“It’s a great place 
to get a taste of 
all the islands.” 
Kevin Archer 
Ministry of Agriculture

The condominium I’m renting for these three weeks is located a short 15-minute walk from Arawak Cay, home of the Nassau Fish Fry. This unique Bahamian experience is a lively waterfront area known for its array of restaurants and food stalls. Locals tell me it’s the place to go to enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine, especially seafood dishes like fried fish and conch fritters.

The concept of a fish fry became popular during a time when many Catholic communities observed meatless Fridays. Back in the 1980s, local Bahamian fishermen were looking to acquire a stretch of land to sell their fish and conch. Having leased a portion of Arawak Cay from the government, the fish market began to draw locals and tourists alike. What began as a couple of seaside stalls has grown into a collection of more than thirty stalls, stands, and brick-and-mortar restaurants. 

In most countries, a fish fry is exactly what it sounds like — a fried fish, usually served with a side order of French fries. In the Bahamas, however, it’s much more than that. The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay has become a culinary gathering place that features some of the freshest and most authentic Bahamian food.

Generally speaking, the hours of operation for the Nassau Fish Fry are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with Friday nights being the most popular. That’s when live Junkanoo bands often provide entertainment. I stopped by for lunch the other day. Sitting at a table with an unobstructed view of five cruise ships docked at Nassau harbor, I enjoyed a plate of jerk chicken. It was served with sides of peas ’n rice and cole slaw. 

While I’m eating most of my meals here in the condo, it nice to have the option to get an authentic Bahamian meal nearby.