It may be an island, but Jamaica is a place where for the phrase “melting pot” was surely invented, both for its people and for its food. This Caribbean island nation has hosted wave after wave of colonisers and immigrants – from the Spanish, British, African, Indian and Chinese, and they have all brought their own foods and cultures to the island. Today Jamaican cuisine includes many dishes of these immigrant cultures, as well as a colorful fusion of local and introduced flavors and techniques.

When you travel to Jamaica you will experience this culinary fusion head on. Avoid familiar fast-food restaurants and discover the vitality and color of the Jamaican way of life in the markets and street stalls. Here you will encounter foods that epitomize the melting pot of Jamaican cuisine.

One of the first meals to try would have to be either Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork, the national dish of Jamaica. Jerk is a style of cooking that is native to Jamaica, in which meat is dry-rubbed with spices – in this case fiery Scotch Bonnet Peppers, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, scallions, nutmeg, thyme and garlic – before being roasted over a wood fire. The delicious meat is infused with a spicy sweet flavor with a powerful kick. Look out for Rice and Peas and Festivals, (fried dumplings) as traditional accompaniments.

Saltfish and Ackee is the traditional Jamaican breakfast dish. It’s a far cry from cereal, and might take a bit of getting used to, but it’s fantastically filling. The saltfish is flaked and cooked with sweet pepper, chilli, onion and tomato and ackee, the national fruit of Jamaica. The bland but slightly sweet taste of the ackee is a great complement to the salty fish.

Another dish that you must try when visiting Jamaica is Goat Curry. As the name suggests, this is a dish that was influenced by Indian immigrants, although the curry powder has a distinctly Jamaican flavor. Slow cooked for hours, the meat is incredibly tender and although spicy, it’s not too fiery. It goes perfectly with Rice and Peas, the traditional coconut rice with kidney beans.

In the street markets you are sure to come across street vendors selling meat patties – these are not to be missed. Filled with spiced meat, these patties are a bit like an English pastie, or Spanish empanada, but the flavor is pure Jamaica, thanks to the heat of the Scotch Bonnet pepper. While you can buy these ready-made, look out for street stalls – the best patties are the freshly handmade ones. Jamaican patties go wonderfully well with the local beer, Red Stripe.

And finally, while you are in Jamaica, be sure to try some of the endless varieties of fruit on offer. From jackfruit to breadfruit, sweetsop to Naseberry and the otaheiti apple, the market place will offer an incredible array of fresh fruits. The endless colour, flavor and texture will amaze you, and you’ll return home full of wonder. Just like the native Scotch Bonnet pepper, the colourful island of Jamaica packs a powerful punch.

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Are you looking for more information regarding jamaican food? Visit http://jamaicaninsiders.com/ today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding jamaican food? Visit http://jamaicaninsiders.com/ today!

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: jamaican food, jamaican foods, authentic jamaican foods