Dining Customs in Barbados

Food tasting is one of the essential parts ofPaying for the Bill
traveling; visiting a country is not completeWhen dining in restaurants do not rely so much
without having a bite of the local food. Eachon one credit card, bring an extra credit card and
country has different food to offer from thesome restaurants only accept major credit cards.
bizarre like eating live small octopuses to good oldTo be safe, have a couple of US dollars on your
fillet Mignon. The Caribbean islands have a widepocket. A customary 15 percent value added tax
range of food and drinks. Barbados is one of theis included in the bill; this tax applies to all meals
islands that have rich vegetation and abundantprepared on island. Some restaurants also have 10
fresh sea food. If you want to have a bite ofpercent service charge which functions a gratuity.
Bajan culture refrain from ordering food in yourYou don't have to tip if such a charge is included
apartment hotel, Barbados have many localin your bill.
restaurants which have their own unique specialtyReservations
which you must try. Work up an appetite becauseWinter is when the country receives the most
you will have a lot of food to taste in this tropicalnumber of vacationers and during this peak winter
country but first thing's first, you need to learnseason, bistros, cafes and other diners are very
about a few customs while dining in this Caribbeanbusy. If you plan to eat at a certain bistro, book a
isle.table in advance. Travelers staying in a fancy
Basic Customshotel can ask for concierge on staff to make
Travelers have to keep in mind that dining inreservations for them. But making reservations to
Bajan restaurants is a relatively conservativerestaurants is not that difficult you can simply fax
affair. If you happen to be coming from a beacha reservation request before you leave your
and plan to dine at a respectable sit-downhome.
restaurant, you better have a set of clothes toBreakfast
cover up. Shorts and bathing suits are neverVisitors should keep in mind that most cafes and
appropriate in these dining establishments. Somebistros on the island do not serve breakfast and
of these bistros have a general dress codethose who do usually opens around 9 in the
tourists need to follow. Some Bistros and cafemorning. Hotels on the other hand offer buffet
require male guests to wear jacket and tie.breakfast.
To avoid the embarrassment, inquire first aboutThese are few of the customs travelers should
the dress code before making reservations.take note of during their stay in this Caribbean
Bajans value eating experience and travelerscountry. The island is rich with many gourmet and
should keep in mind that it is common for Bajanexotic food for tourists to enjoy, so don't settle
restaurants to withhold the check until it isfor the food served in your apartment hotel,
requested. They believe that diners should feelBarbados has a lot more food options each tourist
relaxed, at ease and unhurried during their meals.should taste.