HELLO MON! Probably a term you hear in every Jamaican based show. However, we don't say 'mon'. we don't even use that phase we say 'wah gwaan?' meaning 'whats up?' Nevertheless, that's not what i am here for. I am here to tell you about what you NEED to try WHEN YOU COME TO JAMAICA.
Jamaica is a really beautiful country with a welcoming tropical climate if you come at the right time of the year. Our beaches are beautiful, our people are friendly (sometimes too friendly it becomes annoying) but we ensure that our tourists feel comfortable here. THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY PEOPLE COME TO JAMAICA HOWEVER is our traditional cuisine. So like a hungry scout lets jump right into it. Here is a list of dishes you MUST try when you come to Jamaica:
- JERK CHICKEN/ JERK PORK ( PAN CHICKEN/PORK)
I'm just about sure you will send colonel packing with his 11 herbs and spices once you have tried our local jerk chicken. Prepared with the perfect mixture of herbs, spices and sauce not only is our Jerk chicken and pork a rebel for your tastebuds but it is also healthier than the regular fried chicken. Jerk is usually spicy but you can add ketchup which will negate the saucy taste but trust me this is a meal to live for. Jerk chicken/pork can be found almost everywhere in Jamaica and is usually served with either bammy, festivals ( fried sugary dumplings) or bread. Feel free to wash all this down with a cold Redstripe or coconut jelly.
2. STEW PEAS ( STREW PEAS)
According to the Jamaican heritage Ackee and Saltfish is our National Dish but if you ask any Jamaican on a given day they will tell you that Stew Peas is their personal National Dish. As the name suggests this dish is prepared with a coconut milk based stew, getting its rich colour from the peas. Stew peas is extremely tantalizing and regularly mixed with a personal touch based on the eating habit of the person preparing the meal. As such meat such as Chicken feet, pig tail, cow head, mutton, beef or for vegetarians, corn, tofu or veggie chunks can be added to make the meal even more mouthwatering. Stew peas is usually creamy, this can be attributed to the small flour dumplings ( spinners) that is used to get the texture. The seasonings used to prepare this delectable meal will seduce your tastebuds with every bite.
3. JAMAICAN CURRIED GOAT ( CURRY MUTTON)
I have to admit. I started to salivate while getting this picture. The tender tangy taste of the curried goat made with special Indian curry seasoned to perfection and cooked down with Irish potato and carrot. The golden colour dish is enjoyed with the Sunday traditional rice and peas but is just as good with white rice, roti or some good old banana and dumpling. Please note though, curry isn't curry without pepper. One big scotch bonnet pepper and you are good to go.
4. ESCOVEITCH FISH AND BAMMY ( SWIMMERS AND BAMMY)
I have to admit. I started to salivate while getting this picture. The tender tangy taste of the curried goat made with special Indian curry seasoned to perfection and cooked down with Irish potato and carrot. The golden colour dish is enjoyed with the Sunday traditional rice and peas but is just as good with white rice, roti or some good old banana and dumpling. Please note though, curry isn't curry without pepper. One big scotch bonnet pepper and you are good to go.
4. ESCOVEITCH FISH AND BAMMY ( SWIMMERS AND BAMMY)
While there are several methods/recipe for creating escoveitched fish the one presented about is simply fried fish in escoveitch sauce with okra. The sauce is made from vinegar, peppers, pimento seeds, onions ( lots and lots of onion), carrot, sweet pepper among other additional ingredients. what this sauce does if give the fish an exotic taste. its saucy and tangy and has a very strong aroma but adds to the flavour of the meal. I guarantee you will be putting this sauce on other food once you have tried it. Bammy, can be either steamed or fried. No matter how it is prepared this cassava based cake is usually fresh but yummy. Prepared right and you will enjoy this experience every time.
5. TIN MACKEREL AND WHITE RICE ( DASH UT AND WHITE RICE)
While this is not your everyday meal as it is considered a dish for the financially crippled. This meal is a a popular one and enjoyed by families all over the country regardless of financial status. The mackerel can be found on any supermarket shelf and is sauteed in seasonings such as thyme, scallion, onions, pepper, sweet pepper and lots and lots of tomato. You would have to get a local to prepare this meal as it is not readily available at restaurants. Combined with white rice and some lemonade and your day will be made. the itis will be upon you.
