Out of many, one people. Our nation’s motto perfectly describes how peoples from several different continents and races have come together to create the culturally rich Jamaica we know and love today. About 90 per cent of the population is of African descent, but the contribution of other ethnic groups such as the East Indians, Chinese, Germans, Jews, and Syrians/Lebanese to the ‘melting pot’ of our culture must also be acknowledged.
Speaking of this melting pot, Jamaican cuisine is also very diverse, with elements of each of these ethnic groups all mixed in. In honour of Heritage Month, today we share some recipes traditionally associated with each group.
Amerindian heritage
African heritage
East Indian heritage
Chinese heritage
European heritage
Middle Eastern Heritage
Jewish heritage
