What Food To Try in Montego Bay and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Montego Bay for 2024.
National currency: Jamaican Dollar, symbol — (international currency code JMD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Montego Bay cafes and restaurants
$6.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.26
$45.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $39.08
$6.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.86
What to Try in Montego Bay
Must-try Dishes
Festival Breakfast - Festival (sweet fried dumplings) - These are golden, crispy dumplings made with flour and cornmeal, usually served warm and slightly sweet. Locals love to pair them with ackee and saltfish for a hearty breakfast on weekends.Jerk Chicken - Jerk Kya (spicy marinated chicken) - This dish features chicken marinated in a fiery blend of spices, slow-cooked over pimentos, giving it that smoky flavor. Jerk chicken is a favorite at street food stalls, especially during evening cookouts with friends.
Brown Stew Fish - Brown Stew Fish (seasoned fish stew) - This dish consists of fish marinated in herbs and spices, stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, creating a rich, savory sauce. Commonly enjoyed at family dinners, it’s paired with rice and peas for a filling meal.
Callaloo - Callaloo (leafy green dish) - Made from the green callaloo leaves, seasoned with spices and often combined with onions and tomatoes, it’s a local vegetable staple. Many Jamaicans enjoy it for Sunday dinners alongside ackee and saltfish.
Patties - Beef Patty (spiced meat turnover) - These flaky pastries are filled with spiced ground beef (or other fillings) and are perfect as a quick lunch or snack. Best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go comfort food when you’re out exploring.
Festival of the Sea - Fish Escovitch (spicy pickled fish) - This delight comprises fried fish topped with a spicy vinegar-based sauce, layered with carrots and onions. Typically made around holidays like Easter, it's a dish that celebrates local fishing traditions.
Rice and Peas - Rice and Peas (coconut rice dish) - Made with rice, kidney beans, and coconut milk, this dish is seasoned with thyme and often served with curry goat. Commonly found at family feasts or Sunday dinners, it’s the perfect combination of flavors that complements any main course.
Pork Tails - Pork Tails (spiced oxtail stew) - This dish features tender oxtails slow-cooked in a rich gravy with a mix of spices, served over rice. It's a must-have during special occasions, enjoyed best while lingering over a family table.
Desserts & Drinks
Blue Mountain Coffee - Café Blue Mountain (premium coffee) - Smooth, aromatic coffee sourced from the Blue Mountains, typically prepared using a French press or espresso method. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, often paired with breakfast items around sunrise to kickstart their mornings—just don’t accidentally order instant instead!Rum Punch - Rum Punsch (tropical cocktail) - A refreshing mix of local rum, fresh fruit juices, and a hint of nutmeg, served chilled over ice. It's common at beach parties and celebrations, especially during summer, where one glass inevitably leads to another—you'll want to savor each sip while dancing the night away!
Ginger Beer - Canned Ginger Beer (spicy soft drink) - Fizzy beverage made from fresh ginger, sugar, and water fermented for a slight kick. You'll find locals quenching their thirst with it on hot afternoons, often served ice-cold and with a slice of lime—be careful, it’s stronger than it sounds!
Sweet Potato Pudding - Poudin Patat (dense dessert) - A rich blend of grated sweet potato, coconut milk, and spices, baked to perfection for a dense texture. Typically enjoyed during family gatherings or festive occasions, it's often served warm with a side of custard—trust me, leftovers are never an option!
Snow Cone - Gully Wash (slushy treat) - Shaved ice smothered in vibrant syrups, often flavored with fruits like guava or coconut. This chilly delight is a street favorite on scorching days, usually garnished with condensed milk—at least, that’s the local way to elevate it!
Food and Groceries in Montego Bay
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.26 |
| Bananas | $2.82 |
| Oranges | $2.15 |
| Potatoes | $2.31 |
| Apples | $4.8 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.08 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.16 |
| Imported Beer | $2.74 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10.42 |
| Milk 1L | $2.37 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $7.58 |
| Chicken | $6.95 |
| Cigarettes | $9.12 |
| Rice | $0.87 |
| Local Cheese | $13.46 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Dining in Montego Bay is most vibrant during the late afternoon through evening, which is when locals typically gather for meals. It’s not uncommon to see families and friends enjoying long sit-down dinners around 6 PM, often loaded with the catch of the day or jerk chicken.
