Jamaican Food: 3 Perfect Foods You Must Try While on Holiday in Jamaica

Jamaican food is a diverse melting pot of influences from across the region and beyond. It’s known for its use of spices, which gives it an exotic flavor that is both familiar and new.

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica and want to try some authentic Jamaican cuisine, here are three of the best dishes you should try:

Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken is like no other kind of chicken you’ll ever taste. It’s got a unique flavor that’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely not for everyone. It has a strong heat from the seasoning, which makes it perfect for those who like spicy food.

Many Jamaicans would argue that jerk chicken is their national dish and that it should be eaten every day. If you want to try something truly unique, then this is the dish for you!

Ackee and Saltfish

One of the most quintessential Jamaican foods is ackee and saltfish. This dish is made from the fruit of the ackee tree, which is native to Jamaica. Ackee looks like a large red bean, but when you remove its thin skin, you’re left with a yellowish-orange pulp that tastes like scrambled eggs. 

Saltfish is dried salted codfish that’s been soaked in water for several days to remove excess saltiness. Together, these two ingredients make up a protein-rich breakfast dish that’s traditionally eaten at breakfast time in Jamaica—and it’s one of our top recommendations for visitors to try while they’re on holiday there!

Rice and Peas

Rice and peas is made up of rice, which is cooked with red kidney peas and spices like pepper, thyme, and parsley. The dish is usually served with some sort of meat or seafood, such as salted fish or shrimp.

The combination of these ingredients in one dish creates an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. If you’re going to Jamaica on vacation and have never tried this dish before, stop by a local restaurant and see if they have it on their menu! You won’t regret it!

Also Read: Top 10 Most Romantic Things to Do on Vacation in Jamaica

Takeaway 

We hope you have a great time while you’re in Jamaica, and that our advice helped you find the best Jamaican food to try. If you’re lucky enough to get to Jamaica during the right season, don’t be afraid to try something new!

If you don’t have time for a vacation right now, we still recommend giving these foods a try. They taste great and are super healthy too!