3 Jamaican Takeout Options You'll Definitely Want To Try

Do you have a hankering for some delicious Jamaican flavors? Fortunately for you, Jamaican cuisine is quickly becoming more and more commonplace across the globe. Jamaican cuisine is both flavorful and filling, from savory jerk chicken to hearty beef patties.

But if you don't have time or the resources to travel to Jamaica, takeout is always an option. So, without further ado, here are three Jamaican takeout options you'll definitely want to try.

Jerk Chicken 

This is perhaps the most famous dish in Jamaican cuisine. It features chicken marinated in a spicy mixture of scallions, thyme, allspice, and hot peppers before being grilled over pimento wood.

Many Jamaican restaurants serve their own version of this dish, and it's always worth trying. You can order it on its own or as part of a meal combo with sides like rice and peas or a festival (a fried dumpling). Rice and peas pair perfectly due to the sweetness of the peas and the warmth of the rice.

Ackee and Saltfish

Although less well-known than jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish is just as delicious. It's traditionally eaten for breakfast but can be enjoyed any time of day.

The dish features salted cod fish sautéed with onions, peppers, and tomatoes, served alongside boiled ackee (a fruit that tastes similar to scrambled eggs). It's often served with sides like plantains or fried dumplings.

The cod fish provides a nice salty contrast to the sweetness of the ackee, making it an ideal combination. It also packs a good amount of protein, making it an excellent meal for any time of day.

You can even order a variation of the dish with fish or shrimp instead of cod fish. These two variations are equally delicious, so it's up to you to decide what you like best.

Curry Goat

Curry is not unique to Jamaican cuisine, but Jamaican-style curry often includes unique spices like allspice and scotch bonnet peppers. Allspice is especially prevalent, as it adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish. The scotch bonnet peppers provide some heat as well with their mild spiciness.

Curry goat is a classic Jamaican dish featuring slow-cooked goat meat cooked in a flavorful mix of onions, garlic, and spices. It's often served with steamed rice or a side of plantains.

The dish is surprisingly light despite its rich flavor, making it a great dinner option. It also freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Now that you know a bit more about Jamaican cuisine, hopefully, you're feeling inspired to try some of these takeout options. If you're looking for a spicy jerk chicken, a hearty curry goat, or something in between, there's something for everyone in Jamaican cuisine.

And if you're feeling adventurous, try making some of these dishes at home with the help of a Jamaican cookbook or an online recipe. Your taste buds will thank you! 

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