Foods to try for Carnival in Jamaica 2023
Part of any carnival is immersion in the culture of the place you are visiting. Seeing new places and trying new things. Jamaican culture has spread far and wide but is still a little different here locally that you may find back where you live.
The same goes for the food. We can probably all get basic Jamaican food almost anywhere in the world at this point, but Jamaican food in JAMAICA is still a little different, more authentic and varied than you may have thought.
Here are a few of my favourite local dishes, some relatively new, that you can try on your trip to Carnival in Jamaica.
Jerk chicken/Pork/ Rib bits
Kingston Jerk in New Kingston is an easy way to get one of Jamaicas Iconic dishes. Try the rib bits as well!
Gourmet patties from Devon house (Lobster, goat, ackee)
The old time patties are still around, but consider this an upgrade. DELICIOUS gourmet Lobster, fish, curry goat and shrimp patties are found at the bakery in Devon house!
Fish and Festival from Helshire beach
Another Iconic meal is fish and festival/fried bammy from Helshire beach. My go to place is Aunt May or her sister next door. The location looks VERY “rustic” but the food is awesome. Enjoy it while you can as rising sea levels and erosion may soon destroy this long standing landmark.
Escoeitch or steamed fish with bammy
Stew peas with white rice.
Another Iconic Jamaican dish. You can get this and other Jamaican dishes at Chai’s Jamaican Cuisine
Guiness Cheesecake
OK, this may not be a Jamaican dish, but I am claiming it for Jamaica! Get this at pastry passions in Soverign center
Stout Ice cream at devon house
Devon house ice cream has a variety of flavors, one of which is Devon Stout!
Oxtail Pasta
“What the builder refuse will be the head cornerstone” Our precious oxtail soon turn worldwide delicacy. Try some oxtail pasta at Cafe blu or many other restaurants
Ackee Backee
I’ve never had this one myself, but my foodie friends say its devine. Ackee topping on a flattened plantain base. Find this and many other fantastic dishes at Julie mango restaurant.
There are many other great dishes you can find yourself as well.
Other dinner restaurants to try:
