What Food To Try in Kingston and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kingston for 2024.
National currency: Jamaican Dollar, symbol — (international currency code JMD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kingston cafes and restaurants
$15.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.33
$68
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $37.76
$8.3
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.55
What to Try in Kingston
Must-try Dishes
Run Down - Breakfast Roti (savory flatbread) - This flaky flatbread is stuffed with spiced egg, vegetables, and sometimes cheese, cooked until golden brown. Locals enjoy it as a hearty start to the day, often paired with a hot cup of cocoa.Festival - Jerk Chicken (spicy grilled chicken) - Juicy chicken marinated in a fiery blend of spices and grilled to perfection, served with rice and peas. You’ll often find this at street stalls during local festivities, where the aroma wafts through the air.
Curry Goat - Curried Goat (spiced meat dish) - Tender goat meat simmered in a rich curry sauce, served with rice or dumplings. It's a popular dish for Sunday family dinners, bringing everyone together to enjoy time and tasty food.
Escovitch Fish - Spicy Pickled Fish (vegetable-topped fish) - Whole fish fried and topped with a tangy mix of pickled vegetables and Scotch bonnet peppers; it’s best enjoyed at seaside eateries. I remember sharing this dish with friends while watching the waves crash nearby.
Ital Stew - Ital (vegetable stew) - A hearty mix of vegetables and beans cooked slowly with coconut milk and spices, this dish caters to both vegans and omnivores alike. Popular among locals, it's often eaten for lunch at casual spots.
Pork with Sweet Plantains - Curried Pork (savory/sweet combo) - Marinated pork stewed with a touch of sweetness from ripe plantains, creating an unexpected flavor balance. It's commonly enjoyed at roadside food trucks, especially during lunchtime.
Fish Stew - Fish Tea (light soup) - A light, flavorful broth filled with coconut, spices, and chunks of fresh fish, perfect for rainy days. Traditionally enjoyed during the rainy season for its comforting effects, it’s best to dine on these flavors shortly after a big downpour.
Stamp and Go - Fried Fish Fritters (savory fritters) - These crispy, golden-fried codfish fritters are packed with peppers and served with a side of spicy sauce. Street vendors offer them as a mid-morning snack, but they can easily make a fulfilling light meal any time of day.
Desserts & Drinks
Blue Mountain Coffee - ब्लू माउंटेन कॉफी (smooth and rich) - Smooth coffee grown in the Blue Mountains, featuring vibrant acidity and a full body. Locals savor this coffee during morning gatherings, often accompanied by a light pastry.Rum Punch - रम पंच (fruity cocktail) - A blend of rum, fruit juices, and spices, it's a refreshing beverage served over ice. Found at beach parties and family gatherings, it's a true taste of Kingston's vibrant nightlife.
Jamaican Sorrel Drink - जामैका सोरेल (chilled herbal drink) - Made from the hibiscus flower, with ginger and spices, served iced and sweetened. This colorful drink is especially popular during holiday seasons, enjoyed amidst festive celebrations.
Gizzada - गिज़्ज़ाडा (coconut tart) - A pastry filled with sweetened coconut and spices, with a delightful crunchy texture. This sweet treat is often seen at local bakeries, and locals enjoy it as an afternoon snack or dessert.
Homemade Ice Cream - घरेलू आइसक्रिम (creamy frozen treat) - Rich, custard-based ice cream made with local flavors like rum raisin or coconut, served in cups or cones. Best enjoyed during Kingston’s summer heat, this delightful cold treat is a favorite at local fairs and events.
Food and Groceries in Kingston
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.32 |
| Bananas | $1.18 |
| Oranges | $2.79 |
| Potatoes | $1.82 |
| Apples | $3.65 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.72 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.55 |
| Imported Beer | $2.36 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.33 |
| Milk 1L | $2.73 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $17.37 |
| Chicken | $11.91 |
| Cigarettes | $13.6 |
| Rice | $3.52 |
| Local Cheese | $9.99 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The lively hustle of lunchtime at the local market offers a vivid snapshot of Kingston's food culture. With food stalls bustling from noon until about 2 p.m., you’ll find everyone from office workers grabbing quick bites to families enjoying leisurely meals. A plate of jerk chicken typically goes for about $1,500 JMD, while a reasonable lunch at a nearby café often ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 JMD.
In Kingston, typical meal times lean towards late breakfasts around 9 a.m., lunches around noon, and dinners favoring 7 p.m. onwards. This schedule reflects a blend of local rhythm and global influence. It's not uncommon to see families having dinner while the sun sets, enjoying their meals at outdoor patios in neighborhoods like New Kingston, known for its vibrant dining scene.
Local payment customs often involve cash transactions, although many restaurants are adapting to digital payments. Despite recent changes, it’s wise to carry cash, especially when frequenting markets and smaller eateries. Tipping is customary, generally around 10-15% of the bill—though some high-end places might include a service charge, so it’s good to check first.
One local dining habit that stands out involves sharing plates. Families and friends often order an array of dishes to share, making meals a communal experience. This contrasts with a common tourist mistake of ordering individual plates, which can lead to unnecessary food waste.
Neighborhoods differ in dining experiences. For example, in Port Royal, seafood lovers can find dishes like a fish sandwich for about $1,200 JMD, while upscale spots in the financial district might charge you $4,000 JMD for similar items due to the ambiance and service. This price disparity emphasizes the importance of knowing where to go based on your budget.
Also, if you’re planning to dine out during peak hours, be prepared for longer waits, especially during weekends. Making reservations is advisable for popular restaurants, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. This ensures you won’t miss out on experiencing Kingston’s rich culinary tapestry.
Lately, there's been a noticeable shift in meal choices as younger locals lean more towards plant-based options, reflecting a growing awareness of health and sustainability. This trend could reshape Kingston's food landscape significantly in the years ahead.
In Kingston, typical meal times lean towards late breakfasts around 9 a.m., lunches around noon, and dinners favoring 7 p.m. onwards. This schedule reflects a blend of local rhythm and global influence. It's not uncommon to see families having dinner while the sun sets, enjoying their meals at outdoor patios in neighborhoods like New Kingston, known for its vibrant dining scene.
Local payment customs often involve cash transactions, although many restaurants are adapting to digital payments. Despite recent changes, it’s wise to carry cash, especially when frequenting markets and smaller eateries. Tipping is customary, generally around 10-15% of the bill—though some high-end places might include a service charge, so it’s good to check first.
One local dining habit that stands out involves sharing plates. Families and friends often order an array of dishes to share, making meals a communal experience. This contrasts with a common tourist mistake of ordering individual plates, which can lead to unnecessary food waste.
Neighborhoods differ in dining experiences. For example, in Port Royal, seafood lovers can find dishes like a fish sandwich for about $1,200 JMD, while upscale spots in the financial district might charge you $4,000 JMD for similar items due to the ambiance and service. This price disparity emphasizes the importance of knowing where to go based on your budget.
Also, if you’re planning to dine out during peak hours, be prepared for longer waits, especially during weekends. Making reservations is advisable for popular restaurants, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. This ensures you won’t miss out on experiencing Kingston’s rich culinary tapestry.
Lately, there's been a noticeable shift in meal choices as younger locals lean more towards plant-based options, reflecting a growing awareness of health and sustainability. This trend could reshape Kingston's food landscape significantly in the years ahead.