Top Jamaican Foods to Try While Visiting Jamaica: A Culinary Journey in Montego Bay

Main Street Rose Hall
5 days ago
6 min read

Jamaica is a paradise not only for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich and flavorful cuisine. From spicy jerk chicken to creamy Devon House ice cream, the island offers a culinary adventure that every visitor should experience. If you’re planning a trip to Montego Bay, you’re in luck—this area is a hotspot for authentic Jamaican food, featuring iconic eateries like Scotchies and the famous Devon House ice cream at Main Street Rose Hall. Here’s a guide to the top Jamaican foods you must try and where to find them in Montego Bay.

1. Jerk Chicken and Pork: The Iconic Jamaican Flavor

No visit to Jamaica is complete without tasting jerk chicken or pork, Jamaica’s most famous and beloved dishes. Jerk cooking involves marinating meat in a spicy blend of ingredients including ginger, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, scotch bonnet peppers, and pimento (allspice), then slow-cooking it over pimento wood or charcoal for a smoky, fiery flavor.

Where to Try It: Scotchies, Montego Bay

Located on Falmouth Road in Montego Bay, Scotchies is a must-visit for authentic jerk chicken and pork. This open-air restaurant is a local favorite, known for its rustic charm and mouthwatering jerk dishes. The meat is tender, juicy, and packed with the perfect balance of heat and smoky flavor. Pair your meal with traditional sides like festival (sweet fried dough), bammy (cassava flatbread), or rice and peas for a complete Jamaican feast. Scotchies also offers a vibrant atmosphere with tropical surroundings, making it a great spot to relax and soak up the island vibes.

2. Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica’s National Dish

Ackee and saltfish is a unique and flavorful dish that represents the heart of Jamaican cuisine. Ackee is a fruit native to West Africa but has become a staple in Jamaica. When cooked, it resembles scrambled eggs and is sautéed with salted codfish, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This dish is often served with fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, or bread.

Where to Try It: Main Street Rose Hall

While exploring Main Street Rose Hall in Montego Bay, you can find several vendors and restaurants offering traditional Jamaican breakfasts including ackee and saltfish. This area is also home to a variety of Jamaican-made products and eateries where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a charming setting.

3. Jamaican Beef Patties: The Perfect Snack

Jamaican beef patties are flaky, golden pastries filled with spicy ground beef, chicken, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and a quick, delicious snack. The crust is uniquely flaky and buttery, and the filling is well-seasoned with scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and other spices.

Where to Try It: The Rose Hall Cigar Club at Main Street Rose Hall

The Rose Hall Cigar Club is famous for its variety of cigars, but it also offers delicious Jamaican beef patties on cruise days at Main Street Hall. Grab a patty to enjoy alongside a cold Red Stripe beer or coconut water for a perfect sweet and savory combo.

4. Curry Goat: A Festive Favorite

Curry goat is a beloved dish often reserved for special occasions and gatherings. The goat meat is marinated with a blend of curry powder, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices, then slow-cooked until tender. The dish is rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful.

Where to Try It: Local Jamaican Restaurants in Montego Bay

Many local spots in Montego Bay serve delicious curry goat, often accompanied by rice and peas or steamed white rice. Ask locals for their favorite hidden gems or try it at well-known eateries around Main Street Rose Hall, where authentic Jamaican cuisine is celebrated.

5. Escovitch Fish: A Tangy Seafood Delight

Escovitch fish is a traditional Jamaican dish featuring fried fish topped with a spicy pickled vegetable sauce made from carrots, onions, and peppers. The tangy and spicy flavors make it a refreshing and satisfying meal, especially when paired with steamed rice or fried dumplings.

Where to Try It: Montego Bay Seafood Restaurants

Several seaside restaurants and local eateries in Montego Bay specialize in fresh seafood, including escovitch fish. The combination of crispy fried fish and tangy escovitch sauce is a must-try for seafood lovers visiting the island.

6. Bammy: The Traditional Cassava Bread

Bammy is a flatbread made from cassava, a root vegetable native to the Caribbean. It is typically soaked in coconut milk and fried or steamed, making it a perfect side dish to accompany fish or meat dishes.

