Common Jamaican Dishes

While you are in Jamaica, you may come across a few dishes that you are less than familiar with. Of course, it is important to try as many different types of food as possible, for this is an excellent way to jump right into a culture, but before you go you may want to look at this list – just in case you are less than sure about what to order.

· Ackee and Saltfish: this is actually a breakfast dish in Jamaica, and it tastes a lot like scrambled eggs.

· Bammy: this is a friend bread that is made from cassava flour, and some people liken the taste to Indian “nan” bread. Bammy is usually served with some sort of fish, and it is very popular throughout the Caribbean.

· Christmas Cake: this is sort of a Jamaican twist on American fruitcake. Christmas cake contains raisins, cinnamon, cherries, and even a few dried fruits.

· Curried Goat: this dish is, well, curried goat. Largely taken from the Indian tradition of curried meats, curried goat is widely popular and it is nearly every menu.

· Duckanoo: if you get the chance to try this dessert, you will certainly love it. Duckanoo is a combination of cornmeal, coconut, spices, brown sugar, and banana.

· Fish Tea: no, it doesn’t come in a small tea saucer. Fish tea is really more like a fish broth, and it is actually quite nice.

These are just some of the things that you will encounter on your Jamaican vacation. Remember not to be afraid of a dish simply because you aren’t sure what it is. Cooks within the Caribbean are well seasoned when it comes to their own cuisine, and the food is simply divine.