Barbados is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and, of course, the birthplace of rum. Both food and rum are the essence of Barbados culture, and both are celebrated by every part of Bajan society through the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The festival has given birth to a series of events designed to tantalize the taste buds while offering a variety of other colourful and flavourful experiences to stimulate the other senses as well.
With a special focus on nurturing future culinary talent on the island, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival returns with a big bang after a two-year hiatus, under the theme ‘Feed the Future’.
This year’s Festival, slated for October 27th to 30th 2022, takes on a new purpose as it gives back to the local community. Part proceeds of the Festival will go directly to funding two students’ culinary degrees at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute and Hotel PomMarine in Barbados. Additionally, part of the proceeds will go towards furthering one PomMarine student’s dream by giving them the opportunity to study abroad at a celebrated, international culinary institution.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins said that she believed that patrons and sponsors will feel a sense of pride knowing that in some small way, they are supporting the growth of the culinary industry of Barbados and feeding the future.
“This aspect of the Festival is very important to me as I believe we are not just talking the talk, we are walking the walk and actively creating the environment and future our children need to grow and flourish,” the Minister said.
“Tourism is vast and intersectoral and we have identified key, critical positions within the industry to ensure the development of our future culinary talent so that Barbados can remain the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean for decades to come.”
While the Festival will run for a period of four days, the entire month of October will now be filled with activities and events for all to enjoy. Unlike other food festivals around the world, where all events are isolated to one spot; Barbados’ events are set across the island, to whet everyone’s appetites as the Festival draws near.
Visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Barbadian food culture will especially enjoy these fringe events that allow for the proper indulgence and authenticity of the island’s culture and culinary flavours.
Culinary Talent
This year’s Festival highlights the culinary talents of 29 award-winning local chefs and mixologists – including for the first time the addition of a vegan chef – who will all be headlining the signature 2022 Festival events.
The star-studded cast will be joined by four international chefs, who will be on island to fuse their talents with the local flavours of the Barbadian culinary artists. It promises to be a show like no other.
2022 Signature Events
Thursday, October 27th 2022
- Night: Oistins Under the Stars: Enjoy a melting pot of flavours in this open-air fish fry under the stars. The Festival kicks off with exciting activities and opportunities to win prizes in Barbados’ most talked about unique foodie spot.
Friday, October 28th 2022
- Morning: Chef Classics: Learn from the best at our Food and Rum cooking demos in an intimate setting. Engage with award-winning chefs as they share their tips and tricks of the delicious trade.
- Night: Rum Route St. Lawrence Gap Street Party: An exciting street party with access to all restaurants and bars. Dance all night to local entertainment with a street parade and highly anticipated in-house performances.
Saturday, October 29th 2022
- Morning: R&R: Rise and Rum Breakfast Beach Party: Featuring local food, rum and entertainment against the picturesque backdrop of one of Barbados’ best beaches.
- Night: Restaurant Dinners Hosted by Acclaimed Chefs: Themed dinner settings hosted by renowned chefs at Barbados’ finest restaurants. Local entertainment will keep guests rocking through the night.
Sunday, October 2022
- Morning: Cask: The Story of Rum: These rum tastings at active distilleries on island offer a unique opportunity to sample the world’s finest spirits in the birthplace of rum.
- Night: Liquid Gold Feast: A dynamic event that will close the Food and Rum Festival in an evening of elegance.
Pre-Festival Events
‘Food Truck Mashup’
We bring the very best of Bajan mobile culinary experiences into one location in a fun-filled family atmosphere. We promise lots of entertainment, food, rum and vibes.
‘Dine Around Restaurant Series’
Barbados boasts over 400 restaurants. During the month of October, select eateries will have unique, daily specials to show you why Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.
‘Jr Chef Cook-Off Competition’
Ensuring that we create a space for our young Bajan chefs to grow and excel in the culinary arts. This event will be hosted by local Chef Peter Edey. 12 students between the ages of 16 and 21 will go head-to-head, and two of them will emerge victorious, both receiving one scholarship each as part of the Feed the Future initiative.
‘Food and Rum Insider Series’
During this seminar series, persons will get the opportunity to hear from experts in various areas as they uncover facts about topics including the local slow food and sustainability movement; the history of rum; and the story of sugar cane.
‘Dine with a Bajan’ Series
Barbadian home cooks get the opportunity to show other Bajans and visitors their tricks of the trade in the delicious preparation of Bajan dishes, made the Bajan way!
Tickets go live soon. For more information, visit www.foodandrum.com
