Close to 100 local chefs and mixologists will compete in the 2026 Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Taste of Barbados Competition, slated for Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC).
BHTA Special Projects Manager, Tessalee Moore, explained that registration for the bi-annual qualifier for the award-winning BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team closed over the weekend and was fully subscribed.
“The response was fantastic. We received entries in all four categories: Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef and Mixologist and for us it is a true reflection of the continued growth and excitement surrounding Barbados’ culinary industry and the opportunities presented through the competition and programme.”
Moore added that Taste of Barbados is a key feature of the Association’s continued commitment to strengthening Barbados’ reputation as a leading culinary destination, while providing opportunities for local hospitality professionals to excel.
“The competition is open to BHTA Members and hospitality students and serves as a celebration of the exceptional talent in the tourism industry, as well as a platform that brings together the island’s brightest culinary talent to showcase their skills and creativity.
“The winners will go on to undergo extensive training and preparation to secure a spot on the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team and represent the island at major local, regional and international exhibitions, culinary events and competitions.
“This includes the upcoming Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean Competition, which takes place later this year and will see Barbados compete for top regional honours including Caribbean Team of the Year, Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Junior Chef of the Year, among other titles.”
At last year’s Taste of the Caribbean, the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team earned eight medals and awards including the Caribbean Bartender of the Year title, Caribbean Bartender – Gold, Senior Chef and Caribbean Pastry Chef – Silver and the Junior Chef – Special Award, as well as Most Creative Bartender, Best Use of Amaro di Angostura and Best Use of Certified Angus Beef awards.
Moore added that this year the BHTA is also inviting applications for the role of Team Manager to coordinate and support the National Culinary Team throughout training and competition preparation.
The 2024/2025 BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team at last year’s CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Competition along with BHTA’s Special Projects Manager Tessalee Moore (left), Chairman Javon Griffith (second from left) and BHTA CEO Ryan Forde (right).
