Culinary Tour – Top Five Foods You Must Try in Jamaica!

If the turquoise oceans and stunning landscapes aren’t enough to make you fall in love with the island, then the food certainly will! Bursting with flavor and unmistakably Jamaican, the food is as loud and proud as Jamaica’s people! Here are our top five Jamaican foods you must try when visiting the island:

Jerk Chicken

Take a stroll almost anywhere in Jamaica and you’ll inevitably be blessed with the mouth-watering smell of Jerk Chicken smoking over an open fire of pimento chips. Chicken or pork dry rubbed or marinated with a special jerk spice mix of scotch bonnet peppers, all spice, salt and other herbs and spices depending on the chef. You’ll find this world famous dish in almost all Jamaican restaurants, but the best is when eaten from the street.

Jamaican Patty

A baked buttery pastry filled with spicy beef this perfect snack is a must try! These days there are also other fillings available such as chicken, vegetables, and shrimp. All of which are well flavored with Jamaican flair and of course those spicy scotch bonnet peppers! Perfect with an ice cold Red Stripe beer! Yum!

Ackee and Saltfish

The national dish of Jamaica and a sweet and savory way to have breakfast. Ackee is a fruit that grows in pods on trees that were imported to the island from Ghana. It is sautéed with cod fish, onion, scotch bonnet peppers, tomatoes and allspice. The dish is typically served with yams, green bananas or potatoes. Your scrambled eggs will pale in comparison once you’ve started your morning in Jamaica!

Curry Goat

In the 17th century, Indian workers were brought to Jamaica, and with the number of goats prevalent on the island, curry goat was born. A little spicier than an Indian curry, but just as delicious and often served with delicious rice and peas. For those that haven’t tried goat meat, it’s just like beef but a little gamey, and simply melts in your mouth when cooked slowly with this heady mix of spices. No Jamaican celebration is complete without this delicious dish!

Rice and Peas

Boil kidney beans in coconut milk, butter, salt, sugar, thyme, scallion, garlic, pimento seeds and that all important scotch bonnet pepper, then add rice and let it work its magic. You’ve now got the makings of a fine rice and peas! Typically served as a side dish with stewed meat dishes, it can also be enjoyed for breakfast with ackee and saltfish. Jamaican rice is certainly anything but boring!

Our mouths are watering and we’re ready to eat! Which of these delicious Jamaican delicacies have you tried?