Why I Started Barbs: A Taste of Home, A Dash of Passion & Celebrating Bajan Food

I started Barbs because I missed the flavours I grew up loving. Growing up in the UK, Bajan food was always part of my life, but I could never find it here the way it was meant to be. The layers of flavour, the balance of savoury, spicy, tangy and sweet. It’s the food that feels like home.

Bajan cuisine is all about harmony. It’s that perfect combination of herb infused fried chicken or fish paired with the creamy comfort of macaroni pie. It’s the sharpness of salt and lime cucumber pickle that I’d bury under a a pile of rice and pea and gravy with side of breadfruit then sweetness of the coleslaw. the heat of pepper sauce that enhances rather than overpowers. It’s food that’s bold yet comforting and leaves you wanting more.

But here’s the thing—Barbados is known as the foodie capital of the Caribbean, yet in the UK, it’s often overlooked. Caribbean food is frequently reduced to jerk chicken and curry goat, with little recognition of its incredible diversity. I wanted to change that. I wanted to bring a spotlight to the depth and vibrancy of Bajan cuisine.

Barbs is my way of putting Bajan food on the map here. It’s for anyone who loves bold, balanced flavours, for those seeking something new, and yes, for me—because sometimes, you just want your favourite food done right.

Every dish we make is a celebration of the culinary soul of Barbados. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of sunshine, the kind of food that lifts your mood and fills your belly. Whether you’re already a fan of Bajan cuisine or trying it for the first time, I hope Barbs makes it feel like it’s been part of your life forever.