A Bajan fish cake is a Barbadian deep-fried fritter made mainly from salted cod and seasoned batter.
Salt cod is soaked to remove excess salt, then flaked and mixed with flour or another batter base, herbs, onion, and seasonings. Spoonfuls are fried until crisp outside and tender inside. Fish cakes are sold as snacks and are also associated with Bajan gatherings and casual meals.
Barbados has a long maritime and Atlantic trading history, so preserved fish became an important ingredient. Salt cod was practical because it could be stored and transported without refrigeration.
A Bajan fish cake is not the same as a breaded fish patty. It is usually a small fritter made from seasoned batter containing flaked fish. The dish is also distinct from Barbadian fish cutters, which place fried fish inside a bread roll.