Posted By
Planmytour Team
October 16 , 2023
Foodies on a holiday to this enchanting Caribbean island nation are forever asking what is the most popular food in Jamaica! While it’s true that Jamaica is renowned for its lush rainforests, towering mountains, reef-dotted panoramic beaches, and for being the birthplace of reggae, there's a lot more to Jamaica holidays than that - think mouthwatering Caribbean dishes! Jamaica and food go hand-in-hand, with the primary focus being on bold flavours and fresh produce combined with potent seasonings.
While there are countless foods in Jamaica to try, knowing the best food and drink in Jamaica can help first-timers maneuver their way through the food scene here. Additionally, learning what to eat and drink in Jamaica can go a long way in determining the quality of your trip, especially if you plan on sampling even the wackiest items on the Jamaican food list!
So, for a truly gastronomical adventure, the best thing to do is try Jamaican food in Jamaica, inspired by not just Caribbean flavours, but also by Asia, Africa, and even parts of Europe. You can discover street markets to have a crack at the most celebrated traditional food in Jamaica, or scout top fine dining spots for a more elaborate spread accompanied by customary Jamaican drinks.
The following is a quick overview in answer to that, listing the most popular and must-try Jamaican food dishes during your trip. It covers more than just the top 5 Jamaican dishes, and you will also find a guide to learn about the best Jamaican drinks and the trendiest places to eat in Jamaica on family getaways and solo adventures alike.
A brief but clear outline of the most sought-after and delicious foods in Jamaica will help you figure out how to plan your meals better during your Caribbean sojourn. Sample the very best food and drink in Jamaica, looking beyond just the top 10 Jamaican foods on your retreat. So, keep an eye out for the names of these following traditional Jamaican dishes in restaurant menus, ensuring you have an epic food adventure.
What is the most popular food in Jamaica when it comes to leafy greens? Callaloo it is! A super-popular green veggie packed with health benefits, this is one Jamaican dish even children don't say no to here. Vegetarians will especially enjoy it, served typically as a side dish sautéed with fresh garlic, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers. It can also be made into a soup, and many Jamaicans enjoy it freshly made for breakfast, starting their day with a delicious plateful.
Topping the best Jamaican food recipes easy-to-make lists for most locals, Gizzada, otherwise called “Pinch-me-round” is a super-tasty, popular pastry packed with a spicy and sweet coconut filling. With pinch-like marks around the edges (hence the name), the small round tart has a crunchy outer circle and a gooey centre filled with soft grated coconut, flavoured by nutmeg, sugar, ginger, vanilla, and more. Many locals believe the much-loved Jamaican dessert has Portuguese roots, brought here by Jews who fled the inquisition.
Indelible to Jamaican food history and deemed as the Jamaican national food, Ackee and Saltfish is a must-try on holidays to Jamaica. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this remarkable dish is made using the Ackee fruit, which was originally imported to Jamaica from Ghana. Paired with salted, stewed, and sautéed codfish, it’s among the most delicious traditional Jamaican dishes you’ll ever get your hands on. Expect a generous amount of herbs, vegetables, and spices in the dish.
What is the most famous food in Jamaica? Making the list of the top 5 Jamaican dishes pretty much all the time, it’s Jerk chicken, of course! Although jerk meals are super-popular worldwide, they originated here, making them integral to the renowned Jamaican cuisine. A pivotal part of Jamaican cultural food, jerk chicken found here is unmatched in quality and taste. Marinated in a delectable fiery seasoning and prepared over pimento wood, this mouthwatering chicken will come apart the moment you simply touch it!
Although uncommon to some, oxtail is considered traditional food in Jamaica, and is prepared in quite an elaborate process that can take a good couple of hours. First, it is seasoned with a wide array of spices and fresh herbs, after which it is fried well. Finally, the yummy Jamaican traditional food is slow cooked for a while (or put into a pressure cooker), and typically served with rice. Among the most famous Jamaican dishes, it is an incredibly hearty meal that folks across the country enjoy every day.
Arguably one of the most unique items listed in the top 10 Jamaican foods, fried breadfruit is also ranked among the tastiest items to try here. But if you thought the name fried breadfruit meant it’s one of the sugary Jamaican sweets, you'd be mistaken. In truth, it is more of a starchy offering (sort of like potatoes), fried and served all through the day. One of the most loved common foods in Jamaica, it is usually paired with piping hot dishes, regardless of the time of day you eat.
Curries are undoubtedly the most traditional Jamaican meal offering and topmost Caribbean foods, featuring a hearty and warm flavour with potent spice combinations. A quintessential goat curry is the best Jamaican food you'll find in most restaurants unfailingly. Usually cooked on the bone in a delicious sauce for a couple of hours, it ensures the meat falls apart in a moment once cooked. It is generally served alongside steaming hot rice and a side of fresh seared vegetables.
