13 Must-Try Jamaican Dishes
Picture this: You’re lounging on a sun-soaked Jamaican beach, the rhythmic sounds of reggae in the air, and the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting from nearby food stands. Jamaica isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s a paradise for food lovers too!
If you’re wondering what to eat in Jamaica or searching for the best Jamaican dishes, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a mouthwatering list of 13 must-try dishes in Jamaica that’ll make your trip unforgettable. From the best local dishes from Jamaica to the most popular food in the country, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the vibrant world of Jamaican cuisine and discover why eating and drinking in Jamaica is an adventure in itself.
1. Jerk Chicken: The Smoky Star of Jamaican Cuisine
When it comes to what food Jamaica is famous for, jerk chicken tops the list. This iconic dish is a true representation of Jamaican flavours and cooking techniques. The origins of jerk seasoning can be traced back to the Maroons, escaped African slaves who developed this method of cooking to preserve meat.
The secret to authentic jerk chicken lies in its spicy, aromatic marinade. A blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (known locally as pimento), thyme, garlic, and other spices creates a flavour explosion that’s uniquely Jamaican. Traditionally, the marinated chicken is slow cooked over pimento wood, infusing it with a smoky essence that’s simply irresistible.
For the best jerk chicken experience, head to Boston Bay in Portland Parish, considered the birthplace of jerk. Scotchies, with locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston, is another popular spot known for its mouthwatering jerk dishes. Don’t forget to pair your jerk chicken with some festival (a sweet fried dumpling) and a cold Red Stripe beer for the ultimate Jamaican meal.
2. Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica’s National Dish
If you’re asking yourself, “What dish must you try if you visit Jamaica?” the answer is undoubtedly ackee and saltfish. This unique combination is not only delicious but also holds the prestigious title of Jamaica’s national dish.
Ackee, a fruit native to West Africa, has a creamy texture and mild flavour when cooked. It’s paired with salted codfish, creating a savoury dish that’s typically served for breakfast. The ackee’s yellow flesh resembles scrambled eggs, making it a visually intriguing meal.
To truly appreciate this dish, it’s essential to understand its cultural significance. Ackee and saltfish represent the fusion of African and European influences in Jamaican cuisine. For the best experience, try it at a local spot like Sweet Wood near Ocho Rios or Prendy’s on the Beach in Hellshire.
3. Curry Goat: A Spicy Delicacy with Indian Influences
Curry goat is a prime example of Jamaica’s diverse culinary heritage. This dish showcases the influence of Indian indentured labourers who brought their spices and cooking techniques to the island in the 19th century.
The goat meat is slow-cooked with a blend of curry powder, scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices until it’s tender and falling off the bone. The result is a rich, spicy stew that’s often served with rice and peas (which are actually red kidney beans).
To eat curry goat like a local, use your fingers to pick the meat off the bones – it’s all part of the experience! For an authentic taste, check out local favourites like Peppa’s Cool Spot in Kingston or The Pelican Grill in Montego Bay.
4. Jamaican Patties: The Ultimate Street Food
No list of top Jamaican dishes would be complete without mentioning Jamaican patties. These flaky, golden pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables are the ultimate street food and a staple in Jamaican cuisine.
The most common filling is seasoned ground beef, but you’ll also find chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian options like callaloo or ackee. The pastry itself is often tinted yellow with turmeric or annatto, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Juici Patties and Tastee Patties are two popular chains where you can grab these handheld delights. For a truly local experience, try pairing your patty with coco bread – a soft, slightly sweet roll that perfectly complements the savoury filling.
5. Escovitch Fish: A Tangy Seafood Sensation
Escovitch fish is a testament to the Spanish influence on Jamaican cuisine. This dish features fried fish (usually snapper or kingfish) topped with a spicy, vinegary sauce made from onions, carrots, and scotch bonnet peppers.
The combination of crispy fish and tangy vegetables creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. It’s often served as a main course but can also be found as a popular beach snack.
For the best escovitch fish, head to seaside spots like Hellshire Beach near Kingston or Little Ochie in Manchester Parish. These places serve up fresh-caught fish prepared to perfection.
6. Oxtail Stew: Slow-Cooked Comfort Food
Oxtail stew is a beloved Jamaican delicacy that showcases the island’s talent for transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. This rich, hearty dish is made by slow-cooking oxtail (the tail of cattle) until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender.