6. TRIPE AND BEAN ( CHIPE AND BEAN)
It might be hard to even think about eating the insides of a cow but fear not because this dish is nothing less than mouthwatering. This meal is usually prepared by currying the intestines until it is soft and gummy then cooking it down with broad beans. If you are into trying new food then this is definitely the dish for you. You will be left dumbstruck upon realizing how good this dish is. Unlike the previously mentioned meal this dish can be found at selected restaurants island-wide.
7. OXTAIL
If there is Heaven on Earth then this meal above was served there. This dish 'oxtail' is the most sought dish by migrants of the country. You might be a bit intimidated by the big bones but believe it or not that's actually the best part of the meat. Pressured to perfection and seasoned until soaked the oxtail is a tastebud banger. The meat falls right off the bone, blessing you with the softest, most palatable taste. The bones are so soft that you can chew it just like the meat. this is another dish that is prepared with broad beans, carrot and irish potato. Luckily, this dish is served by most restaurants around the island.
8. LIVER AND KIDNEY ( LIVA)
This meal right here is the perfect way to start your day. Served with bananas, A Jamaican would have 10 - 15 well kneaded cornmeal dumplings hanging over the rim of the plate. Jamaican Beef liver/kidney is an appetizing meal that is simple and quick to prepare. It is also a good source of iron so ladies, do not hesitate to dig in. Best served with chocolate tea and if you are not a fan of boiled dumplings get a few fried ones.
SO COME ON DOWN MON!! and start experiencing the cuisine that will have you speaking the Jamaican dialect just so you can get your hands on a plate. '
'Grab a Red Stripe or a Heineken and touch the beach right afta yuh finish'
If you want me to blog about more Jamaican food you can leave a comment.
5. TIN MACKEREL AND WHITE RICE ( DASH UT AND WHITE RICE)
While this is not your everyday meal as it is considered a dish for the financially crippled. This meal is a a popular one and enjoyed by families all over the country regardless of financial status. The mackerel can be found on any supermarket shelf and is sauteed in seasonings such as thyme, scallion, onions, pepper, sweet pepper and lots and lots of tomato. You would have to get a local to prepare this meal as it is not readily available at restaurants. Combined with white rice and some lemonade and your day will be made. the itis will be upon you.
6. TRIPE AND BEAN ( CHIPE AND BEAN)
It might be hard to even think about eating the insides of a cow but fear not because this dish is nothing less than mouthwatering. This meal is usually prepared by currying the intestines until it is soft and gummy then cooking it down with broad beans. If you are into trying new food then this is definitely the dish for you. You will be left dumbstruck upon realizing how good this dish is. Unlike the previously mentioned meal this dish can be found at selected restaurants island-wide.
7. OXTAIL
If there is Heaven on Earth then this meal above was served there. This dish 'oxtail' is the most sought dish by migrants of the country. You might be a bit intimidated by the big bones but believe it or not that's actually the best part of the meat. Pressured to perfection and seasoned until soaked the oxtail is a tastebud banger. The meat falls right off the bone, blessing you with the softest, most palatable taste. The bones are so soft that you can chew it just like the meat. this is another dish that is prepared with broad beans, carrot and irish potato. Luckily, this dish is served by most restaurants around the island.
8. LIVER AND KIDNEY ( LIVA)
This meal right here is the perfect way to start your day. Served with bananas, A Jamaican would have 10 - 15 well kneaded cornmeal dumplings hanging over the rim of the plate. Jamaican Beef liver/kidney is an appetizing meal that is simple and quick to prepare. It is also a good source of iron so ladies, do not hesitate to dig in. Best served with chocolate tea and if you are not a fan of boiled dumplings get a few fried ones.
SO COME ON DOWN MON!! and start experiencing the cuisine that will have you speaking the Jamaican dialect just so you can get your hands on a plate. '
'Grab a Red Stripe or a Heineken and touch the beach right afta yuh finish'
If you want me to blog about more Jamaican food you can leave a comment.
No comments:
Post a Comment