Exotic Jamaican Food That You Should Try

Image source: @bobmarleyarchive

If you have never been to Jamaica; you might wanna go now. The food there is simply amazing. You will be licking your fingers after every bite. The exotic Jamaican food will have you visiting for more and the food stops are not difficult to find.

Jamaica is located in the Caribbean; south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. It is also home to famous people such as Usain Bolt, Bob Marley and Reggae Music. The food and culture are truly amazing. I have compiled some exotic dishes straight from out of Jamaica.

Top 10 Exotic Jamaican Food

Image Source: @dacys_kitchen

1. Ackee and saltfish – Ackee is the National Fruit of Jamaica. It is cooked with saltfish and served with fried or boiled dumplings and green banana. It is a popular breakfast food in Jamaica. Ackee can be poisonous if not prepared properly – the fruit must open naturally before it is fit for picking and eating. Only the yellow part of the fruit is edible; it must also be cooked before eaten.

2. Jamaican Patty – a variety of patties are made available; filled with meat and a crispy crust. This treat is delicious whether you choose a beef patty, mixture with cheese, chicken, shrimp, veggie or lobster; the seasonings are distinctly Jamaican. Patty can be eaten alone or with a Coco Bread. Perhaps you want to stop by one of these fast food chains Juici Patties and/or Tastee to get a taste of this staple product.

3. Roast Yellow Yam – this can be seen while driving along the roadside in Jamaica. It is often sold by vendors in stalls around Manchester or the North Coast area. Roast Yellow Yam are served with Roast Saltfish (codfish).

4. Jerk Chicken/Jerk Pork – when visiting you don’t want to pass up on a good Jerk; whether it is Jerk chicken or pork. The wonderful blend of herbs, spice, pimento and other flavored seasonings which makes this meal an exotic delicacy for Jamaican. This can be served with bread, Jamaican Festival or simply eat alone with a touch of Jerk sauce.

5. Oxtail – the oxtail is another staple food for Jamaicans. The meat is often tenderized to a soft juicy taste. If the meat ain’t falling off the bone then it’s not succulent enough. Try some oxtail!

Image credit @blackangelisme

6. Curry Goat – this a famous food in Jamaica; it is full of flavor and tender to the bone. It is served well with Rice and Peas or Roti. Curry Goat is used for most events in Jamaica.

7. Escovitch Fish – “escovitch” a term used to describe the method of marinating. The fish is left to marinate in a spicy sauce, after it is prep, seasoned, lightly fried and drained. This marinating sauce is made of onions, choco, carrots, scotch bonnet pepper and pimento seed left to soaked in vinegar. The escovitch fish can be served with bami. This is usually found at stalls along the beachside.

Image credit @proudjamaicans

8. Peppered Shrimp – whether you are walking around the town or driving around Jamaica you will find street vendors selling this spicy peppered shrimp; sold in a snack-sized clear plastic bag. This makes a great appetizer or high protein snack; it is prepared with the head and shell to preserve the rich flavor.

9. Run down – this is a one-pot dish of salt mackerel and provisions cooked in coconut milk. Simply delicious!

10. Ital stew – Vegans, Vegetarians and of course Rastafarians this dish is especially for you. A delicious combination of peas, vegetables, provisions cooked in coconut milk, herbs and spices for flavor.

Some other delicious delicacies are:

Gizzada, Grater Cake and Coconut Drops. These are all made from coconut, sugar and other spices and essence.

Beverages to try are:

Sorrel, Coconut Water, Red Stripe Beer, Ting and Blue Mountain Coffee.

Your trip to Jamaica is not complete until you try at least one or more of these meals. To miss these meals on your trip would be a waste of visit to Jamaica. These exotic Jamaican Food are made with love, herbs and spices. The island is filled with flavors from tropical fruits, vegetables, stews and one-of-a-kind coffee beans. Make sure to try them out on your next trip and if you are currently there share your best Jamaican meal in the comment. Also, check out Destination2 while planning your next vacation.

Have you ever been to Jamaica? Which exotic Jamaican food have you tried?