5 Jamaican Dishes You Should Try at Your Next Event

When you think about Jamaican food, you might think about bold flavors, aromatic spices, colorful dishes, and food that brings people together around the table.

At Zeejays Jerk & Catering, Jamaican food is more than what we serve—it is part of our culture and our family. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday celebration, church gathering, school event, staff luncheon, or family gathering, adding Jamaican-inspired dishes to your menu can bring something unique and flavorful to your event.

Here are five Jamaican favorites we think you should try at your next gathering!

1. Jerk Chicken 

No Jamaican food conversation would be complete without jerk chicken.

Jerk is one of Jamaica's most well known styles of cooking. Chicken is seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, peppers, and seasonings before being cooked to create a dish that is savory, aromatic, and full of Caribbean flavor.

One of the things we love about jerk chicken is its versatility. It can be served at everything from a casual family gathering to a wedding or large celebration.

Perfect for: Weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, parties, school and church events.

Try it with: Rice and peas, vegetables, festival, or a fresh salad.

2. Curry Chicken 

If you're looking for something comforting, flavorful, and full of warmth, Jamaican curry chicken is a great choice.

Jamaican curry chicken is prepared with seasoned chicken and a blend of curry and other aromatic spices. The result is a rich and savory dish that pairs beautifully with traditional Jamaican sides.

Curry chicken is also a wonderful option when you're serving a group because it offers guests something different from the traditional fried or baked chicken options often found at events.

Perfect for: Family gatherings, church events, business lunches, celebrations, and community events.

Try it with: Rice and peas, white rice, vegetables, or salad.

3. Oxtail 

For many Jamaican families, oxtail is a special occasion favorite.

Slow cooked until tender, oxtail is known for its rich flavor and hearty texture. It is often served with a flavorful gravy that makes it especially delicious alongside rice and peas.

Oxtail can bring an elevated touch to a catering menu and is a wonderful choice when you're looking for something hearty and memorable.

Perfect for: Weddings, milestone celebrations, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, and special dinners.

Try it with: Rice and peas, vegetables, plantains, or salad.

4. Escovitch Fish 

For seafood lovers, escovitch fish is a Jamaican favorite worth trying.

Escovitch fish combines seasoned, fried fish with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and peppers. The combination creates a dish that is both vibrant and full of Caribbean character.

The colorful presentation also makes it a beautiful addition to a catered meal.

Perfect for: Weddings, family celebrations, dinner events, holiday gatherings, and special occasions.

Try it with: Festival, rice, vegetables, or your favorite Jamaican sides.

5. Festival 

No Jamaican spread feels quite complete without festival!

Festival is a traditional Jamaican fried dough that is slightly sweet and pairs especially well with savory dishes. It is commonly enjoyed alongside jerk chicken and other flavorful Jamaican meals.

Its unique combination of sweet and savory makes it a fun addition to a catering menu, and it is something many guests may be trying for the first time.

Perfect for: Parties, weddings, family gatherings, school events, and casual celebrations.

Try it with: Jerk chicken, jerk pork, escovitch fish, or your favorite entrée.

Bringing Jamaican Flavor to Your Next Event

One of our favorite things about Jamaican food is that there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy chicken, seafood, hearty meals, or flavorful sides, Jamaican cuisine offers a variety of dishes that can make your event memorable.

At Zeejays Jerk & Catering, we love creating menus that bring people together and give our customers an opportunity to experience the flavors we grew up with.

Whether you're planning a wedding, school event, church gathering, business luncheon, birthday, family celebration, or holiday event, we'd love to help you create a menu that fits your occasion.

Ready to Bring Some Jamaican Flavor to Your Event?

Let Zeejays Jerk & Catering serve your next gathering.

Zeejays Jerk & Catering
FamilyOwned. Caribbean Inspired. Made With Care.

From our family to your table. ❤️