Jamaica is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of flavorful, vibrant dishes that reflect the island’s rich cultural history. From the famous jerk chicken to lesser-known delicacies, Jamaican cuisine is a fusion of African, Spanish, British, and indigenous influences, creating a unique culinary experience.
If you’re visiting Ocho Rios, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Jamaican culture than to join the Taste of Jamaica Farm, Herbal Garden, and Food Tour. Not only will you enjoy the natural beauty of our farm and herbal garden, but you’ll also savor the authentic flavors of Jamaica through a hands-on cooking class. Learn to cook these iconic dishes from scratch while enjoying the freshness of farm-to-table ingredients. Let’s dive into the top 10 Jamaican dishes every foodie must try!
1. Jerk Chicken
No trip to Jamaica is complete without tasting jerk chicken. This spicy and smoky dish is marinated in a blend of fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento, thyme, and other herbs and spices, then slow-cooked over a wood fire. The result is a flavorful, juicy chicken with a signature spicy kick.
At Taste of Jamaica, you can learn the secret to preparing this world-famous dish in our cooking class, using traditional methods and ingredients straight from our garden.
2. Ackee and Saltfish
Ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit, is cooked with salted codfish, onions, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers to create this savory breakfast staple. The creamy ackee, with its subtle flavor, pairs perfectly with the salty fish, making this dish a must-try.
Join our food tour to learn the art of balancing the flavors in this dish, and discover the history behind this uniquely Jamaican combination.
3. Curry Goat
Curry goat is a tender, flavorful dish that’s heavily influenced by Indian cuisine. Goat meat is slow-cooked with Jamaican curry powder, allspice, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, resulting in a rich, savory stew. Typically served with rice and peas or boiled green bananas, it’s a favorite at Jamaican gatherings.
Learn the proper techniques to make this delicious dish during your cooking experience at Taste of Jamaica.
4. Escovitch Fish
This vibrant dish features fried fish topped with a spicy vinegar-based dressing made from onions, bell peppers, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The combination of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors makes it a standout dish on any seafood lover’s list.
During our food tour, you’ll get the opportunity to prepare your own escovitch fish, using the freshest catch from local waters.
5. Rice and Peas
A staple on every Jamaican table, rice and peas is the perfect side dish for jerk chicken, curry goat, or just about any main course. The dish consists of rice cooked with kidney beans (or gungo peas), coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers for a mildly spicy and aromatic flavor.
In our cooking class, you’ll learn how to get that perfect creamy texture and flavor balance that makes Jamaican rice and peas so special.
6. Jamaican Patties
Jamaican patties are savory turnovers filled with spiced meat, seafood, or vegetables, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. Beef patties are the most common, but chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian options like curried callaloo are also popular.
7. Callaloo
Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable often compared to spinach, and it’s a key ingredient in many Jamaican dishes. Cooked with onions, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, callaloo is typically served as a side dish or as part of a breakfast spread with ackee and saltfish.
You can explore the different ways to prepare and serve this nutritious green during our hands-on cooking class.
8. Oxtail Stew
Oxtail stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish made from oxtail simmered with broad beans, carrots, and a medley of spices. The long cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful, while the rich gravy is perfect for mopping up with rice and peas.
Experience the satisfaction of mastering this flavorful Jamaican favorite during your cooking class at Taste of Jamaica.
9. Festival
Festival is a slightly sweet fried dough that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s the perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken, escovitch fish, or saltfish fritters. These golden-brown treats are a favorite street food, adding a delightful crunch to any meal.
At Taste of Jamaica, you’ll learn to make festival from scratch and fry them to golden perfection.
10. Pepper Pot Soup
Pepper pot soup is a traditional Jamaican soup made with callaloo, coconut milk, and a variety of meats or salted pork. This hearty, flavorful soup is spiced with Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a distinctive heat that warms the soul.
Join our food tour and cooking class to learn how to prepare this iconic Jamaican soup, while using fresh herbs from our garden.
Why Choose the Taste of Jamaica Experience?
At Taste of Jamaica, we offer more than just a food tour. We provide a true farm-to-table experience where you can see, smell, and taste the ingredients fresh from our herbal garden and farm. Our cooking class allows you to connect with the authentic flavors of Jamaica while learning the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a casual cook, our experienced guides will make sure you leave with new culinary skills and a deeper appreciation for Jamaican cuisine.
Visiting Ocho Rios? Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Jamaica’s culinary delights with Taste of Jamaica Farm, Herbal Garden, and Food Tour. From sampling freshly prepared dishes to crafting your own creations in our cooking class, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant food culture.
