What is Bermuda Fish Chowder?

Bermuda Fish Chowder

Bermuda fish chowder is the national dish of Bermuda. Its main ingredients are fish fillets, fish stock, and tomato purée, while the other ingredients may vary and typically include vegetables (potatoes, onions, celery, green peppers, carrots), herbs, and spices such as thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves.

Traditionally, the chowder is seasoned with dark rum and a local sherry peppers hot sauce. Unlike the chowders based on milk or cream, this one is not so thick and has a much lighter, brothy consistency. It is believed that the dish was first made by 17th-century colonizers who prepared it in cauldrons which were placed above bonfires on the beaches of St. George's.

Bermuda

WHERE TO EAT The best Bermuda Fish Chowder in the world (according to food experts)

AFAR Magazine and 7 other food critics.

"Here’s where to find one of the very best bowls: the Lobster Pot, a nautically inspired restaurant in the city of Hamilton and the place to go for everything seafood."

Celebrity Cruises and 6 other food critics.

"Find exceptional chowders at Hog Penny."

Annie Fitzsimmons and 4 other food critics.

"The parish of St. George's is close to the airport, and Wahoo's Bistro is a great place to stop for lunch when you first land. Try the Bermuda Fish Chowder."

Smita Chandra and 4 other food critics.

"That first taste of authentic Bermuda fish chowder is like none other! The rich, smoky flavours of caramelized vegetables, black rum, fragrant island spices and fresh local fish simmered long and slow in a tomato based fish broth, all of it doused liberally with sherry pepper sauce will leave you craving more! I was fortunate to get the recipe from the chef of Barracuda Restaurant, where we had a delicious meal."

AFAR Magazine and 4 other food critics.

"Here’s where to find one of the very best bowls: Henry VIII, an English pub in Southampton parish with sweeping views of the south shore from its open-air patio."