One of our biggest pet peeves when we go to hotels in Jamaica is seeing tourists lined up to get pancakes, or pizza, or hot dogs, while the Jamaican food section is deserted, with tumbleweed rolling by. It’s great for us because we don’t have to wait in line to eat, but how could you go to a country with some of the best food in the world and not give it a try? We won’t even focus on jerk in this post, because (hopefully!) everyone knows about that, but here are some other foods that you shouldn’t leave the island without tasting. And if you want to know how to make all of these meals yourself, make sure to check out The Seasoned Skillet.
First up is oxtail. Yes, this is the tail of an ox (or cattle more generally) and yes, it is delicious. In the days of slavery and afterward, Jamaicans learned to take the discarded and cheapest cuts of meat and turn them into delicacies. The world is catching on now however, as oxtail prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Although Jamaica’s not the only country that makes oxtail, we like to think it does it the best! When made right, which of course includes a scrumptious gravy, it is tender, flavourful and just falls off the bone.
You also have to try ackee and saltfish, which is Jamaica’s national dish, and the absolute best way to start a morning. Ackee is a fruit native to West Africa, brought over during the days of slavery. What makes this fruit especially intriguing is that it’s poisonous if picked and eaten too early – it’s even got its own condition: ackee vomiting sickness or Jamaican vomiting sickness. But don’t let all that scare you away! When it ripens, it detoxifies and the resultant fruit has such a unique buttery taste. Ackee is traditionally cooked with saltfish (salted cod) which was historically imported from Canada as a cheap way to feed enslaved people. But once again, Jamaicans “tun dem han mek fashion” (transformed what they had into something new and better).
Next on our must-try list is escoveitch fish, which is fried fish marinated with a vinegar-based sauce and topped with an assortment of pickled vegetables, onions, and peppers. Fun fact: the name has its origins in “ceviche” or “escabeche”. This is a dish just bursting with flavours, and is best enjoyed with some bammy on the side. If you want the authentic experience, be ready to eat the WHOLE fish, eyeballs included!
Last but most definitely not least is the one and only Jamaican beef patty. And no, this has NOTHING to do with hamburgers! Jamaican patties are ubiquitous on the island, and are a lunchtime staple. The best patties are incredibly flaky with the spicy ground beef inside being moist molten lava. They are super-cheap yet super-delectable. We like to buy our first ones as soon as we step outside of the Kingston airport. You haven’t lived until you’ve burnt your mouth on a spicy beef patty! Try Tastee, Juici, and Devon House for the island’s best. Once you’ve conquered beef (or if you don’t eat beef), there are also lots of other great fillings to try like vegetables, lobster and oxtail.
So if Jamaican cuisine is new to you, please give these foods a try when you’re there. And we can also say that our kids love all these foods as well. It might take some coaxing but encourage your kids to break out of their hot dog comfort zones!
Jamaica travels 
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