Whitefish, Pink Sands: How Barbuda Became a Caribbean Sushi Haven

Barbuda — the unspoilt Caribbean destination, perhaps best known for its pink sandy beaches and Frigatebird-frequented lagoons — has been the talk of the region lately, winning culinary accolades in a somewhat unexpected category.

While Antigua’s sparsely-populated sister island has always impressed visitors with its fresh and abundant seafood, it’s now winning gastronomic glory, as the place to go for sushi in the Caribbean.

World-class Japanese cuisine on a Caribbean island may seem an odd fit, but that’s exactly what drew international culinary darling, Nobu, to the island. Serving up Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, the trendy Robert De Niro-backed restaurant opted to open up one of its latest franchises, directly on one of the island’s idyllic beaches.

Now, visitors flock to Barbuda to savour an array of flavours that, just years ago, would have been impossible to find on the island. Possibly, the chance of running into De Niro, who maintains a residence nearby, also may have something to do with it.

On the menu, Nobu favourites, with Japanese roots, like A5 wagyu, whitefish sashimi, and spicy snow crab mingle with dishes, clearly paying homage to classic Barbudan fare, including whole grilled lobster and Island Rum Roasted Pineapple and Coconut sorbet.

This scrumptious synthesis has breathed new life into Antigua’s quieter sibling; and while many guests come for the food, they quickly fall in love with the pink sands and vibrant wildlife that has long made Barbuda a hidden gem.

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards’ Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches — one for every day of the year.

The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles, with rich history and spectacular topography, that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.

Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival, known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.

Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.