Dining in Jamaica

If you are a hesitant eater, have no fear: you will find traditional American breakfasts and other meals served at every resort on the island. You'll also find many international restaurants at the larger resorts serving everything from Japanese to Italian.

However, when you're ready to give your taste buds a holiday as well, look to the Jamaican dishes for a pick-me-up. Many resort buffets will include a selection of Jamaican dishes--be sure to give them a try! Here's a look at traditional Jamaican foods found in local restaurants and homes.

Breakfast
Ackee and Saltfish
Fried dumpling or fried bammy
Boiled banana or boiled yam
Tea (most hot drinks are referred to as "tea"): cerassee tea, cocoa, Milo, Blue Mountain coffee

Lunch
Patty or Coco bread or Bun and cheese
Lemonade, coconut water, sky juice, Ting

Dinner
Rice and peas
Curry goat or curry chicken; jerk pork, fish or chicken
Fried plantains or boiled banana
Juice (pawpaw, carrot, etc.)

Friday Dinner
Traditionally throughout Jamaica, no one cooks on Friday night or, in patois, "mi nuh cook pon Friday." Throughout the communities, you'll see stands selling jerk chicken, jerk pork, fish, and other favorites. A street party atmosphere prevails in the larger towns on Friday night when residents relax during what's called "Friday Night Jam."