Possibly, some of you have heard of the Jamaican diet being “spicy”! Well, this is true. In the kitchen, Jamaicans use a wide variety of seasonings or “spices”, as you may call it. Spicy food is common and, to the people, is delightfully tasty.

Authentic Jamaican kitchens rely mostly on natural rather than artificial ingredients. Some of these include: onion, garlic, ginger, Scotch Bonnet pepper, scallion, thyme and pimento.

What are some must-try dishes and foods?
Jerk Chicken
Ackee and Saltfish
The Jamaican Patty
CallalooEscoviche
Rice and Peas
Plantains
Gizzadas
Fresh Fruit
Blue Mountain Coffee

Dining Etiquette
Remember how your parents used to tell you to keep your elbows off the table during meals? Or that it’s rude to slurp your soup? Well there’s good news guys, these American cultures and customs don’t always translate to other countries! While the local people you meet won’t expect you to be fluent in their language, culture and customs, it is important to familiarize yourself with them.
Here’s a few helpful tips:

1. Table manners are relatively informal.
2. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
3. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behavior.
4. Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
5. Table manners are Continental — the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
6. For formal occasions, meals are often served buffet-style.
7. Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start.
8. Try everything since it demonstrates graciousness.
9. Always use utensils to eat.
10. It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

Enjoy!