Scenic beauty, lovely beaches, or good music, what comes to your mind when you think of Jamaica? Regardless of the answer, Jamaica is much more than these things, especially if you have yet to try some classic dishes. Jamaican dishes are highly sought after by both locals and tourists.
So it is safe to say that if you have not tried any Jamaican dish yet, then you are missing out on some good mouthwatering food. But fortunately, you can easily change that for good. But which one to try? Here are some of the most sought-after Jamaican dishes you must try when enjoying your next stay at Montego Bay Jamaica Resorts.
1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
If your taste buds are craving something flavorsome and irresistibly delicious, then make sure you try out the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. This unique dish is made with an infusion of sweet, smoky, and spicy aromatics that comes together with the distinct cooking style called jerk cooking.
Tracing its origin in Jamaica, jerk cooking requires one to dry rub the meat or wet marinate it with jerk seasoning. This unique seasoning is made from spices and herbs before they are cooked over distinct fiery wood. Why is the wood distinct? Because these are taken from pimenta diocia, a pimento tree native to the Caribbean.
Natives pour much time and effort into cooking the ideal Jamaican Jerk Chicken. However, it is fair to say that even a bite of this fantastic dish is enough to conclude that all these efforts are worth it. Try Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe with peas, rice, or bread for the best taste.
2. Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
If you have a sweet tooth and want to savor some authentic Jamaican dessert, then make sure to try out the Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding. Of course, sweet potato pudding is a relatively common dish across multiple countries world. But the Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding differs from the conventional one you are familiar with.
The Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding has a base of thinly grated sweet potatoes. These potatoes are mixed with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, among many other spices. Native Jamaicans then add a tinge of raisins, ground coconut, and a little rum before baking the pudding till it is done.
You can even make it at your home and get the same taste and feel in Jamaica. But make sure your Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding is softer on the top and firmer beneath.
3. Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish
The following remarkable Jamaican dish you need to know about is the Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish. The Ackee is a pear-shaped, reddish, and exotic fruit with three lobes first brought to the island on a slave ship from West Africa. This is one of Jamaica’s most popular dishes among locals and tourists.
This unique fruit ripens and splits open, revealing three to four shiny, large black seeds surrounded by soft, yellow, and spongy flesh called arils. Remember that you can only eat the arils part of Ackee and only after the fruit has ripened thoroughly. Unripened Ackee can also be poisonous, so it is better to avoid them altogether.
The Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish are seasoned with special spices and herbs native to the island. The end result is this unique, authentic, and satisfying dish that shall leave you wanting more. You can try the Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish with some Jamaican fry dumplings, boiled yam or rotis, or even bananas for brunch or breakfast.
4. Jamaican Curry Goat
One less-known fact about Jamaica is that it shares a significant proportion of its culinary roots with India. This should not be a surprise considering numerous people from India came to Jamaica following the end of an era. They brought their curries and spices to the wonderful island.
Jamaicans were quick to embrace these new flavors from the other side of the world. Consequentially, the Jamaican Curry Goat dish became the ideal mix of Indian flavor paired with a Jamaican touch. The dish is cautiously cooked with delicious slow-cooked meat and later dipped into the mouthwatering spicy curry sauce.
Over the years, the Jamaican Curry Goat has become widely popular among tourists and the local population alike. You can try the dish with some rice and red kidney beans for the best taste.
5. Jamaican Fish Tea
The Jamaican Fish Tea is the final must-try dish from Jamaica – a spicy soup that locals serve as an appetizer. Jamaican Fish Tea is ubiquitous for people in restaurants and special occasions such as family gatherings, birthday parties, and more. Besides, many locals also prefer having some Jamaican Fish Tea when ill since the tea helps warm the body.
However, many tourists ask the reason behind calling this tea and not soup. The idea here is that Jamaican Fish Tea has a thinner soup broth and fewer ingredients than other conventional soups. The Jamaican Fish Tea is a blend of carrots, yellow yams, pumpkins, thyme, okra, onion, cho-cho, pimento seasoning, and fish. So make sure you try this unique soup on your next visit to the island.
Conclusion: Bottom Line!
Jamaica is undoubtedly one of the best places for experiencing new and unique things. But classic Jamaican dishes really set the bar up high when it comes to comparing authentic dishes. So if you plan to blow off some steam while enjoying the mesmerizing sunset near the beach, try these classic Jamaican dishes.
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