Where to Try It: Scotchies and Local Food Stalls

Bammy is commonly served alongside jerk meats and fish at Scotchies and various street vendors in Montego Bay. It’s a delicious and authentic way to experience traditional Jamaican flavors.

7. Devon House Ice Cream: A Sweet Jamaican Icon

No Jamaican food experience is complete without indulging in Devon House ice cream. This creamy, rich ice cream is made from locally sourced Jamaican dairy and features unique island-inspired flavors such as Rum and Raisin, Coconut, Coffee, Mango, and the famous Devon Stout.

Where to Try It: Devon House Cones & Cream at Main Street Rose Hall

Located in the heart of Main Street Rose Hall, Devon House Cones & Cream offers a delightful variety of ice cream flavors. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring Montego Bay. National Geographic has even ranked Devon House ice cream as one of the top ice creams in the world, making it a must-try treat for visitors.

8. Rice and Peas: The Perfect Side Dish

Rice and peas is a staple side dish in Jamaican cuisine, made with kidney beans or pigeon peas cooked with rice, coconut milk, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. It pairs perfectly with almost any main course, especially jerk chicken, curry goat, or fried fish.

Where to Try It: Most Jamaican Restaurants in Montego Bay

This classic side is available at nearly every restaurant serving Jamaican food in Montego Bay. It’s a flavorful complement that rounds out your meal and gives you a true taste of the island’s culinary heritage. Try an serving from Scotchies at Main Street Rose Hall!

9. Festival: Sweet Fried Dough That Complements Every Meal

Festival is a beloved Jamaican side dish made from a dough of cornmeal, flour, sugar, and milk, shaped into elongated pieces and fried until golden and crispy on the outside, soft and slightly sweet on the inside. It’s traditionally served alongside jerk chicken, fried fish, or escovitch fish, providing a delightful balance to spicy and savory flavors.

Where to Try It: Scotchies and Local Food Stalls

Festival is commonly served alongside jerk meats and fish at Scotchies and various street vendors in Montego Bay. Its slightly sweet crunch is the perfect foil to the island’s spicy dishes, making it an essential part of any authentic Jamaican meal.

Exploring Main Street Rose Hall: More Than Just Food

Main Street Rose Hall is a vibrant destination in Montego Bay that offers more than just incredible food. Visitors can enjoy murals, art installations, tax-free shopping, souvenir stores, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, rums and spirits, resort wear, and much more—all while listening to authentic Jamaican music. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Jamaican culture and cuisine in one lively location.

Final Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Montego Bay

Try street food: Don’t be afraid to sample local street vendors for quick bites like patties, fried fish, and festival.
Pair your meals: Jamaican dishes often come with delicious sides like fried plantains, festival, bammy, and coleslaw.
Stay hydrated: Jamaican food can be spicy, so enjoy fresh coconut water or a refreshing rum cocktail to cool down.
Ask locals: Montego Bay residents are proud of their food and happy to recommend their favorite spots.

Jamaica’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its culture and landscapes. From the fiery jerk chicken at Scotchies to the creamy indulgence of Devon House ice cream at Main Street Rose Hall, Montego Bay offers a delicious gateway to authentic Jamaican flavors. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new tastes or a traveler eager to experience the island’s culture through its cuisine, these top Jamaican foods and recommended spots will make your visit unforgettable.

So pack your appetite and get ready to savor the best of Jamaica’s food scene in Montego Bay—your taste buds will thank you!

Visit Main Street Rose Hall, Montego Bay when next in Jamaica and "Experience The Best of Jamaica, All in One Place!" Buy unique Jamaican made art & products at several of their stores and at The Artisan Market Place. You can also enjoy our murals, installations, tax-free & souvenir stores, rums & spirits, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, art gallery, resort wear, Jamaican F&B options and much more while relaxing and listening to authentic Jamaican music. It’s also the perfect stopover from and to the Montego Bay Airport to pick up last minute gifts and make one more memory of your trip to Jamaica.

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