There are few places you can travel to that will offer such a diverse selection of authentic cuisine. The food in Jamaica will fill your every desire to say the least. Cooking techniques, spices and flavors are influenced from the island’s indigenous people as well as the British, Spanish, Indian, African and Chinese who have all inhabited the area.
Jamaican cuisine today is the result of years of culture, many who have merged together to create fusion techniques. You will also notice the richness in the flavors which is due to so many dishes using only locally grown foods. The variety of fresh seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables is nearly exhausting.
Popular Dishes
- Jerk – This is without a doubt, Jamaica’s most popular dish and you will find it all over the island. The main ingredient is fish, chicken or pork, marinated with spices such as Scotch bonnet, pimento, nutmeg, thyme, allspice and a pepper that is beyond hot! It’s served with rice, peas, festival bread and plenty of hot sauce. This is a dish that gets its roots from the Arawak Indian, to be seasoned years later by the Maroons. Some of the best places to get jerk is at Chelsea Jerk Center in Kingston or Faiths Pen in St. Ann.
- Ackee and Saltfish – This is the national breakfast dish that will keep you coming back to the island just to get your fill. The ackee looks like scrambled eggs but tastes a lot better. The reason you won’t find ackee for sale in the United States is because until it’s properly ripe, it’s poisonous so get your fill while you’re here!
- Coco Bread – Ever wonder what heaven tastes like? A warm, buttered slice of this bread will give you the answer!
- Cowcod Soup – While the name might not lure you in at first when you see this sold at roadside stands, you should know that this infamous aphrodisiac is made from white rum, bananas and pepper. You will want to eat this everyday!
- Jamaican Patty – This is a pastry filled with vegetables, chicken, shrimp, fish, lobster, ackee, soy or cheese and spices and then it’s baked like a turnover. These are enjoyed in smaller sizes as appetizers or as a whole meal when paired with bread.
- Duckanoo – This recipe comes straight from Africa. Duckanoo is a mouth-watering dessert made with coconut, cornmeal, brown sugar and spices, tied in a banana leaf and slow-cooked.
- Escovitch Fish – The Spanish Jews brought this receipt to the island over 500 years ago. It is fried fish that has been marinated with spices and vinegar and is voted one of the best ways to enjoy a local catch.
- Mannish Water – Here’s another Jamaican aphrodisiac! Mannish water is made using goat’s head, scallions, garlic, green bananas, cho-cho, spinners, Scotch bonnet peppers and of course, white rum!
- Spinners – You’ll find these in many stews and soups. They are small and delicious, thin twisted dumplings.
- Pepperpot Soup – This green soup contains spinach-like callaloo, salted pork or pig’s tail, okra, coconut milk, spices and plenty of pepper. Despite the warm climate, this is a preferred choice year round, paired up with a Red Stripe of course! If you’re in Montego Bay, check out The Pork Pit!
While experiencing Jamaican cuisine may not be one of the reasons you’re visiting the island, it sure will be a reason you miss it when you’re gone. Jamaica offers some of the best chefs in the Caribbean like at Norma’s On the Terrace in Kingston but don’t pass up the opportunity to get some real authentic and delicious meals at a few smaller venues that aren’t so popular. Ask the locals, they’ll tell you where to go!