What Food To Try in Kingston and Food Prices

Callaloo - Spinach-like stew - This vibrant dish is made with leafy green callaloo, often mixed with onions, garlic, and spicy peppers. Locals usually enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast, traditionally paired with fried plantains.

Patties - Savory pastries - Flaky pastry filled with juicy spiced beef or chicken, or even the vegetarian variation with vegetables and cheese. You'll typically grab these tasty street snacks from vendors during lunch or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Jerk Chicken - Grilled spiced meat - Tender chicken marinated in a fiery blend of spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. Locals often indulge in jerk chicken at casual outdoor gatherings or local cookouts, especially on weekends.

Festival - Sweet fried dumplings - These sweet, fried dumplings made with cornmeal are crunchy on the outside and soft within, often served alongside savory dishes. They make a popular accompaniment to meals at celebrations, adding a unique touch to any dinner.

Rice and Peas - Coconut rice - A fragrant dish prepared with long-grain rice, kidney beans, and coconut milk, seasoned with thyme and scallions. It's commonly served at Sunday gatherings, but be careful—some newcomers mistakenly think it's just a side!

Escovitch Fish - Pickled fried fish - Whole fish, typically snapper, is fried and then topped with spicy pickled vegetables, creating a zesty flavor explosion. This dish is a go-to for dinner, especially during local festivals, capturing the essence of Kingston’s coastal culture.

Oxtail Stew - Hearty meat stew - Slow-cooked oxtail simmered with carrots and butter beans until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender. This comforting dish is a favorite Sunday meal, often enjoyed with rice, and locals swear by its rich, savory flavor.

Sweet Potato Pudding - Dessicated coconut bake - A spongy and moist dessert made primarily from sweet potatoes, sugar, and coconut, often enjoyed during colder months. While it seems sweet, it has a surprisingly savory twist, often catching newcomers off guard.

Blue Mountain Coffee - بلو ماونتن قهوة (premium coffee) - Smooth, aromatic coffee sourced from the Blue Mountains, known for its mild flavor and lack of bitterness. Locals drink it leisurely, often paired with a light snack in the morning or during afternoon breaks, but be cautious—ordering it "black" might confuse the barista who might assume you want it unsweetened.

Rum Punch - رُم بنش (mixed fruity cocktail) - A refreshing blend of rum, fruit juices like pineapple and orange, often garnished with a splash of grenadine. This drink is a popular choice at weekends during beach outings or at local festivities, making it an ideal choice for relaxing under the sun. By the way, almost every family has their own secret recipe!

Pineapple Ginger Juice - عصير أناناس بالزنجبيل (spicy juice) - A zesty mix of fresh pineapple juice with grated ginger, usually served chilled. This drink is especially loved during hot summer months and often consumed at family gatherings, where the ginger adds a surprising kick! A common mistake is underestimating how spicy it can be, so take caution if you’re not a ginger fan.

Beef Patties - فطائر اللحم (savory pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, this snack is perfect for enjoying on the go. Typically found at street vendors, they make for a great quick bite especially during lunch hours or as a late-night snack after a night out. Expect to pay around JMD 150-200 each—well worth the indulgence!

Rum Cake - كعكة الروم (rich dessert) - Moist and decadent cake soaked in dark rum, often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays. It's typically enjoyed rich and dense, with locals savoring a slice with coffee post-meal for an afternoon treat. A tip: Flavor improves significantly if made a few days in advance!