Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of Barbados. Flying fish are succulent but oily fish that are best eaten fresh from the water. Cou cou is a polenta-like side dish made from cornmeal and okra that was brought to Barbados by African slaves. To prepare the dish, flying fish are seasoned, breaded and fried, then served with cou cou and lime wedges. Cou cou is made by boiling okra in water, then gradually adding cornmeal and stirring to form a smooth mixture before adding butter.