Common meal times in Montego Bay break down as follows: breakfast is usually between 7 AM and 9 AM, lunch from 12 PM to 2 PM, and dinner, as mentioned, typically around 6 PM to 8 PM. And don’t be surprised to find some places still bustling until past 10 PM, especially in the busier tourist zones.
Price ranges across various dining areas can vary quite dramatically. In Montego Bay, you might pay about JMD 1,200 for a hearty lunch at a local "cook shop," while the same meal could set you back around JMD 3,000 at a fancier restaurant. Right next to each other in the Hip Strip, you can see both the street side vendors selling tasty patties and upscale restaurants offering seafood platters designed for tourists looking for premium dining experiences.
Payment customs here lean toward cash, although some establishments do accept cards. It’s wise to check beforehand, as smaller vendors usually only take cash. In terms of tipping, a flat 10% is generally appreciated if service isn’t included, so consider leaving a bit more for exceptional service.
One common tourist mistake is underestimating the local dining hours; many visitors arrive too early, only to find places opening up later in the day. For instance, some quirky spots famous for breakfast don’t open until 8 AM, unlike back home where coffee shops are ready to serve at dawn.
Eating habits here are also quite unique. It's perfectly normal to share dishes from the center of the table – this fosters a communal dining experience that’s part of the local culture. Diners here often order several items to share, rather than one person sticking to a single meal.
If you plan to dine at popular spots during peak times, it's wise to make a reservation especially on weekends or public holidays, as those can fill up quickly. For those looking for a special night, aim to eat slightly earlier or later than the usual rush;
In the coming months, expect some adjustments in prices as tourism fluctuates with the seasons. As more tourists come in during winter months, prices in key areas like the Hip Strip tend to rise. So, locals often adapt by either exploring lesser-known eateries or sticking to their regular joints that offer consistent pricing— a smart way to enjoy culinary delights without breaking the bank!
Common meal times in Montego Bay break down as follows: breakfast is usually between 7 AM and 9 AM, lunch from 12 PM to 2 PM, and dinner, as mentioned, typically around 6 PM to 8 PM. And don’t be surprised to find some places still bustling until past 10 PM, especially in the busier tourist zones.
Price ranges across various dining areas can vary quite dramatically. In Montego Bay, you might pay about JMD 1,200 for a hearty lunch at a local "cook shop," while the same meal could set you back around JMD 3,000 at a fancier restaurant. Right next to each other in the Hip Strip, you can see both the street side vendors selling tasty patties and upscale restaurants offering seafood platters designed for tourists looking for premium dining experiences.
Payment customs here lean toward cash, although some establishments do accept cards. It’s wise to check beforehand, as smaller vendors usually only take cash. In terms of tipping, a flat 10% is generally appreciated if service isn’t included, so consider leaving a bit more for exceptional service.
One common tourist mistake is underestimating the local dining hours; many visitors arrive too early, only to find places opening up later in the day. For instance, some quirky spots famous for breakfast don’t open until 8 AM, unlike back home where coffee shops are ready to serve at dawn.
Eating habits here are also quite unique. It's perfectly normal to share dishes from the center of the table – this fosters a communal dining experience that’s part of the local culture. Diners here often order several items to share, rather than one person sticking to a single meal.
If you plan to dine at popular spots during peak times, it's wise to make a reservation especially on weekends or public holidays, as those can fill up quickly. For those looking for a special night, aim to eat slightly earlier or later than the usual rush;
In the coming months, expect some adjustments in prices as tourism fluctuates with the seasons. As more tourists come in during winter months, prices in key areas like the Hip Strip tend to rise. So, locals often adapt by either exploring lesser-known eateries or sticking to their regular joints that offer consistent pricing— a smart way to enjoy culinary delights without breaking the bank!