What To Eat In Jamaica? Delights You Should Not Miss

Eating in Jamaica is a full experience for the senses. The list of meals, ingredients, and food preparation techniques is quite extensive. In addition, and as often happens, there are also dishes that are the result of different types of culinary fusions. Others, on the other hand, are local and typical of the island.

Jamaican gastronomy is characterized because it is the result of the influence of several cultures, among which the European, African, Asian and indigenous cultures stand out. For the same reason, it is common to find products grown on this island, but originating from other latitudes.

Eating in Jamaica, an expanding universe

The modifications of foreign dishes incorporated into the Jamaican diet are the result of a reinterpretation of the taste of the island’s inhabitants. For them it is essential to put a stamp of identity particular to their culture.

On the other hand, it should be noted that Jamaican gastronomy has managed to expand internationally. It has done so thanks, in part, to emigration, especially to North America and several European countries, where it is widely accepted.

What should you eat in Jamaica?

1. jerk chicken

The Jerk chicken is one of the most traditional dishes. These are chicken pieces marinated  in strong seasonings that are grilled. These ingredients include black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Cinnamon, bay leaf, chopped chives, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, rum, and white vinegar are also added, among others.

For its preparation, all the ingredients must be mixed and blended until obtaining a homogeneous paste, the ‘jerk’. In a deep bowl, place the chicken pieces together with the jerk pasta , mix everything and after six hours it is grilled until completely cooked. It is served with white rice, Jamaican bread or salad.

2. Jamaican Patty

It is a set of exquisite empanadas, highly appreciated in the country. The ingredients are divided into two parts, one for the dough and the other for the filling. Among the first are wheat flour, water, butter, turmeric, egg yolks and salt. Turmeric, parsley, thyme, ginger, pepper, ground beef, allspice, onion, cardamom, rum, tomato, and salt are required for the filling.

For the preparation, the ingredients of the dough are combined until a homogeneous paste is obtained. Let it rest for 60 minutes, spread with a roller and cut circles. For the filling, the ingredients are finely chopped, mixed and cooked in a pan. Finally, the patty are assembled and fried or baked at 200 ° C for 20 minutes.

3. Goat curry

It is a dish that you cannot stop eating in Jamaica. It is specially prepared during some festivities or family events. It is part of Jamaica’s Hindu heritage. It has goat meat, curry, allspice, chili peppers, chives, onion, butter, ginger, cinnamon, carrot and potatoes.

For its preparation the spices are mixed and blended. The paste obtained is mixed with the cubed goat meat and left overnight. Butter is melted in a frying pan and the meat is fried over low heat. Then, in a pot of water, cook the meat over high heat for an hour. Subsequently, the other ingredients are added and cooked until ready.

4. Rice and peas

It’s actually rice and beans, but that’s what they call them in Jamaica. Either way, it is one of the most popular dishes. Among its ingredients are, of course, red beans, coconut milk, onion, garlic, thyme, Scottish green pepper, white rice and salt.

In its preparation, the beans should be left overnight in order to hydrate them, although they can be used canned. The same applies to coconut milk. In a pot, add the beans, rice, coconut milk, water and salt; as well as finely chopped onions, garlic and thyme. Bring everything to a boil and then leave it over low heat until dry.

5. Ackee with salted fish

The ackee with salt fish is probably the most traditional dish for breakfast in Jamaica. There are several versions of ackee , but here we present a delicious one. The ingredients are salted fish, mango or green banana, onion, thyme, black pepper, garlic, Scotch Bonnet pepper, red pepper, and oil.

The fish must be boiled in water to remove as much salt as possible and then washed and cut into pieces. Then the mango or green banana is steamed. Thyme, onion and chopped red peppers are sautéed and the whole Scotch Bonnet pepper is added . Finally, the fish and mango or banana are added and everything is mixed for five minutes.

6. Bammy, a must-eat dish in Jamaica

The bammy is one of the most consumed food in Jamaica. More than a dish, it is a companion to other dishes or an appetizer. Its preparation is very simple and its flavor is exquisite. The base of his recipe is found in cassava and salt. It can have other ingredients, but the preferred one is coconut milk.

For its preparation, cassava is used in flour or grated, to which a little salt and a little coconut milk are added. Knead until a homogeneous mixture is obtained and arepas of the desired size are formed. Butter is melted in a frying pan and fry until golden brown. It is one of the dishes that you cannot stop eating in Jamaica.