Dining outside the home in Jamaica is more a practice than it is part of the culture. That is, dining out takes place out of need and we tend to eat the same dishes we prepare at home. On occasion one would venture out and explore dishes from other cultures; Chinese, Italian and Japanese are popular options. However, those cuisines are often prepared similar to Jamaican style and traditions. Jamaican mealtime preferences are largely shaped by our predominantly homogenous and proud culture — most prefer to consume their meals at home. The most popular form of dining out is purchasing a beef patty and coco bread or a cup of roadside soup on a long country ride. We all do this at least once a week. And almost everyone dines out at lunchtime. Jamaicans aren’t known for having sandwiches and/or salads as a meal — that’s because it’s a precursor to a meal. Also, most dishes, no matter the time of day, are prepared as a hot meal. Bringing your lunch to work is a rare practice. A hot meal is expected to be provided and/or arranged by the employer. Most office buildings and schools are equipped with a kitchen for cooking and staff ready to prepare meals throughout the day. Even contracting and independent days’ workers around the home prepare a hot lunch as the midday meal. We’re serious about food.
The idea of “fast food” restaurants is lost on Jamaica and a complete oxymoron to be honest. Yes, you’ll find the well known and a few local brands operating in this arena, but waiting and waiting for extremely long periods is not uncommon at these franchises. In fact, if it is a Friday or a Saturday night, good luck. Take it as a sign that it is time to start dieting and sit this one out because they will either not have what you wanted due to high demand and/or you’re eating well past 10pm. It’s baffling because these incidents are weekly occurrences and almost accepted as a part of the dining-out experience. This is partly due to the meticulous character and nature of Jamaicans. We are thorough in all that we do and so the natural process of fast food to precook and then reheat will not stand with Jamaican consumers. I remember when the popular golden arches arrived in Jamaica, only to close its doors ten years later. Whatever the reasons, one was largely due to lack of research of how Jamaicans enjoy food. I believe my family might have visited a handful of times during its tenure. That’s a lot of Friday nights spent eating elsewhere. It is quite comforting though, to be known and be of value, and uphold high standards even when the rest of the world falls at their feet. Also, the burgers were simply too small for the oftentimes insatiable Jamaican appetite.
Now eat-in, server, and reservations-required dining is becoming more popular, but mostly in resort towns and on resort properties. Lets just say, all things are possible here. I can’t say I have had much experience outside the resorts to fully provide an honest and current critique. The resorts of course, hands down, are where top notch service and accommodations are to be expected. Outside the resorts it is likely a hit or miss. Dining out is not one of our strong points, at least not as it should be. However, things are changing and I’m not giving up just yet and neither should you. One thing for sure that Jamaica is never short on, and that is a good meal.