No visit to Jamaica is complete without sampling at least some of the mouthwatering local flavors. And no, you don’t have to eat anything spicy—though if you’re up for it, you should! Make sure to grab a bite of a few of these Jamaican favorites:
Jerk
Not an insult—jerk is the traditional Jamaican method of preparing meats, especially chicken and pork. It starts with an intense combination of spices either rubbed into the meat or soaked in using a marinade; then, the meat is typically placed on top of a fire built in the ground and covered with corrugated aluminum so it can get a delicious smoky flavor.
Pro tip: This stuff is spicy. If you’ve never tried it, start with the chicken, which packs a little less heat than the pork. The flavor is worth the sweat, though—promise.
Ackee and saltfish is a breakfast staple.
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Ackee and Saltfish
Traditionally served at breakfast, this combo is pure Jamaica: The buttery, fleshy heart of the ackee fruit is boiled (it turns yellow and looks like scrambled eggs after cooking) then sautéed with salted cod, onions and seasoning.
Black Cake
The island’s version of a fruitcake is quite different than what you might eat around the holidays, thanks to a healthy dose of rum or wine. Another difference is a traditional Jamaican ingredient called browning, which adds a rich and savory element to the cake. Watch how it’s made in the video above!
Two types of breads commonly eaten in Jamaica: Festival, the longer-shaped and slightly sweet variation on the right, and dumplings, traditionally round and without the sweetness of festival.
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Festival
If you’re wondering how this sweet Jamaican bread (on the left in the above photo) got its name, try one—it’s because these tasty, sugary cornbread fritters are just pure fun to eat. They are often served alongside jerk, as they’re a great way to balance out the spice.
Dumplings
Yet another special Jamaican bread, these tasty dough balls (to the right in the above photo) are like the festivals but without the sweetness, and they’re usually served at breakfast with ackee and saltfish. Think of them as the Jamaican equivalent to the toast you’d get with your diner breakfast.
Bammies are sweetened with coconut milk and fried until golden.
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Bammy
This foldable flatbread is made from cassava, a root vegetable—it’s prepared in 6-inch round discs then cut into small triangular pieces after being deep fried, pan fried or steamed. Bammies can be eaten at any meal or as an on-the-go snack.
There are few Jamaican foods as well-known and beloved as the Jamaican patty.
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Patties
Flaky pastries filled with curry chicken or minced beef, patties are a popular snack or meal for Jamaicans. Most locals you meet will be diehard loyalists of one of two major patty chains: Tastee or Juici Patties. Try them both and pick a side!
Callaloo is a popular Caribbean vegetable dish.
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Callaloo
This vegetable side dish mostly consists of a leafy, stalky green that’s slightly less bitter than spinach. It’s usually steamed up with onions, garlic, carrots and spices, and generally finds a place alongside saltfish or dumplings.
A favorite, homemade Jamaican rum punch with lime and pineapple.
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Drinks
Don’t forget the beverages! At breakfast, try Blue Mountain coffee (known for being mild and not bitter). For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, crack open a bottle of Ting, a grapefruit soda. If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, rum is the local liquor of choice, with Appleton being one of the most popular local brands, but Chris Blackwell is another favorite. And if all else fails, there’s always Red Stripe beer.
There are so many more reasons to visit Jamaica than food—come discover the island on a cruise!
