Local Flavors

A Taste Of Barbados In London: Must-Try Dishes And Where To Eat Them

Seeking Cou-Cou, Fish Cakes, Mauby, or proper Saturday Souse? Explore the spots serving real-deal Bajan flavor across the city.

By EatOkra

Last updated 28 Nov, 2025

From the national dish of Cou-Cou & Flying Fish to the beloved weekend tradition of Pudding & Souse to the addictive nature of beloved fish cakes, Barbados’ flavors are bold and unapologetic.

London’s Bajan food scene carries this energy beautifully, blending the comfort of homestyle cooking with the creativity of today’s culinary innovators. Here’s where to go:

Dish Highlights — How to Eat Like a Bajan in London

Cou-Cou & Flying Fish (The National Dish)

What It Is: This is the heart of Bajan cuisine. Cou-Cou is a smooth, firm pudding of cornmeal and okra, stirred constantly to achieve the perfect texture. Traditionally, it’s served with Flying Fish, though you’ll often find it with other fresh fish.

Where to Try It: Bajanize, a delightful food truck in Walthamstow, serves a version so good it teleported one reviewer to an Oistins fish fry.

Pro Tip: The best way to know what they're serving is to follow their Instagram (@bajanize_caribbean).

Fish Cakes

What It Is: These are the quintessential Bajan snack. They are savory, lightly spiced fritters packed with salted fish and herbs, and fried to a golden crisp. You’ll find them everywhere in Barbados, and they are a must-try.

Where to Try It: Barbs! This spot is inspired by the founder's grandmother, and their homestyle fish cakes are a fan favorite. Also: If you’re seeking a vegan option (yes, it exists!), try Jam Delish.

Pro Tip: At Barbs, you absolutely have to order them with a side of Barbs' signature 'Fancy Sauce' for dipping. It's a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that is the perfect match.

Pudding & Souse (The Saturday Ritual)

What It Is: If you want to eat like a true Bajan, you eat Pudding & Souse on a Saturday. The "souse" is cold pickled pork in a tangy lime-cucumber brine with scotch bonnet pepper, served alongside a pudding of steamed, spiced sweet potato. It's a unique combination that defines the island's weekend culture.

Where to Try It: Flava Pepper in Brixton. And, naturally, only on Saturdays!

Pro Tip: Do it like a local and wash it down with a glass of bittersweet Mauby for the complete experience. If you’re heading to Flava Pepper for it, consider placing a pre-order to avoid disappointment.

Mauby

What It Is: Mauby is a classic Bajan drink made from the bark of a tree. Its taste is complex. It starts sweet and fragrant, almost like root beer, but finishes with a lingering bittersweet note.

Where to Try It: At Mauby, of course. You can try it in their signature cocktail with Bajan rum or as a traditional non-alcoholic refresher.

Pro Tip: Mauby's menu is all Bajan-inspired small plates with a seasonal, rotating menu. Go with friends and order a few things for the table.

Explore These Restaurants on EatOkra

Ready to continue your food tour? The best way to find and learn more about these spots and other local London gems is to open the EatOkra app and get your exploring on.

Bajanize (Walthamstow)

This is your go-to to experience the national dish of Cou-Cou & Fish or proper Souse Saturday. Follow their socials to find them. Note: Bajanize is a food truck that’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Barbs (Dulwich & Shoreditch)

A taste of a Bajan grandmother's kitchen. Inspired by family recipes, Barbs serves up incredible comfort food with a lot of heart. A must-visit for their Fish Cakes and Fried Fish sandwich. Order for delivery in the Dulwich area or find them at the Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch.

Flava Pepper (Brixton)

Helmed by chef Jason Howard, who recently earned Outstanding Chef of the Year from the UK Caribbean Food Awards and is widely praised for his inventive approach to island cuisine. This spot is a must-visit for soulful, humble Bajan cooking done exceptionally well.

Mauby (Brockley)

A trendy, Bajan-inspired restaurant cocktail bar with an incredible menu of shareable small plates. This is the place for a modern taste of Barbados, and the entire menu is 100% gluten-free.

Jam Delish (Angel)

A trailblazing, 100% vegan restaurant that will blow your mind. This is where you go for creative, plant-based approaches to classics in Barbados as well as Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and beyond.

Featured image: Flava Pepper