The stew is flavoured with a blend of aromatics including garlic, thyme, and allspice, and often includes butter beans for added texture. The long cooking process allows the collagen-rich oxtail to break down, creating a luxuriously silky sauce.
For an unforgettable oxtail experience, try M10 Bar and Grill in Kingston or Pepper’s Jerk Center in Ocho Rios. Don’t forget to sop up the rich gravy with some hard dough bread!
7. Jamaican Bammy: Cassava Flatbread with a Twist
Bammy, a traditional Jamaican flatbread made from cassava, is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many Jamaican meals. This ancient food of the Arawak people has stood the test of time and remains a popular part of Jamaican cuisine.
Traditionally, bammy is soaked in coconut milk before being fried, giving it a subtle sweetness. It can be served as a breakfast item with ackee and saltfish, or as a side dish with jerk meats or fish.
To try authentic bammy, visit local markets or beachside food stands. You can also find it at restaurants like Gee Wee in Ocho Rios, where it’s often served with escovitch fish.
8. Run Down: A Creamy Coconut Fish Dish
Run Down, also known as “Dip and Fall Back” due to its rich, creamy texture, is a delicious coconut milk-based fish stew. This dish gets its name from the cooking process, where the fish is slowly simmered or “run down” in coconut milk until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
Typically made with mackerel or other firm white fish, Run Down is flavoured with tomatoes, onions, and various spices. It’s often served with ground provisions (a mix of starchy vegetables) or dumplings.
For an authentic Run Down experience, try local spots like Aunt May’s in Negril or Melting Pot in Kingston. It’s a true taste of Jamaican home cooking!
9. Callaloo: The Caribbean’s Favourite Leafy Green
Callaloo, a dish made from the leaves of the amaranth plant (or sometimes taro), is a nutritious and flavourful part of Jamaican cuisine. Often compared to spinach, callaloo is packed with vitamins and minerals.
In Jamaica, callaloo is typically sautéed with onions, garlic, and sometimes scotch bonnet peppers. It can be served as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes like soups or fritters.
For a delicious callaloo dish, check out local restaurants like Norma’s on the Beach in Negril or Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking in Port Antonio. It’s a great way to add some green to your Jamaican food adventure!
10. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: A World-Renowned Brew
While not a dish per se, no culinary tour of Jamaica would be complete without mentioning Blue Mountain Coffee. Grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this coffee is known for its mild flavour and lack of bitterness.
Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. Its unique growing conditions and strict certification process contribute to its superior quality and taste.
For the best Blue Mountain Coffee experience, visit the Craighton Estate Coffee Farm for a tour and tasting. In Kingston, try Café Blue or Regency Café for a perfect cup paired with Jamaican pastries.
11. Jamaican Rum Cake: A Boozy Sweet Treat
Jamaican rum cake, also known as black cake, is a rich, dense dessert that’s especially popular during the Christmas season. This cake is made with dried fruits that have been soaked in rum for months, giving it a deep, complex flavour.
The cake is typically dark in colour due to the addition of browning (caramelized sugar) and is often topped with a rum glaze for extra indulgence. It’s a testament to Jamaica’s long history of rum production.
For the best rum cake, try local bakeries like Tortuga Rum Cakes or the Devon House Bakery in Kingston. Just be prepared for a potent kick – these cakes don’t skimp on the rum!
12. Jamaican Coconut Drops: A Sweet and Crunchy Snack
Coconut drops are a simple yet addictive Jamaican treat. Made with just three ingredients – fresh coconut, ginger, and sugar – these sweet, crunchy confections are a popular snack across the island.
The coconut is cut into small pieces and boiled with sugar and ginger until it forms a sticky, caramelized mixture. It’s then dropped in small mounds to cool and harden, creating bite-sized treats.
You can find coconut drops at local markets and street vendors across Jamaica. They’re the perfect sweet snack to enjoy while exploring the island!
13. Jamaican Sorrel Drink: A Festive Favourite
Rounding out our list is the Jamaican Sorrel Drink, a refreshing beverage made from the sepals of the sorrel plant (a type of hibiscus). This ruby-red drink is especially popular during the Christmas season but can be enjoyed year-round.
Sorrel is steeped with ginger and spices, then sweetened and often spiked with rum. It has a tart, fruity flavour and is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
You can find sorrel drink at most restaurants and cafes across Jamaica, but for a special experience, try it at Coronation Market in Kingston, where you can buy the fresh ingredients to make it yourself.