Coming from Trinidad to Jamaica, meals were always something to look forward to. My best memories involve gathering around the table for Sunday dinner, where my grandmother would cook up a storm.
But it wasn’t just the main dish that got us excited; it was the side dishes that made the meal truly special. Dishes like fried plantains or a big scoop of rice and peas were always packed with flavor and brought everything together.
Now, as an adult, I’ve realized just how essential those side dishes are to making a meal feel complete. If you’re looking to take your Jamaican meal to the next level, you’ve got to try these 15 Jamaican food side dishes that are sure to elevate your plate.
1. Rice and Peas
You can’t talk about Jamaican side dishes without starting with the classic rice and peas. This flavorful dish is made with red kidney beans (called “peas” in Jamaica), rice, and coconut milk, all seasoned with thyme, scallions, garlic, and a Scotch bonnet pepper for a hint of heat. It’s the perfect companion to jerk chicken, curry goat, or any other main dish, and the coconut milk gives the rice a creamy, rich texture.
2. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a sweet and savory side that’s simple yet delicious. Ripe plantains are sliced and fried until golden brown, resulting in crispy edges and a soft, sweet center.
They’re the perfect contrast to spicy mains like jerk pork or spicy shrimp. I always loved when my grandmother would fry plantains because it was like having dessert with dinner!
3. Festival
Festival is a popular Jamaican fried bread that’s slightly sweet and crunchy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. Made from a dough of flour, cornmeal, sugar, and water, festival pairs perfectly with fried fish or jerk dishes. The sweetness of the bread balances out the spiciness of the mains, making it a must-have at any Jamaican barbecue.
4. Bammy
Bammy is a traditional flatbread made from grated cassava that’s soaked in coconut milk and fried or steamed. It’s typically served with fried fish and has a slightly chewy texture that makes it a great side dish for soaking up sauces. If you’re a fan of coconut, you’ll love the subtle coconut flavor that comes from soaking the bammy.
5. Jamaican Coleslaw
Jamaican coleslaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that’s often served at barbecues and with fried chicken. It’s made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and sometimes a little onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. What sets Jamaican coleslaw apart is the slight hint of sweetness in the dressing, which helps to balance out spicy dishes.
6. Macaroni and Cheese (Jamaican Style)
Jamaican macaroni and cheese is a little different from the American version, but it’s just as delicious. It’s baked with a rich, cheesy sauce that often includes a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper for a touch of heat. The top gets nice and crispy, while the inside stays creamy and gooey. This cheesy side is perfect for rounding out a meal of jerk chicken or oxtail.
7. Callaloo
Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable similar to spinach, and it’s a staple in many Jamaican meals. Cooked down with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers, callaloo is both healthy and flavorful. It’s often served as a side to saltfish or other main dishes, and its slightly earthy taste complements the bold flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
8. Steamed Cabbage
Steamed cabbage is a simple, yet flavorful side dish that’s made by cooking cabbage with carrots, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes Scotch bonnet peppers. The vegetables are steamed until tender but still a little crisp, making it a light and healthy side option. Steamed cabbage is a great way to balance out richer, heavier dishes like curry goat or fried chicken.
9. Fried Dumplings (Johnny Cakes)
Fried dumplings, also known as Johnny cakes, are a popular Jamaican side dish that can be served with just about anything. They’re made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, and water, then fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy outside with a soft, fluffy inside. They’re perfect for soaking up gravies or enjoying with saltfish.
10. Sweet Potato Pudding
While technically a dessert, sweet potato pudding often makes an appearance on the dinner table as a side. This rich and spiced pudding is made with grated sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s baked until firm, and the result is a slightly sweet, moist dish that pairs surprisingly well with savory mains.
11. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a simple but flavorful side that’s made by cooking rice in coconut milk. The coconut milk gives the rice a creamy texture and a subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy or savory dishes. It’s a perfect side dish for curry chicken, jerk pork, or grilled fish, as the sweetness of the rice balances out the bolder flavors.
12. Green Banana
Green bananas are often boiled and served as a side dish in Jamaican cuisine. Unlike ripe bananas, green bananas are starchy and have a texture similar to potatoes when cooked. They’re a great side dish for stews, soups, and saltfish, and their mild flavor helps to soak up the flavors of the main dish.
13. Breadfruit
Breadfruit is another staple in Jamaican cuisine and can be boiled, fried, or roasted. When roasted, breadfruit has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a texture similar to that of potatoes. It’s commonly served with jerk chicken or saltfish, and it’s a great alternative to rice or other starchy sides.
14. Patties
While Jamaican patties are usually considered a main dish, they also make a fantastic side dish, especially when served with a lighter main like soup or salad. Patties are savory pastries filled with spiced beef, chicken, or vegetables. The flaky, golden crust and flavorful filling make patties a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
15. Roti
Roti is a type of flatbread that’s popular in the Caribbean, especially when paired with curry dishes. The bread is soft, chewy, and perfect for scooping up rich sauces. In Jamaica, roti is often served alongside curry chicken, goat, or even vegetables. It’s a versatile side that’s sure to elevate any meal with its soft texture and subtle flavor.
If you’re looking to elevate your Jamaican meal, these 15 side dishes are the perfect way to do it. Whether you prefer something light and fresh like steamed cabbage or something rich and hearty like rice and peas, Jamaican side dishes offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that complement any main dish.