What is the most popular food in Jamaica for meat lovers? If you particularly love red meat, this is one traditional food in Jamaica you simply must try! Jamaican beef patties constitute high-quality ground beef seasoned with hot peppers and a myriad of spices filled in a flaky pastry dough. Typical of Jamaican cultural food, you will also find vegetarian variations of these, filled with fresh vegetables. Cheese and seafood variants are just as popular.
This is the best Jamaican food for those passionate about seafood to relish in Jamaica. Loved by the native Jamaica people as well, it features a deep-fried-until-golden-brown whole fish, most commonly a Red Snapper, which is then topped with an array of equally delicious accompaniments. These include pickled onions, carrots, garlic, pimentos, peppers, and chayote. It is generally paired with Bammy, a flavoursome flatbread made of cassava, another of the top Jamaican food dishes.
A fundamental part of the typical Jamaican diet, brown stew chicken is an uber-delicious comfort food much loved across the Caribbean. It consists of fresh chicken, which may or may not be fried before being stewed. Alongside the chicken, it includes vegetables slow-cooked with a range of flavour-packed spices until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency. Among the best traditional Jamaican dishes, it will be the tastiest thing you'll try on your Caribbean long haul holiday.
If you're the adventurous sort and want to try the more eclectic parts of Jamaican cuisine, Mannish Water is right up your alley. Cherished among Jamaican food recipes more for its purported properties of being an aphrodisiac rather than its taste, this celebrated broth-like soup features goat's head, tripe, and other offal. It also includes coarsely chopped vegetables, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers, among other unusual pairings. One of the most famous foods in Jamaica, it is generally served alongside roasted yam.
Another iconic Jamaican dish, Run Down is a delectable fish stew featuring cut-up Mackerel (or Cod) with onions, hot peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and various spices. A traditional Jamaican food, it is slow cooked in coconut milk and served with green bananas and delicious dumplings. The creamy, thick stew is absolutely lip-smacking, and the fish simply falls apart in your hands, indicating the perfection of the cook.
Relishing Jamaican food in Jamaica is exciting indeed. But what can take this experience to a whole new level? Why, delightful Jamaican drinks, of course! There is a wide selection of heady drinks and blends to enjoy in Jamaica.But first,
Trying as many Jamaican top food items as you can is great, but pairing them with refreshing Jamaican drinks can take the gastronomical experience to another level. There is a wide selection of heady drinks and blends to enjoy alongside the fantastic cuisine Jamaica has to offer, ensuring foodies return home with a bucket load of memories. Ensuing is a list of just the top few you can begin with.
Anyone over the age of 18 can legally enjoy alcoholic drinks in Jamaica. The policy is enforced by all reputable hotels, nightclubs, and similar places. Tourists are expected to follow through as well, ensuring a safe holiday. And now, here’s what to drink in Jamaica on your trip:
What is Jamaica's most popular drink? Right up there with the national food of Jamaica, it’s Red Stripe Beer! Yes, you would most certainly have come across this even in your home country, as it is widely sold in various locations worldwide. It’s that famous! But enjoying this delicious chilled Jamaica alcohol drink on a warm day by a scenic Caribbean beach is an experience unlike any other. Look out for options like Red Stripe Bold, Red Stripe Light, and blends with unique flavour combinations like sorrel or lemon.
What is the national drink of Jamaica? If you guessed Jamaican rum, you’d be right! Almost always poured neat, Jamaican rum compliments every modern and traditional Jamaican meal. It can also be enjoyed in a fruit punch or another mixer, with many restaurants and bars using overproof white rum with a much higher alcohol content for a more powerful kick. Besides pairing it with Jamaica popular food, you can take a rum plantation tour for a more in-depth experience during your Jamaican getaway.
Ting is a popular grapefruit flavoured tropical soft drink loved across the entire region. Use it as a base for cocktails, and you have the perfect blend to go with any kind of Jamaican cuisine! Citrus vodka is the most common choice, and many servers add a dash of lime and fresh mint to elevate the already delicious and popular Jamaican drink. It’s particularly refreshing to enjoy on warm evenings during beach holidays in Jamaica.
You cannot talk about Jamaica without a mention of the legendary Bob Marley! Unsurprisingly, among the most popular Jamaican drinks is a cocktail named after the iconic singer-songwriter from Jamaica. Enjoyed with several common Jamaican foods, it features the archetypical Rastafarian colours, red, green, and yellow, consisting of multiple frozen layers with flavours of mango and daiquiri. Remarkably delicious, it goes well with all foods in Jamaica.
Widely available mostly during festive seasons and complimentary to Jamaican traditional food, Sorrel tea is a renowned Jamaican drink made from hibiscus plant sepals. Intrinsic to the Jamaican diet, the slightly sweet tea is made with a mix of spices like allspice, star anise, ginger, and cinnamon. Boiled and cooled before serving, the beverage is also often mixed with rum instead of water. It pairs well with a lot of Jamaican dishes, particularly hot evening snacks, adding an element of refreshing coolness.
