When you think of Bahamian street food, savoury dishes like conch fritters or Bahamian fire engine might come to mind first. But if you have a sweet tooth, there’s one dessert you absolutely cannot miss: Guava Duff. This traditional Bahamian dessert is a soft, sweet rolled dough filled with ripe guava and served with a rich, creamy sauce. Its unique texture and fruity flavour make it a beloved treat in the Bahamas, where it is often served at family gatherings, celebrations and as a popular street food option.
Guava Duff is a traditional Bahamian dessert made from dough that’s filled with guava paste or fresh guava fruit, rolled up, steamed and then served with a decadent sauce—usually a rum, vanilla, or butter-based sauce. The name “Duff” refers to the technique of steaming the dough, which gives it a soft, sponge-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy guava filling.
This dish highlights the abundance of guava in the Bahamas, a tropical fruit known for its sweet and slightly tart flavor. Guava Duff is a true representation of island flavors and creativity, where fresh ingredients are turned into something truly special.
Guava Duff holds a special place in Bahamian cuisine and is typically enjoyed at celebrations such as birthdays, holidays or family gatherings. But over time, this dessert has also found its way into street food culture, where it is often sold at food stalls, markets and festivals. The convenience of having it pre-sliced and ready to go makes it a perfect treat for people on the move.
It’s not uncommon to see Guava Duff offered alongside more savoury street food options, providing a satisfying way to end a meal. With its comforting sweetness and warm tropical flavors, this dessert brings the best of Bahamian hospitality and culture in every bite.
Whether you’re walking the streets of Nassau or simply enjoying a tropical-inspired dessert at home, Guava Duff offers a taste of the Bahamas that you won’t forget. This iconic dessert combines the tropical flavors of guava with rich, buttery sweetness, making it the perfect street food treat for any occasion.
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