Barbados Cutters

What is a "cutter"?

A cutter in Barbados is like a sandwich but only much better. It is a bread roll that is cut in half, crossways and stuffed with a filling that is savory.  This type of sandwich is very famous in Barbados and is made, sold and served throughout the island.  Cutters can be eaten at any time during the day whether it is for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack.  It is a meal by itself and the locals tell you that the best drink to go with any cutter is a red soft drink. I had the honour of trying the cheese and fish cutters on my trip to Barbados in 2008. They were really delicious and heavenly.  I am hoping to try the other types of cutters on my next visit to the beautiful island in the near future.  There are many different types of cutters, some are more popular than others; however, for the salt-bread, everyone has their favourite filling.

• Ham cutter - thickly cut slices of baked ham (either leg ham or picnic ham) with some Barbadian hot sauce
• Cheese cutter - thick slices of cheddar cheese.  Preferably Australian, New Zealand or English Cheddar Cheese.
• Fish cutter - made with breaded and fried fish, often flying fish.  It is also served with marlin, billfish, King Fish, tuna or mahi mahi.
• Liver cutter - breaded and fried chicken livers
• Gizzard Cutter: made with breaded and fried chicken gizzards.
• Bread and Two - two Bajan fish cakes. Popular for breakfast.
• Egg cutter - fried egg

Most cutters are served with lettuce and tomato in the salt bread.  A little pepper sauce is needed as a finishing touch for your cutter.

Where to get a cutter

Cutters are found at the rum shops, food trucks and casual beachside eateries if you are looking for this special Barbados treat!  They are not served; however, in any restaurants.