Jamaican Food is well-seasoned and full of flavor. For foodies, Jamaica is the destination for a tantalizing taste of the Caribbean. There are many irresistible and festival recipes besides Jerk Chicken. We’ve collected 21 traditional Jamaican recipes that are incredibly delicious.

These dishes show the full range of Jamaican cuisine and there’s something for everybody on the list.

From meaty and meatless dishes to rich, hearty stews and even traditional Jamaican pastries, this is a roundup of the best Jamaican recipes.

What are Traditional Jamaican Foods?

Jamaican cuisine is colorful, sometimes spicy, and always full of flavor. Traditional Jamaican foods include the national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, which is popularly eaten at breakfast. For lunch, many Jamaicans will have traditional favorites like curry goat or a beef patty.

What Do Jamaicans Eat for Dinner?

Sunday dinner in Jamaica is a grand affair in many households. Here, you will find rice and peas, jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, oxtail, curry chicken along with a healthy serving of vegetables. To drink, have a refreshing glass of sorrel or ginger beer.

Popular Jamaican Dishes

1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken is famous for its spicy, smoky taste. Recreate this dish at home using a blend of traditional herbs and spices. If you can handle it, turn it up a notch with some authentic scotch bonnet pepper sauce.

2. Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica’s national dish makes a tasty breakfast or brunch. Made with the buttery, savory ackee fruit, this dish is expertly seasoned with fresh onions, peppers, garlic and thyme. Sautee with salted codfish and serve with fresh, crispy fried dumplings.

3. Steamed Cabbage and Saltfish

This tasty meal comes together quickly using inexpensive ingredients. Cabbages are shredded and steamed with fresh garlic, onion and bell peppers. If you can handle the heat, add a bit of scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Saltfish is the finishing touch on this pescatarian-friendly dish.

4. Authentic Flaky Jamaican Beef Patties

When in Jamaica, a visit to a patty shop is a must. Jamaican beef patties are made with a crispy, golden flaky pastry filled with seasoned meat. If you can’t take a trip, how about making your own addictive Jamaican Beef Patty at home?

5. Jamaican Curry Chicken

Many cultures have their own method of making curry. Jamaican curry chicken is well-seasoned with traditional herbs and spices and Jamaican curry powder. Add in carrots and potatoes for a hearty, wholesome weeknight dinner.

6. Jamaican Rice and Peas

Authentic Jamaican rice and peas is made with red kidney beans, creamy coconut milk and spices. This popular side dish is often served with Sunday dinner in many Jamaican households.

7. Jamaican Oxtail

You’ll need your pressure cooker for tender, fall-off-the-bone Jamaican oxtail. This popular stew was originally brought to Jamaica by the British. Of course, Jamaicans made it their own by adding spices and seasonings. Some say the Jamaican method is the best way to prepare oxtail.

8. Jerk Seasoning

Jerk seasoning is a special blend of herbs and spices that can be used to give spicy Jamaican flavor to your favorite meats. Instead of getting it from the store, save money by making your own Jamaican jerk seasoning blend.

9. Jamaican Cabbage

Here’s a traditional Jamaican meal that vegans are sure to love. Jamaican steamed cabbage is seasoned with onion, garlic and thyme. If you’re feeling bold, add some scotch bonnet pepper.

10. Jamaican Fried Dumplings

Also known as Johnny Cakes, Jamaican fried dumplings are crispy on the outside, but warm and fluffy on the inside. These savory dumplings are the ultimate comfort food to be enjoyed with your favorite Jamaican meals.

11. Rum Cake

For dessert, serve up a slice of this famous Jamaican pastry. Made with rum and infused with a buttery syrup, it’s a sweet taste of the Caribbean.

12. Jamaican Curry Goat

This dish is a popular menu item in any Jamaican restaurant. Succulent pieces of goat meat are slow-cooked to perfection in a spicy curry sauce. Serve with your favorite side for a hearty Jamaican dinner.

13. Roti

Also popular in Trinidad, roti was brought to Jamaica by Indian migrants. This soft flatbread is thinner than naan, but is also served with rich, saucy curry dishes.

14. Jamaican Chicken Soup

Nothing says comfort like chicken soup made by your Jamaican grandma. For the next best thing, cook up a simmering pot of spicy, flavorful Jamaican chicken soup.

15. Brown Stew Chicken

Jamaican brown stew chicken is easy to prepare with tons of payoff. Bite-size pieces of chicken are seasoned with garlic, ginger, peppers and scallions and simmered in a thick, flavorful stew.

16. Coco Bread

For the full Jamaican experience, you’ll need some Coco Bread with your beef patties. Coco bread is a soft, fluffy and slightly sweet bread made with a hint of coconut milk. This hearty bread can be filled with just about anything for a sandwich that’s unlike any other.

17. Jerk Shrimp

Seafood lovers are sure to love this spicy, sweet Jerk Shrimp recipe. Plump, juicy shrimp are seasoned with an authentic jerk seasoning blend, then seared to perfection. How about a zesty summer salad featuring Jamaican jerk shrimp?

Best Jamaican Drinks

18. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Jamaica is known all over the world for Blue Mountain Coffee. Due to the perfect climate of the Blue Mountain region, this coffee is some of the best in the world. Make sure you’re getting authentic Blue Mountain coffee.

19. Ginger Beer

Jamaican ginger beer is sweet and refreshing with the fiery kick of ginger. Use fresh ginger for a delicious non-alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

20. Hot Chocolate Tea

It doesn’t get more authentic than this! Jamaican hot chocolate is made using real cacao for a rich, smooth taste. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg for a cup of hot cocoa that’s far from average.

21. Jamaican Sorrel

This drink is traditionally enjoyed by Jamaicans during Christmas, but can be enjoyed all year long. This unique beverage is similar to cranberry juice in color with a unique, sour, berry-like taste. Add sweetener and ginger for a refreshing Jamaican drink.

What Kind of Meat Do Jamaicans Eat?

Most Jamaicans enjoy meat and consume it regularly. Jamaicans eat most kinds of meat, with chicken, pork and beef being popular everyday meals. Goat, mutton and oxtail are served in most Jamaican restaurants or cooked in Jamaican homes. Seafood such as fish, lobster, and shrimp are cooked in a variety of ways.

Many Jamaicans do not eat meat. For this reason, Jamaican cuisine has some of the most delicious vegan and vegetarian meals.