Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold and punchy flavors that are guaranteed to tickle anyone’s taste buds. The cuisine itself is a melting pot of various fresh ingredients, cooking techniques, and a myriad of different flavors. There are several dishes that natives look upon fondly as part of their upbringing, which might sound bizarre to many.
That is until you get to experience them, then they just become some of the most delicious delicacies you have had in your life. The best time to visit the island is the start of the winter season when the weather in Jamaica witnesses a pleasant temperature of 80°F. Jamaica enjoys warm weather all year round with a slight dip during November, making it perfect for kicking back on a beach and having the time of your life.
As Jamaica opens its doors to travelers with several safety protocols, this is the perfect time to visit Jamaica, not just for its weather and beaches. But to experience the wild ride that Jamaican cuisine is. Here are some unconventional but super delicious dishes that you’ll find only in Jamaica.
Sunshine Patties
This is probably a dish that’s an accurate representation of Jamaica’s cuisine. While various variations of this particular dish exist worldwide, Jamaica has truly made it into its own. Jamaican Beef Patties is a handheld food featuring a flaky buttery crust with aromatic and spiced meat filling. This is Jamaica’s answer to western fast food and is available as street food.
Jamaican natives also call these meat patties, Sunshine Patties. That is because, in Jamaica, these savory delicacies are also called Sunshine Patties. The name comes from the beautiful golden yellow color of the pastry. The color comes from the high amount of turmeric used by the locals in the pastry. When you are in Jamaica, make sure to pick one of these beauties up while heading towards a beach, and you are guaranteed to have a good time.
Mannish Water
Mannish water or Jamaican Goat Soup is one of the most popular dishes in Jamaican cuisine. The dish gets its name because it’s prepared mostly by men and is said to have some unique “benefits” for men. Mannish Water is widely believed to be an aphrodisiac in Jamaica and is relished by men all over the island. Whether or not you require these benefits, the Mannish Water or Jamaican Goat Soup is worth a try when you visit the island.
The dish is a highly seasoned soup made using goat offal, green bananas, and any vegetable or tubers close to hand. The soup is typically prepared out in the open over a wood fire.
For meat, Jamaicans usually use goat heads, intestines, feet, and most importantly, testicles. These parts are carefully washed, roasted, and then simmered over low fire with cocoa, yam, green bananas, scotch bonnet peppers, and carrots. The irresistible flavor comes from smoked goat meat and green banana.
Ackee
The next delicacy on our list is not a cooked preparation but the national fruit of Jamaica – Ackee (Blighia Sapida). Also known as the ankle, achee, akee, ackee apple, or ayee is a fruit of the Sapindaceae soapberry family, same as lychee. The fruit has a unique appearance as it opens into sections with shiny black round seeds perched atop yellow aril, which is partially edible.
Ackee is considered very delicious and one of Jamaica’s greatest delicacies when boiled and cooked with salt fish or salt pork seasoning. In fact, Ackee and Saltfish are called Jamaica’s breakfast of champions.
If you visit Jamaica, don’t forget to partake in the famous dish because —here comes the kicker— ackee fruit is banned in the US in its unripe form. When unripe, the fruit contains hypoglycin A poison, which may lead to coma and even death. However, you can trust Jamaicans to safely prepare the fruit so that it is no longer toxic. It is usually eaten ripe after boiling.
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Breadfruit
Ackee is not the only exotic fruit that you must try and find only in Jamaica. Another one of the exotic and delicious fruits unique to Jamaica is Breadfruit. The fruit is not only bizarre but is also considered to be healthy. A favorite staple for Jamaican natives for generations, Breadfruit is packed with vitamins and minerals.
The Breadfruit is very versatile and is prepared in many forms by the locals. Usually, it’s eaten in its mature form as a substitute for rice and potatoes. In its ripe state, the fruit turns sweet and is used in pie and cakes. However, the fruit is most prevalent in its roasted or fried form.
Bustamante Backbone
Bustamante Backbone or Busta or Stagga back is named after the national hero and first prime minister of Jamaica, Sir Alexander Bustamante. The name of the dish is said to represent the firmness of his character. Bustamante Backbone is a hard candy made of grated coconut and sugar.
It is made by caramelizing grated coconut, which is then cooked till it turns soft. After it turns soft, aromatics like ginger and other spices are added to the mixture and left to cool. It’s then cut into square shapes and wrapped in paper, ready to serve—a must-try when in Jamaica as it’s not available anywhere else.
So, these were some of the bizarre but delicious dishes that were unique to Jamaica. However, as mentioned initially, Jamaican cuisine is a melting pot of tons of factors and has way too many uniques dishes and snacks to offer. Make sure to try at least most of them, if not all, to experience the culinary magic.
Thank you for mentioning that Bustamante backbone is produced by caramelizing shredded coconut before further cooking it till it becomes soft. I adore Jamaican cuisine, but I’ve never had Bustamante Backbone. I’ll get Jamaican takeout so I can try the Bustamante Backbone.