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Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is covered with a paste of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento berries (also known as allspice), and other herbs, and cooked slowly over a coal fire. Many aficionados believe the best jerk comes from Boston Beach, nea
Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is covered with a paste of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento berries (also known as allspice), and other herbs, and cooked slowly over a coal fire. Many af
Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is
Probably the most famous Jamaican dish is jerk pork—the ultimate island barbecue. The pork (purists cook a whole pig) is covered with a paste of Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento berries (also known as allspice), and other herbs, and cooked slowly over a coal fire. Many aficionados believe the best jerk comes from Boston Beach, near Port Antonio. Jerk chicken and fish are also seen on many menus. The ever-so-traditional rice and peas is similar to the moros y cristianos of Spanish-speaking islands: white rice cooked with red kidney beans, coconut milk, scallions, and seasonings.
The island's most famous soup—the fiery pepperpot—is a spicy mixture of salt pork, salt beef, okra, and the island green known as callaloo. Patties (spicy meat pies) elevate street food to new heights. Although patties actually originated in Haiti, Jamaicans excel at making them. Curried goat is another island standout: the young goat cooked with spices is tenderer and has a gentler flavor than the lamb for which immigrants from India substituted it. Salted fish was once the best that islanders could do between catches. Out of necessity, a breakfast staple (and the national dish of Jamaica) was invented. It joins seasonings with saltfish and ackee, a red fruit that grows on trees throughout the island. When cooked in this dish, ackee reminds most people of scrambled eggs.
There are fine restaurants in all the resort areas, many in Kingston and in the resorts themselves. Many restaurants outside the hotels in Mo'Bay and Ocho Rios will provide complimentary transportation.
What to Wear: Dinner dress is usually casual chic (or just plain casual at many local hangouts, especially in Negril). There are a few exceptions in Kingston and at the top resorts; some require semiformal wear (no shorts; collared shirts for men) in the evening during high season. People tend to dress up for dinner; men might be more comfortable in nice slacks, women in a sundress.
Opened in 2020, this small dessert shop in the center of the Boardwalk Shopping Village is decorated with bright artistic signs and doles out Mexican paletas, popsicle-like desserts made the traditional (nondairy) way, with real fruit. Ice cream and alcohol-infused pops are also sold. You'd be hard-pressed to eat just one of these frozen delights.
Portland may be the birthplace of jerk cooking, but Scotchies is one of Jamaica’s premier jerk eateries. It serves genuine jerk—chicken, pork, fish, sausage, and more—with fiery sauce and delectable side dishes including festival (bread similar to a hush puppy) and rice and peas. This restaurant is a favorite with Montego Bay residents and tourists; you're likely to see a slap-the-table game of dominoes.
North Coast Hwy., Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
876-953–8041
Known For
Jerk chicken
Lively domino games
Local side dishes like festival, bammy (a flatbread made from cassava), and rice and peas
This quaint bistro in Mandeville, run by chef Lilee, feels a million miles away from the bustle of the city. Locals favor this spot for breakfast and lunch, where classic burgers, wraps, and delicious pastries highlight the menu. Pasta, steak, and shrimp dishes are served for dinner.
This very casual restaurant housed beneath a big roof (and not much more) is best known for its jerk—it hosts the Negril Jerk Festival every November—but also serves other traditional Jamaican dishes and seafood, like grilled lobsters (in season). Lunch is available, but dinner, thanks to the spectacular sunsets, is always the peak time. You can dine in the restaurant or near the cliffside, which provides an optimal view.
Actually a collection of about half a dozen open-air stands, this is a culinary landmark thanks to its popular jerk pits. Stroll up to the open pits, fired by pimento logs and topped with a piece of corrugated roofing metal, locally known as zinc, and order meat by the quarter-, half-, or full pound. You'll find all the traditional Jamaican meats sold here, along with side dishes, soups, and local beers.
Hwy. A4, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica
Known For
Local beers
Stands selling jerk meats
Delicious local side dishes like festival and rice and peas
With nearly 20 locations across the island, the Ocho Rios branch of this eat-in or take-out restaurant about a block from the main tourist area serves a Jamaican version of fast food. Jerk chicken, sandwiches, soups, and Jamaican dinner combo meals (called yabbas, an African-Jamaican term for bowl) are among the specialties. Many meals are served with festivals (sweet, fried dumpling) and are spiced for the local palate.
This low-key eatery with the motto "come and relax" serves made-to-order vegetarian and seafood dishes as well as fresh fruit and vegetable juices, but it's the surroundings—an enchanting garden on Negril's West End—that make it stand out. Mismatched tables and chairs, some of them made from recycled materials, are scattered in the garden, surrounded by orange trees, pretty flowers, and lush vegetation, so that each dining area is private. A small soup and dessert are included with dinner.
This canopied, open-air eatery is a great place for island fare like fiery jerk meals, wings, and burgers, or seafood such as fish and shrimp, which are perfectly complemented by frosty Red Stripe beers and signature cocktails. Milder barbecued meats are sold by weight (a quarter- or half-pound makes a good serving). It's busy at lunch, especially when passengers from cruise ships swamp the place.
Rastafarians are masters at vegan food, so don't expect any chicken or pork dishes on the menu of this colorful beachside eatery that's all about organic Jamaican food. Ackee, callaloo, steamed vegetables, and salads are on offer, and most meals are served with traditional Jamaican root staples like yam, potatoes, and boiled dumplings. Fruit desserts and a variety of porridges (usually eaten for breakfast) complete the menu.
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica
Located next to Emancipation Park, this jerk joint specializes in spicy jerk meats. It's the perfect spot to relax and dine after a busy day or to take food to go.
A favorite with locals traveling the North Coast Highway, Ultimate Jerk Centre is an open-air eatery, across from the Green Grotto Caves. Jerk meals are on the menu as well as fish, and the traditional Jamaican side dishes. A separate bar, housed in a colorful rondavel (a round hut with a thatch roof), serves drinks and sodas.
North Coast Highway, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica
876-973–2054
Known For
Jerk rabbit meat
Popular Jamaican soups like mannish water (goat soup) and red peas soup
Positive vibes and burgers are featured at this roadside eatery. Charles "Woody" Cousins and wife Cherry serve up simple fare from a whitewashed shack whose walls bear Cherry's handwritten affirmations. Besides quintessential American fare like fries and hot dogs, you can order smoked meats as well as a traditional Jamaican dinner made to order. There's also a full range of blended drinks to choose from.
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