
Happy 3 days before Jamaican Independence Day everyone! This Friday, August 6th, is Jamaica’s 59th anniversary of independence. It is only right to celebrate with everything Jamaica. From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, Jamaicans take pride in our culture to another level. If you know any Jamaicans then you know I’m not lying LOL. In honor of Jamaican Independence Day I’m sharing 3 Jamaican Recipe Favorites for all of you looking for ways to celebrate through delicious food.
If you’ve been here for a while then you know I am half Jamaican and half Belizean. (See you next month for Belize Independence Day!) I was raised by my Belizean family but still taught to appreciate my Jamaican roots. As I have gotten old enough to learn on my own I’ve become even more prideful of both cultures I come from. All of the Jamaican recipes I share are self taught. Since I did not grow up close to my Jamaican family I made it a mission to learn how to make these dishes to pass on to my girls. Whose Dad is also half Jamaican. These 3 Jamaican Recipe Favorites are more than just delicious foods we enjoy. It’s a small but powerful connection I create and feel towards my culture. A feeling I pray I am able to pass on to my girls for them to pass on for many generations to come.
Let’s go ahead and jump into these recipes. And while I’m sharing also think of your own Jamaican recipe favorites. Feel free to share them so I can make note for possible future recipes!
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage:
This classic vegetable side is a staple for dinner plates. Especially for my favorite Jamaican dish, oxtail. There is truly something spiritual about a delicious plate of oxtail, rice & peas, plantain, and Jamaican Steamed Cabbage.
Jamaican Rum Punch:

Did somebody say Wray & Nephew? If there is one thing Jamaica figured out it’s how to create a very strong white rum. A white rum that is the expected rum at all Jamaican get togethers, mixed drinks, and rum punch recipes. Be careful with this recipe though. It tastes so good and the strength of the alcohol can easily sneak up on you!
Jamaican Fried Dumplings:
If you’re like me when you see Jamaican fried dumplings you immediately start looking for ackee & saltfish LOL. Although these perfectly golden balls of fried dough taste amazing on their own, they are even better when paired with a delicious dish like Jamaica’s National dish: ackee & saltfish.
I remember there being a rhyme for Jamaican Rum Punch in my family but trying to remember it!!!
1 of strong,2of sweet,3 of sour ,4 of weak?
I haven’t heard that before but it sounds awesome for a recipe!