Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Montego Bay

The tropical coastline and tranquil waters of Montego Bay present travelers on a Caribbean cruise with an opportunity to experience a stunning and vibrant Jamaican destination. With a multitude of choices for relaxation and adventure, not to mention excellent shopping and numerous sightseeing attractions, this Jamaican paradise certainly delivers when it comes to things to do in Montego Bay.

After some exploration or shopping, you’ll probably find yourself with a hearty appetite for the local Montego Bay cuisine. Numerous eateries and restaurants serve up delightful, traditional Jamaican dishes — a true taste of the tropics!

Indeed, no cruise to Montego Bay feels truly complete without the chance to sample the popular Jamaican dishes favored by both locals and visitors. If you're pondering what to eat in Montego Bay, take a look at these fantastic options.

1. Jerk Chicken

You simply can’t visit Montego Bay without tasting this iconic Jamaican dish. A traditional favorite in Montego Bay, it’s available everywhere in Jamaica, from roadside food stalls to upscale restaurants. The chicken pieces are first coated with a blend of flavorful spices and then smoked or grilled. Traditional jerk seasoning packs a spicy punch, so be sure to have a refreshing drink on hand to cool your palate!

2. Red Snapper in Parchment Paper

This delectable dish features freshly caught red snapper, seasoned with a tantalizing wine sauce or bold spices, and then baked in the oven wrapped in parchment paper to seal in all the flavors. If you’re a seafood lover, this dish is a must-try when considering what to eat in Montego Bay.

3. Ackee and Saltfish

This national dish is usually enjoyed at breakfast. Although ackee is a local tropical fruit, when cooked, it resembles scrambled eggs. The saltfish is simply dried cod. Both ingredients are simmered together in one pot with onions, tomatoes, and various spices. It’s a hearty meal that’s also perfect for dinner. Ackee and saltfish is often served with bammy, leading us to the next must-try dish in Montego Bay.

4. Bammy

This fried flatbread complements many Jamaican dishes. Made from cassava flour, it’s available from street vendors and in stores. Soaked in coconut milk and deep-fried, bammy can be enjoyed on its own as a snack. It can be prepared in different thicknesses: the thinner version can serve as a tortilla, while the thicker bammy resembles an English crumpet.

5. Curry Goat

You guessed it! This curry dish features goat meat as its main ingredient. Another immensely popular Jamaican delicacy, the curry sauce tends to be spicy, and the goat is simmered until the meat is so tender it falls right off the bone. It’s typically served alongside rice and peas, another traditional favorite in Montego Bay!

6. Rice and Peas

Sounds straightforward, right? However, in Jamaica, 'peas' actually refers to a type of bean that resembles kidney beans. With various seasonings added, the dish becomes much more flavorful than just rice and peas. It’s also cooked with coconut milk, which gives it a unique tropical flavor.

7. Jamaican Patty

These tasty and irresistible meat pastries are perfect for comfort food lovers and are sure to please your palate. The crispy, flaky crust is filled with well-seasoned meat, fish, or chicken, making them the ultimate handheld comfort food. You can find these treats being sold throughout this Jamaican port, making for a convenient snack while you explore and hunt for souvenirs in Montego Bay.

8. Gizzada

Looking for something sweet? This delightful Jamaican dessert is just what you need. Resembling a small, handheld tart, it’s traditionally filled with a rich and gooey coconut mixture, seasoned with ginger and nutmeg. Often referred to as a “pinch-me-round,” you might find yourself calling it by its other nickname, “bring me more”!

9. Callaloo

Various Caribbean islands feature their own interpretations of Callaloo, and Jamaica proudly joins the ranks. In Montego Bay, this delicious dish incorporates a variety of leafy greens native to the region. These fresh vegetables are not only hearty and nutritious but will also keep you feeling energized as you continue your culinary adventure in Montego Bay.

10. Pepperpot Soup

Jamaica boasts a diverse selection of traditional soups and stews, but one of the standout options is pepperpot soup. This hearty concoction features callaloo, yams, and the fiery scotch bonnet peppers, creating a spicy broth that exemplifies authentic Montego Bay cuisine. The addition of the vibrant green vegetables lends the soup a rich hue and robust flavor while balancing the heat from the peppers. Some variations may include pork or beef—each place has its own unique recipe, guaranteeing a flavorful experience wherever you choose to try it.

If you find yourself in Montego Bay during your Caribbean cruise, make sure to sample some of these delightful dishes. While you may not be able to try them all, a taste of a few will certainly reveal why both locals and tourists rave about the culinary delights of the Caribbean!

Please note: Activities onboard, shore excursions, and dining options can differ depending on the ship and the destination you choose.