Jamaica has been synonymous with great food for many years. Jamaican food is not haute cuisine; rather it is good down to earth finger licking good. Jerk is one of the most renowned styles of cooking to come out of Jamaica. How many persons have not a good piece of Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork? Food Network and chefs like Bobby Flay has featured this popular style of grilling and smoking meats on their programs.

But what makes Jamaican food so special? The people and culture of the island is one of effervescent nature and this comes out in the food. Being Caribbean, Jamaican food has long being known to being well seasoned and spicy. Traditional seasonings include world famous pimientos (not to confused with pepper) and scotch bonnet peppers. These are two staples found in most Jamaican meat dishes.

Typical Jamaican Meals

Jamaican mealtimes differ in the type of food served. While in the Northern countries a light breakfast with traditional breakfast items are served in Jamaica, what goes for dinner is also had at breakfast and lunch. Jamaican mealtimes also do not follow a set pattern, dinner is anything after lunch and there is no supper.

A typical breakfast would be a plate of ackee and saltfish served with boiled dumplings, boiled green bananas and boiled yellow yam. The dish could also have fried dumplings as an accompaniment. Other breakfast meats include Curried Chicken, Stewed Chicken, Brown Stewed Fish, Corned Beef & Cabbage or Liver.

Tea in Jamaica is normally, a cup of real grated raw chocolate, or what is known as bush tea. Bush tea is any non-poisonous plant that is used to make a tea. A large number of Jamaican however do favour porridge as a morning staple and this is either cornmeal, oats (oatmeal), banana, carrot, peanut or hominy (corn). This is normally spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and sweetened condensed milk.

Common snacks for visitors to enjoy include banana and plantain chips, tamarind balls, grater cakes and coconut gizzardas. One cannot visit Jamaica without trying Jamaican patties. Tastee or Juici Beef are the recommended picks.

Shopping

There are many great places to visit in Jamaica fr shopping. There are duty free and in bond shops as well as craft villages and small stores where you can get great merchandise. To get the good values though, it night be better to buy from stores as their prices are set. Unfortunately, some craft vendors will hike their prices for tourists (this is not a Jamaican only phenomenon). Do not be afraid to check around the stores and markets for bargains before you buy.

Prices for goods and souvenirs are normally quoted in US dollars especially in the tourist areas. The exchange rate in Jamaica hovers around J$65 to US$1. Do not change currencies with hawkers on the street, rather cambio stores give you the best rate for your dollar.

Tourist Hot Spots

Visiting Jamaica means that going to the beach is necessary. Negril's’ famous 7-mile stretch is always a romantic favourite and the sunset is spectacular from that end of the island. If you are adventurous visit Ricks Café, where you can dine, watch the sunset or jump off the cliff into the crystal waters of the bay below. And, for the ultra adventurous, Hedonism offers the option of leaving your clothes off.

In Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is the must see attraction as well as Dolphin Cove where you can swim with the dolphin s well as take a nature hike. Book your stay at one of our world famous all-inclusive hotels and start living the Irie life. Ocho Rios and the Island Village come alive at night. There are many things to do and places to stay. Do not forget Margueritaville, world famous hot spot in all three tourist cities.

Montego Bay is the second city on the island and it is a fun city with many attractions and great shopping. The Hip Strip is a must as the entire city revolves around this stretch as the best foods, hotels and night life can be found here. The beaches in Montego Bay are also some of the best in the world.

Best-Kept Secrets

The South Coast of the islands has some of the best-kept treasures. Visit Hellshire for the tastiest fried fish and festival, and they do have a good beach as well. Little Ochie, just outside of Mandeville, has some of the best seafood dishes in the island with a relaxed island feel and taste. Meals prepared fresh. You choose your meal and watch it prepared. Portland to the east is not to be outdone and the world-renowned Boston Jerk Chicken & Pork can be found here. The best marinas are also found in this quaint little town.

There is a lot to see, do and taste in Jamaica, so book early and see what the Reggae Vibe is all about.

About the Author : Kimberly Valentine is a Business Consultant for over 9 years who blogs about internet business interests. She also runs http://www.jamaicastores.com for Jamaican Products. Source: www.isnare.com