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Did you ever think it was possible to combine a tropical fruit with a briny fish? While some of you might be surprised, others may have heard of this union that has picked up pace over the last few decades in the culinary world. But Jamaica has been doing it for centuries! Yes, the ackee fruit made its way from the continent of Africa to the island country of Jamaica many centuries ago. The locals discovered that as the fruit ripens, it turns from green to bright red and finally to yellowish orange, splitting open to showcase three black seeds, each surrounded by soft, whitish yellow flesh. In this form, the fruit is not poisonous but actually quite delicious. But not by itself. On its own ackee is bland, but with saltfish, it’s absolutely scrumptious. And hence, the cod fish was caught, dried and salted and paired with ackee to form the nation’s national dish! This exotic dish is usually consumed in the morning for breakfast, however there’s no reason why tourists shouldn’t enjoy it any time of the day. Whether it’s at sunrise or sunset, savour this authentic staple and you’ll surely be wanting for more!
To make Jamaica’s mouth-watering national dish, the following ingredients are needed.
Although ackee is a tropical fruit native to Africa, it was brought to the Caribbean Islands somewhere between the 17th and 18th century. Today, it can be found all across Jamaica, hanging in pod clusters from the tree. Something to note is that the fruit can be poisonous if it’s consumed before ripening. Another ingredient unique to Africa and the Caribbean Islands is the Scotch bonnet pepper named for its similarity to a tam o' shanter hat (the traditional Scottish bonnet worn by men). It is also referred to as Caribbean red pepper. The salt fish is dried and salted cod usually procured from the North Atlantic.
When in Jamaica, you must try the delectable ackee and saltfish dish, not only because it’s the national dish but also because it’s so unique! A popular breakfast food, often paired with banana and fried dumplings, you’ll find this delightful combination all across the nation. When ackee is cooked it resembles a scrambled egg, so don’t be surprised if your neighbour’s plate of eggs turns out to actually be this beloved dish! To make it just a little simpler for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places you can go to sample this delicacy. Travel to the enigmatic capital of Kingston and head to any of these eateries - Ziggy’s Manor Centre, Pot Pon Fyah, Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking & Natural Juices, Hot Pot, Tastee.
Whether you’re a critic or an appreciator, do try this one out. SOTC is waiting to make all your foodie dreams come true!
Have you felt your mouth water and your stomach growl at the mere sight of a dish? Well, one look at Jamaica’s decadent Brown Stew Chicken and you’re sure to start salivating there and then. The dark, glazed colour of this royal preparation comes from the brown sugar and ketchup that the chicken is marinated and cooked with. A rich gravy is prepared to which onions, garlic, and pepper are thrown in, thereby creating a simmering masterpiece! A popular dinner meal throughout the English-speaking communities of the Caribbean islands, you’ve got to try this one out for a peek into authentic Jamaican cuisine. The dish is served with peas, rice, fried ripe plantains and sliced tomatoes – adding that extra bit of flavour, texture and aroma. What’s more, a garnish of finely chopped green onions adds to the aesthetics and crunch of the dish. So, are you ready for this delicate yet juicy meal, coated with aromatic spices and wholesome vegetables in a delicious brown stew seasoned with a Caribbean household staple?
To make the most authentic version of Jamaica’s Brown Stew Chicken, you will need the following ingredients.
In terms of the ingredients unique to the region, allspice is commonly known as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta or pimento. It is the dried unripe berry of Pimenta dioica! It brings a wonderful taste to all the food it seasons as it combines flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper!
Best places to try the dish
While vacationing in Jamaica, make sure you carve out some time for food hopping and culinary explorations. Because, it’s only when you try the food of a place that you fully understand its culture. One of Jamaica’s most iconic dishes is the Brown Stew Chicken - a rich, bold and flavourful curry that dazzles the senses. The very colour is a sight to behold, maroon and glossy. Think of it like those gravies that you just want to soak bread into! Since this item sits high on our list of foods to try, we’ve outlined some of the places that you can go to experience gastronomical joy. Head to Miss T’s Kitchen in Ocho Rios, Sips & Bites in Negril or Pepper’s Jerk Centre in Falmouth!
Are you excited already? Worry not, SOTC’s amazing packages will take you right to where all the foodie action is!
Have you ever enjoyed a meal of corned beef before? For those of you who haven’t heard of it or eaten it, let us introduce you to the concept. Corned beef is prepared from brisket which is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef. The meat goes through a long curing process where large grains of rock salt, corns of salt and a brine is utilised. The beef is then slowly cooked, thereby transforming a tough cut of beef into one that is actually super tender and flavourful. In Jamaica, corned beef is eaten as a meal with cabbage, in a sandwich, a patty or as a hash with other breakfast items like egg. For the sake of this guide, we’ll be focusing on corned beef and cabbage. This is a staple in most Jamaican households and is sometimes even referred to as Bully Beef. So, while you’re holidaying in Jamaica, do try and taste this delicacy. Feel like a true Jamaican by eating like one!
To prepare one of Jamaica’s most tasty dishes, you will need to procure the following ingredients.
When it comes to the ingredients that are unique to the island, this dish doesn’t quite tap into the extremely rare ones. In fact, all the ingredients for this dish are commonly found all around the world. However, the dish is considered to be intrinsic to Jamaican culture as it is a favourite amongst families as well as singletons because of how easy it is to cook.
A trip to Jamaica would be amiss without a taste of some of its regional, authentic and quintessentially Caribbean dishes. Corned beef, whether eaten with cabbage or as a hash, is one of the most comforting meals one can have. You will see locals walloping it for breakfast, as an evening snack or in most cases as a dinner meal. A quick, easy preparation, it’s not surprising that individuals of all ages take to it. When it comes to the best places to try this dish, we’d recommend the regions of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. In particular, you might want to try Little Bay, just 14 km southeast of Negril.
Keen to try this yummy meat? If so, log onto the SOTC website and select a package that best suits your needs. Travel to Jamaica and eat your way through its fabulous cities!
