Take a Seat at The Table & ‘Dine with a Bajan’!

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill (centre), BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin (fifth from left), Chief Product Development Officer Marsha Alleyne (13th from left) Product Development Officer Chanique Morris (12th from left) were all smiles as they stood side-by-side with the Dine with a Bajan hosts (from left) Franklin and Juliet Jeffers, Jessica Odle-Baril and Robert Baril, Janelle Lashley, Marie Alleyne and Patricia Mash, Sancia Padmore, Maria Joseph, and David Kirton and wife Noelle at Cricket Legends. 

As the world looks ahead to the bustling winter travel season, “Dine with a Bajan” offers guests from across the globe a chance to break bread with Barbadian hosts, forging genuine connections and experiencing the island’s cherished traditions firsthand. Guests are welcomed into Bajan homes, where they sample traditional dishes, hear captivating stories, and gain an insider’s perspective on daily island life.

The programme was officially relaunched on November 19 at the iconic Cricket Legends of Barbados in Bridgetown, where attendees were treated to a preview of the unforgettable experiences awaiting future visitors.

Blackbelly lamb shepherd’s pie was a hit with Dine with a Bajan audience. 

Andrea Franklin, CEO of BTMI, expressed deep appreciation for the passionate host families and dedicated team behind the programme, highlighting its blend of tradition and innovation.

During the relaunch, guests sampled a creative menu inspired by Bajan classics, reimagined by Chef Creig Greenidge, including black belly lamb shepherd’s pie, pickled shrimp, and bread pudding.

Pickled shrimp was one of the many standout dishes served during the Dine with a Bajan re-launch.

The Cricket Legends of Barbados has also joined the programme as a host venue. Each family shared touching stories about their motivation to open their doors to the world. Juliette Jeffers reflected, “My husband Franklin and I made the choice to relocate from the United Kingdom to Barbados with our two children over 20 years ago, and it was one of the best decisions of our lives. Barbados has given us so much. Becoming a ‘Dine with a Bajan’ host feels like our way of giving something back. It feels like our way of saying thank you to my parents’ island that welcomed us so warmly,” Jeffers said.

The evening celebrated Barbadian heritage with storytelling from beloved entertainer Jennifer Walker, live music by host family member David Kirton, and a spirited performance by reigning Calypso Monarch Anderson “Mr Blood” Armstrong. Cricket legends, including Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner, shared memories that brought the island’s sporting history to life.

“Dine with a Bajan” is more than a meal; it is an invitation to discover Barbadian culture in an authentic and personal way, where every guest leaves with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the island’s rich traditions.

For updates and inspiration, follow @VisitBarbados on Facebook and Instagram, and @Barbados on X. Come taste the spirit of Barbados, one meal, one story, and one unforgettable experience at a time.