Taste Jamaica.
Come back to "Mmmmm!"
Food in Jamaica is a celebration! Embark on a culinary journey and come back to "Mmmm!" as we explore the delectable dishes that make tasting Jamaica a mouthwatering adventure that is sure to whet your appetite for more. Jamaica is a foodie paradise full of bold and vibrant flavours. You owe it to yourself to explore the diverse culinary offerings that this island has to offer, from our famous street foods, to fine dining at some of our top restaurants where authentic Jamaican flavors and spices reflects the heavy cultural influences of our island heritage. Jamaican cuisine is a fusion of culinary techniques, flavors, and spices influenced by the island's Taino, African, Irish, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern influences. We're proud of our culinary heritage and can’t wait to share it with you.
Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, is a local breakfast favorite and a must try with all the trimmings - fried dumplings, callaloo, green bananas, avocado and plantains (Jamaicans pronounce it 'plantin'), depending on what's in season. Come back to craving and enjoy authentic Jamaican dishes like local favourites, our famous Oxtail, Stew Peas, Curry Goat. And don't forget the Rice and Peas!
Spice things up!
We love spicy foods! Jamaica is synonymous with all things jerk. Smoky, pimento wood flavoured jerk meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes without a doubt takes pride of place at restaurants and food stands across the length and breadth of the island. Indulge in the aromatic scents that fill the air as you savor each tender, juicy bite. Be careful trying our beloved Scotch Bonnet peppers though. They are flavourful, but hot! Be sure to visit Scotchies in St. Ann, Boston Bay in Portland, or Pepper Thyme in Kingston and cross delicious jerk off your bucket list of Jamaican foods to try.
With its abundant coastline, Jamaica is a haven for seafood lovers. May we suggest fried fish and festival at Hellshire or steamed fish and okra and bammy for that "healthy body"? Whether you choose to feast on seafood by the beach with your toes in the sand, or dine in a cozy waterfront restaurant, Jamaica's seafood delicacies promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Come back to adventurous and try mannish water spiked with white rum to get bragging rights and one step closer to earning your "Jamaican Passport". In addition to traditional Jamaican food eateries, you will easily find Chinese, Indian and Syrian restaurants alongside an array of international cuisine options across the island.
Long before the vegan movement swept the world, "Ital" has been a diet practiced by Jamaican Rastafarians for vitality, energy, and life force. If you are a Vegan or vegetarian foodie, you will have no shortage of fresh options from farm-to-table to delight your bellies. Jamaica's tropical climate nurtures a bounty of exotic fruits that add a burst of freshness to the island's cuisine. Sample the juicy sweetness of mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, or indulge in the vibrant flavors of starfruit and guava. Quench your thirst with refreshing coconut water straight from the source or enjoy a tangy sip of freshly squeezed limeade. Don't miss the opportunity to try the iconic Jamaican drinks like sorrel, a festive hibiscus-based drink enjoyed during the holidays, or our zesty ginger beer. Jamaica's tropical fruits and drinks are sure to delight with a bounty to choose from.
Enjoy the sweet life!
Jamaicans love a sweet treat after a meal, don't you? Indulge your sweet tooth with specialty Jamaican sweets and traditional desserts like sweet potato pudding, cooked under a heap of hot coals. You know it's good when locals refer to these puddings as Hell a top, Hell a bottom, and Hallelujah in de middle! Be sure to stop in Priory St. Ann at the Pudding Man (Jus Coool). Have a slice with our own Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, the world's finest, for a taste of heaven.
Have we tempted your taste buds yet? Believe us, we could go on. There’s so much to taste here. It’s time for you to come back to delicious in Jamaica.
