seafood.
If fancy restaurants are your fare, don’t bother with Oistins. But if you want a tasty meal at a reasonable price in a relaxed atmosphere, don’t miss out before you leave Barbados!
TRAVEL TIPS:
Oistins is located on the South Coast of Barbados and is most easily reached using the No. 11 minibus for Silver Sands via Oistins. $1.50 BDS for the minibus. The blue bus on the south coast highway will also pass through Oistins.
Friday night draws the biggest crowds, along with entertainment on the main stage. For smaller crowds and more relaxation, go earlier in the evening on the weekend, or visit Oistins on a weeknight. Most vendors are open in the evenings throughout the week.
A full meal is about $20 - $30 BDS, which includes a main dish of fish or chicken and side dishes such as rice and peas, macaroni pie, and french fries. Banks, the locally brewed beer is one of the beverages of choice. Plenty of soft drinks are also for sale; ginger beer is a tasty island treat!
TRAVEL TIPS:
Oistins is located on the South Coast of Barbados and is most easily reached using the No. 11 minibus for Silver Sands via Oistins. $1.50 BDS for the minibus. The blue bus on the south coast highway will also pass through Oistins.
Friday night draws the biggest crowds, along with entertainment on the main stage. For smaller crowds and more relaxation, go earlier in the evening on the weekend, or visit Oistins on a weeknight. Most vendors are open in the evenings throughout the week.
A full meal is about $20 - $30 BDS, which includes a main dish of fish or chicken and side dishes such as rice and peas, macaroni pie, and french fries. Banks, the locally brewed beer is one of the beverages of choice. Plenty of soft drinks are also for sale; ginger beer is a tasty island treat!
