Lifestyle

What Distinguishes a Dish as Truly Bahamian

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A crisp baked macaroni, savory peas and rice, and perfectly battered cracked conch are all dishes that form a part of Bahamian food culture and local chef, Horatio Smith believes it’s not the menu that makes it uniquely Bahamian, but also the ingredients utilized.

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2026

Denielle Miller

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A crisp baked macaroni, savory peas and rice, and perfectly battered cracked conch are all dishes that form a part of Bahamian food culture.

Our Denielle Miller tells us that a local chef believes it’s not the menu that makes it uniquely Bahamian, but also the ingredients utilized.

Denielle Miller – demiller@cablebahamas.com

“Now, Chef, can you tell me exactly what the young lady brought out for me to drink? This is a cucumber mint lemonade. And does it have alcohol in it? No, but it could.”

It was a refreshing beverage served by the head chef of Farmer’s Table Restaurant, Horatio Smith, and his team.

Located on One Eleuthera’s campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, this eatery takes pride in offering its guests delicious dishes prepared with ingredients harvested from the property’s garden.

Smith said it’s what makes the dish authentically Bahamian.

Horatio Smith – Head Chef, Farmer’s Table Restaurant

“You know, a lot of time people think Bahamian food is only deep fried, and French fries and heavy things, but Bahamian food is a flavor.”

He explained that this taste is distinctive to our identity, and it’s the small nuances that characterize our culinary culture.

Horatio Smith – Head Chef, Farmer’s Table Restaurant

“The thyme, the garlic, the use of it, the tomato, all those kinds of stuff…”

He added that the use of local herbs and spices also enables a reinvention of Bahamian cuisine, while still maintaining the same homemade flavor for everyone to appreciate.

Horatio Smith – Head Chef, Farmer’s Table Restaurant

“You can have something that’s healthy, but it’s still flavorful.”