Bermuda’s eclectic cuisine is a reflection of its history, from the accidental arrival on an uninhabited island by English survivors from the Sea Venture shipwreck to centuries of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people, and the arrival of Portuguese farmers from the Azores.
British, African, Portuguese, and West Indian culinary influences, ingredients, and traditional techniques have all shaped the country’s classic dishes. Moreover, Bermuda’s location in the middle of the Atlantic ensures an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish.
While you may not likely find historical staples such as shark hash, the contemporary dining scene ranges from fusion eateries and simple grilled fish joints to British-style pubs and restaurants showcasing Italian, Jamaican, Chinese, and other global flavors. The island is also known for its Gosling’s Black Seal rum, used in Bermuda’s signature cocktail. Here are the local specialties you can’t miss.
Start the Day Right with Codfish and Potatoes or Bermuda Fish Cake
Typically enjoyed on a Sunday morning, codfish and potatoes is a dish that evolved from a popular 18th-century staple. Ample amounts of bacalao (salted cod) were imported from Portugal as an inexpensive way of feeding the population of enslaved people. Today’s breakfast platter includes boiled potato, avocado, and boiled egg, all smothered in tomato or onion sauce. Alternatively, the Bermuda fish cake offers a fun spin on the dish, combining bacalao, peas, rice, crispy bacon, onion, and thyme into a patty.
Munch on a Fish Sandwich
Bermuda’s iconic sandwich consists of vast fillets of battered, deep-fried fish squeezed between slices of raisin bread or wholemeal bread, topped with homemade tartar sauce. Depending on your choice of establishment, you may also opt for “the works”: coleslaw, hot sauce, grilled Bermuda onions, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It is a dish that invites hearty enjoyment.
Chow Down on Fish Chowder
Comparable to Louisiana’s gumbo, Bermuda’s hearty fish chowder is regarded as the island’s national dish. Its composition varies from household to household but often includes large chunks of fish, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and green peppers, all enhanced with Gosling’s Black Seal rum and Outerbridge’s Sherry Pepper Sauce. This dish has origins dating back to the survivors of the Sea Venture shipwreck, who crafted soup from whatever ingredients they could find.
Mop it Up with Johnnybread
Similar to the Bahamian Johnnycake, this simple Bermudian dish is a pan-cooked cornmeal bread that fishermen would prepare at sea. Today, it continues to be a popular side dish in restaurants across the island.
Order Grilled Rockfish
The Atlantic waters surrounding Bermuda are rich in various species of fish, including yellowfin tuna, mahi, wahoo, and snapper. Rockfish (black grouper) is incredibly popular and is often served Bermuda-style: pan-fried in lemon butter sauce, accompanied by toasted almonds and grilled bananas.
Add a Helping of Hoppin’ John
A regular accompaniment to Bermudian mains, Hoppin’ John (also known as Hop ‘n’ John or Peas ‘n’ Rice) combines black-eyed peas with bacon, Portuguese sausage, brown rice, Bermuda onion, garlic, and thyme, creating a savory dish that is delicious on its own.
Treat Yourself to Spiny Lobster
Available in numerous forms including bisque, thermidor, baked, curried, or in ravioli, Bermuda’s spiny lobsters are a delicacy. Found on menus across the island from September to March, they are a must-try for any seafood lover.
Keep it Old-School with Mussel Pie
This savory pastry is a staple among early Bermuda settlers, filled with mussels cooked in fish broth accompanied by potatoes, carrots, onion, thyme, and salt. A variation includes curried mussel pie.
Dress Up for Afternoon Tea
A classic British pastime that has taken root in Bermuda, afternoon tea often features cucumber or smoked salmon sandwiches and sweet petit fours, enjoyed in many hotels and restaurants between 3pm and 5pm.
Add a Sweet Note with Cassava Pie or Black Rum Fruitcake
Cassava pie, made from a starchy tuber cultivated since Bermuda’s first settlements, is vital to festive celebrations, especially at Christmas. Additionally, the island’s black rum fruitcake offers a moist, buttery treat available year-round.
Wash It Down with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy
Bermudian sailors have favored rum for centuries, notably Gosling’s Black Seal rum, integral to the island’s national cocktail—the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, which includes ginger beer and has a storied history tied to Bermuda’s maritime roots.
Sip on a Swizzle
The other national drink, the Swizzle, consists of a mix of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Gosling’s Gold Seal Rum, Falernum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters. It is a beloved beverage across the island, often enjoyed in social settings.
Keep It Sweet with Loquat Jam and Liqueur
Loquats, originally from China, are wild yellow fruits foraged in Bermuda and turned into jam. Some locals ferment these fruits with rock sugar and rum, creating a unique liqueur known as Bermuda Gold.
Don’t Deny the Vegetarians and Vegans
Numerous cafes and restaurants in Bermuda now focus on offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, catering to all culinary preferences.
