I can speak authoritatively on Jamaican Food since not only do I live here and by default eat its’ food, I also prepared a few of the dishes myself- thanks to my belated grandmother, an expert chef, mother and disciplinarian.
Jamaican food is truly a celebration of the diverse cultures we boast, along with a touch of novelty and innovation. The distinctiveness of our food and culture was contributed primarily by the Arawaks or Tainos- the earliest recorded inhabitants, The Europeans, The Africans-who came as slave laborers and The Indians and Chineese- who came as indentured servants.
It’s no surprise our Motto is : ‘Out of many one People’
Thanks to The Tainos who contributed the ‘Jerk’ flavor, ‘Jamaican Jerk’ is popular the world over. We owe the British (who captured the island from the Spanish) for the patty concept. Today, Jamaican Patty is a favorite globally. They now come in many varieties and caters to varying tastes. Juici Patties and Tastee are the two principal preparers of this delicious pastry.
The Indian influence is dominant in the curry dishes. Today, we not only have curry meats but [listen to this] curried vegetables and fruits! The Annual Westmoreland Curry Festival which started in 2001, celebrates this aspect of our culture. Incidentally, this area of Jamaica had the greatest concentration of Indians (Westmoreland)
I have only been to the festival this year, but I have learned a lot. I tried the Curried Crab. It was awesome! There was curried conch, curried fish, curried goat, curried octopus, curried rabbit, curried mango pudding, curried dasheen pudding, curried this and curried that 
Some of the other popular dishes we feature includes:
- ‘The National Dish’: Ackee and Saltfish
I have not yet met a fellow Jamaican who does not relish this dish. This is usually served with roasted breadfruit or boiled bananas. It is a Sunday morning breakfast favorite!
- Curried Goat:
…is not only popular but a favorite food from Jamaica as well. - Curried Chicken
- Manish Water:
Also known as ‘power water’ and ‘goat belly soup’. This is a must at large gatherings, including funerals and traditional dance parties. - Stewed Peas
- Mackerel Run Dung: Another breakfast favorite.
- Jerk Chicken, Jerk Fish, or Jerk Pork:
- Patties: Now famous the world over. I owed my US co-worker, Rukhsana over 100-she told me! Whenever I ask her for a favor she usually says, ‘that is another Jamaican patty’.
- Festivals: I love them unending! Festivals are usually served as part of Jerk dishes.
- Fritters:
- Fish & Bammy
- Gungo Peas Soup &
- Escoveitched Fish..and what about the Drinks/Juices?
There are:
- Soursop Juice
- Carrot Juice
- Sorrel: Most popular at Christmas time.
- Blended Roots Drinks: These have become increasingly popular. They are believed to help with masculinity [if you know what I mean]. I had one brand which had no less than 15 different roots ingredients!
- coconut Water: Cool and refreshing!
- Coffee: How could I forget coffee? Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee is world renown. Coffee now is used to make various coffee related products and others with ‘flavors of coffee.’
So regardless of the nature of your trip, you won’t get a complete Jamaican experience unless you experience our delectable foods, fruits and juices.
Wellesley Gayle is the proud owner and publisher of http://www.my-island-jamaica.com
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Ackee and Saltfish looks tasty
but the soup looks a bit weird.
but the soup taste so delish…don’t let the look fool you