Popular Jamaican food

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.

Jerk Chicken

Undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s most traditional and popular dishes, Jerk Chicken, is found everywhere on the island, from street stalls to top restaurants. Named after its cooking method called ‘jerk cooking’, chicken is coated in a paste made from chillies, spices and herbs and slow-cooked over pimento wood in old oil barrels until charred and super smoky. Jamaican Jerk Chicken is traditionally served with rice, peas, cabbage and fried plantains. Jerk marinade is also used to flavour beef, pork, goat, and fish and is regarded as an authentic Jamaican soul food as the people of Jamaica believe flavourful, vibrant food is good for the body and the soul.

Ackee & Saltfish

Though Jerk is a standout in Jamaican cuisine, their national dish is Ackee & Saltfish. It is made of boiled ackee (a round reddish-yellow fruit originally from West Africa) that’s then sauteed with codfish, onions, tomatoes, chillies, and spices. This authentic dish is typically served for breakfast and occasionally at dinner with a side of fresh slaw and hard bread. Ackee is a little trickier to get in our parts of the world, so you can easily substitute with lychees or scout around for speciality Jamaican food products online.

Popular Jamaican food

Jamaican Curry Goat

Curry Goat, Goat Curry, or Curried Goat, whatever name you see this classic Caribbean referred to as it’s a winner every time and one of Jamaica’s most popular and well-known dishes. As its name suggests, this rich meaty curry is traditionally made with tender pieces of goat meat simmered in a spice-rich curry sauce until soft and melting alongside potatoes and the spicy hit of scotch bonnet peppers; however, if you find it difficult to get a hold of goat, you can easily use lamb, mutton or even chicken. Jamaicans serve this heady dish with steamed rice and often green beans or sauteed kale/another leafy green.

Popular Jamaican food

Fish Escovitch

Inspired by Spain’s dish Fish Escabeche that the Spanish settlers brought with them to Jamaica, this Caribbean version fries a whole fish, usually red snapper, until crisp on the outside and tender within and tops it with tangy pickled vegetables and pimento peppers with fresh citrus. This summery, colourful dish is commonly served at Easter celebrations.

Jamaican Sweets

When it comes to sweetness in Jamaican cuisine, coconut drops are it! With a similar texture to peanut brittle, coconut drops are made of soft, chewy coconut pieces in sticky, crunchy toffee and an authentic Jamaican treat! This traditional sweet treat is a common Jamaican street food sold from vendor’s stalls all over the island.

Try this Jamaican Recipe

Grilled Jerk Prawns with Pineapple Salsa

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