In the Caribbean, going to the beach is one of the top activities, especially in Barbados, the ideal sun, sea and sand location. However, it can be a bit of a brain buster as to what to eat while lounging in the sun with that great book, or after you have taken that refreshing sea bath. There is also the issue of wind and sand, as sand tends to get everywhere when you are at the beach. Presented in this article are some of the best food ideas and some of the key things that you will need for a food friendly day at the beach.
Food Ideas for the Perfect Beach Day
There is one general rule of thumb when packing food for the beach. As long as it cannot be eaten with your bare hands, then it is out. Eating with utensils on the beach can be a nuisance, especially with sand and wind everywhere (imagine the wind blowing a plastic plate at every turn and blowing sand on the food as well). Therefore, here are some of the best foods that you can take with you on the beach:
- Wraps – wraps are a great alternative to sandwiches at the beach, as they allow
you to have all your fillings, condiments and meats tucked away on the inside, away from the sand. They are also easier to eat on the beach, as they are easy to eat with one hand. However, you should avoid wraps with mayonnaise as they can go bad in the heat. - Fried Chicken – easy to eat without having a mouthful of sand as an
accidental garnish (provided you keep the container well covered). - Fruit – specifically whole fruit such as apples, grapes, peaches etc.
- Cookies and Brownies – another simple finger food especially to satisfy those cravings that ultimately come from a day out at the beach. These are also a great alternative to frosted cake, from which the frosting tends to melt in the beach heat.
- Muffins and other pastries – Pastries are also a great finger food for the beach
as they, like all the other foods on this list, can be eaten with one hand and are perfect to cure the munchies. - Trail mix, Granola, Dried Fruits and Nuts – these are not only delicious, but can help you refuel from the draining effects of the heat. Ideally, snacks such as these should be packaged in small re-sealable plastic bags.
Key Necessities
- Take some bottled water (preferably frozen). Especially on a hot day, you will definitely need something to stay cool.
- Pack hand wipes to keep the hands clean after eating, as sometimes washing with the sea water can leave hands sticky.
- Cooler for drinks – by the time you are ready to eat and have a drink, the heat
from the sun will probably have made the drinks hot and in a less than ideal condition to drink. Therefore, packing a portable cooler is necessary to keep those drinks (and possibly fruits) nice and chilled. - Umbrella – no one wants to eat their food in the hot sun so an umbrella is useful to provide some shade while you eat.
- Bottle opener (if necessary)
- Tablecloth – to place the food on, and to provide a barrier between the sand and your food.
Therefore, by ensuring that you have the perfect blend of food and drinks, along with the key necessities, you will enjoy a fun and stress free day out at the beach, without worrying about how you will satisfy your cravings.
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