Jamaica … A Foodies Paradise!
Jamaica … A Foodies Paradise!
There is nothing like Jamaica, and I’m not just saying that because I’m from there OR because it’s one of my favorite places to go. There is honestly nothing like it. When you’re there, you can’t help but fall in love! One of the very best things about Jamaica might just be the incredible food!
Whether you’re a foodie or the pickiest eater on the planet, here are a few dishes you must try to fully immerse yourself in the Jamaica experience.
Cornmeal Pudding
Cornmeal pudding is a traditional favorite. It takes the shape of pie, is firm in texture, and is made of yellow cornmeal, coconut milk, local spices, and even rum or raisins. Many people eat it as a dessert while topping it with ice cream or coconut cream. It is a simple yet delightful dish you can enjoy both hot and cold.
Curry Goat
This is honestly my favorite ever since I was little. Traditionally an Indian dish, it has a twist in Jamaica. Made using an array of seasoning and spices and cooked in a savory curry sauce, this dish is super popular in Jamaica. You will be able to choose from curry goat or chicken and expect to have some yummy potatoes in the mix.
Callaloo
Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable that’ll remind you of spinach, kale, or collard greens. It is a side dish that pairs well with just about anything. As a very popular side dish in Jamaica, you will find it on most menus, and you don’t want to skip it. Callaloo is usually cooked down with onions, tomatoes, spices, and seasonings to create a flavorful vegetable medley of sorts. Even though it’s served as a side dish, you’ll love the taste enough to enjoy it all by itself. I actually love Callaloo for breakfast. It works well in an omelet!
Oxtail
Yup, you heard right, Oxtail or the tail of an ox. You’ll receive a meal that has been seasoned, marinated, and then slow-cooked for hours and hours to perfection. Make sure to pair this dish with rice and peas for the best experience.
Ackee and Saltfish
Full disclosure and this probably makes me a horrible Jamaican, but I actually don’t like ackee BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it! You’ll find Ackee and Saltfish served in most restaurants, resorts, and hotels, so you have no excuse!
Start by soaking the salt fish overnight to remove most of the salt. Then add the fish to a flavorful mixture of boiled ackee, tomatoes, onions, spices, garlic, and plantains. It is a typical breakfast or brunch dish but can be an option for any meal.
Pepper Pot Soup
Remember that tasty Callaloo we talked about before? Well, that flavorful vegetable is one of the main ingredients in pepper pot soup. It’s a pretty flexible recipe, but you can expect to see coconut milk, okra, meat, and of course, spices in your bowl.
Beef Patties
Your taste buds will thank you when they get a hold of these beautiful golden flaky snacks. These delightful and season-filled patties come with ground beef wrapped in a buttery pastry crust that has turmeric powder mixed into its batter, which creates a very orange-yellow bright color on the outside. You can find these patties almost anywhere in Jamaica. Should you prefer chicken, pork, veggie, or fish filling, you can easily find those options at many local eateries.
Jerk Chicken
You may have found some jerk seasoning at your local grocery store, and now you feel like you can cross it off your list, right? WRONG! There is a certain magic in the authentic method of marinating chicken in homemade jerk seasoning with fresh spices such as ginger, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento! And from there, the chicken is slow-cooked on a grill, giving you the most flavorful and tender chicken you’ve ever tasted. Making it at home with store-bought seasoning just isn’t the same.
Can You Picture It?
You’re at an amazing resort in Jamaica. The weather is fantastic; the people are all smiles. Jamaican drums are playing in the background. You’re taking in the color, flavor, and vibrant energy while enjoying a freshly baked beef patty on the beach and washing it down with a Rum.