Learning where to eat and drink in Jamaica is key to finding the best foods in Jamaica. You can pick from a gamut of exciting open-air eateries, fine dining spots, and laidback street food joints serving the best of Jamaican cuisine. Depending on the places you end up dining at, you may also learn more in-depth about the intriguing Jamaican food history.
While the subsequent list contains the best places to eat in Jamaica, it is advisable to check if they are open during your Jamaica holiday before heading out for a meal.
The ideal setting for a romantic dinner on adults only holidays or a large family gathering, it features a cosy indoor dining room and vast open decks with plenty of seating. Anchored in the still waters of Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary, it offers the finest waterside dining ever, serving lip-smacking Jamaica popular food and drink.
A complete meal-wise, you can find everything on the menu that makes up the typical Jamaican diet, in addition to a large spread of internationally-inspired food. A must-try here include grilled beef tenderloin and mahi mahi fillet.
Picture an upscale oceanfront fine-dining setting, complete with comfortable cabanas and lounge chairs on a private beach. That's what you'll get at Bamboo Blu, serving the best Jamaican food alongside innovative gastronomic creations elevated with mind-boggling ingredients.
Top dishes to try here include baked Bungo crab, grilled lobster, and honey jerk ribs. You can plan a visit on specific evenings that feature reggae music and bonfires. It’s a great place to enjoy a quiet romantic dinner with your partner.
Located in Ocho Rios and positioned in a uniquely Jamaican-style house dating back to the 1860s, Evita's has been serving an eclectic mix of Jamaican cuisine and Northern Italian flavours since the early 1980s. It has also hosted several celebrities over the years, and out of here have come some of the most famous Jamaican dishes besides traditional Jamaican meals.
These include Lasagna Rastafari, which is a unique vegetable lasagna highlighting catalo and ackee, and the renowned Jerk Spaghetti, featuring spicy jerk sausage in combination with marinara sauce, garlic, and onions.
The elegant Appleton Estate is renowned for producing one of the best and most authentic ranges of Jamaican rums for over 250-plus years. Invariably, it is the oldest sugar estate and distillery on the island. Equally inspiring is its on-site Black River Lounge. Boasting snug indoor and outdoor seating, it is quite literally a jerk and bar pit-stop.
Pick a comfy spot and sample a wide array of the most distinguished Jamaican rum varieties ever. Top options include the Luxurious 21-Year-Old, Rare Blend 12-Year-Old, and the classic Signature Blend by the estate. These go excellently with any Jamaican dish.
An award-winning restaurant, Sugar Mill is found parked snugly in the 5-star Half Moon Resort. It serves the best of contemporary and traditional food in Jamaica, carefully fusing together a range of incredible flavours from across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its location in a 17th-century estate embellished with a functional water wheel adds to the restaurant's historic surroundings.
Visit for a one-of-a-kind experience dining under the stars, whether with family, a partner, or by yourself. Relish one-of-a-kind delights, such as crayfish brandade, smoked marlin carpaccio, and tea-smoked duck breast with tempura okra and other fancy accompaniments.
One of the best places to eat in Jamaica, this remarkable restaurant is stationed within a quaint and rustic bamboo hut. It is renowned for serving the most authentic Jamaican cuisine, and is a great place for a quick bite or an elaborate meal. The food tastes uniquely fantastic as everything here is made in a wood-fired grill.
The best Jamaican food to try here includes the crayfish curry, grilled parrotfish, and chicken fricassee, all made using fresh local ingredients. Expect equally delicious side dishes, from fried plantain and roasted breadfruit to flavoured rice and dumplings.
For the best open-air dining experience in Jamaica, head over to Dinner Terrace located in the popular Jamaican Inn, Ocho Rios. It provides a luxury gourmet experience in an al fresco setting, ensuring guests of all ages have an extensive list of top Jamaican food recipes and dishes to select from.
If you want a light lunch, enjoy pasta, sandwiches, or traditional Jamaican food such as grilled snapper or curry goat. Dinners can be more elaborate, beginning with a delicious pre-meal cocktail at the oceanfront bar followed by a range of local or international dishes marked with an island twist. Must-try famous Jamaican foods here include the Caribbean seafood ragout, goat cheese soup, and grilled lobster.
While tucking into top Jamaican dishes and drinks is great, it’s also important to learn about tipping and other local dining etiquettes. Most places in Jamaica already include a service charge of about 10% on your bill when eating out. However, there is no need to tip for foods in Jamaica you enjoy in all inclusive holiday resort
Either way, it’s vital to do some research on the latest tipping etiquettes before jetting off on your Jamaica holidays. With that done, you can have traditional Jamaica foods or opt for a more international fare, keeping all these details in mind.
So, pack your bags for an unforgettable food journey in Jamaica, returning home with a recipe or two in your arsenal for the kitchen!
