Our vegan friendly travel destination of the week is Jamaica!!!
Jamaica is not just a lush topography of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches. It’s famed as the birthplace of reggae music and the infamous singer, Bob Marley. Yet, Jamaica is even more than that. Jamaica could easily be a vegan paradise. It’s tropical climate offers a robust array of fruits and vegetables. The result, an abundance of well-seasoned, flavorful cuisine and nutrient-dense natural juices.
Jamaican cuisine is heavily influenced by Asian culture, particularly Indian. In fact, the Jamaican Rastafarians I-tal vegan diet was adopted from indentured Indian servants. Ital is a vegetarian diet principally intended to improve health and energy. It is thought that being vegetarian is to be closer to the universal energy and life force and to avoid bringing death to God’s creatures.
Restaurants in Jamaica, though not all exclusively vegan, offer no shortage of vegan options. Let’s check out some of the most popular options.
First up is Veggie Meals on Wheels, also known as the ‘no bone zone.’ Located in Kingston, Veggie Meals on Wheels is most well-known for serving the best curried ackee anywhere on the island. This little rustic gem serves up some of the most appetizing dishes that even meat lovers can appreciate. Some of their tasty offerings include veggie wrap, veggie balls, burgers, garden salad, ital stew, tofu fajita and the Nanny meal.
New Leaf Vegetarian is a great lunch time stop offering food on the go such as Jamaican doubles and veggie burgers. You may especially enjoy the falafel platter, deliciously comprised of crispy chick pea patties on a bread of fresh salad topped with tahini sauce, served with hummus and pita bread. Then, should you desire to indulge your sweet tooth they also have heavenly vegan pastries.
Mi Hungry Whol’-Some Food is a raw vegan restaurant with dishes that are as delicious as they are aesthetically pleasing. They also have the most delicious juices.
Quintessentially Jamaican, Just Natural is a jumble of tables set in a lush, tropical garden at the southern end of the West End strip. Just Natural serves up delectable menu favorites such as vegetarian burgers and vegetarian lasagna. You’ll definitely want to check out this hidden gem on the cliffs.
Natural Touch Vegetarian Cafe is the beloved foodie destination for those with a no-meat penchant. Natural Touch guarantees a lasting experience with refreshing, authentic vegetarian food. Natural Touch offers a variety of items such as patties, lasagna, wraps, stews and juices.
Join STUSH in the BUSH for a farm to table lunch then get a piece of history on a walking tour of their 15 acre certified organic farm called Zionites. STUSH in the BUSH isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a culinary and educational experience. Offering 4 or 6 course spreads, STUSH in the BUSH offers a delightfully refreshing vegan culinary experience of the mind, body and palette. It’s literally confetti on a plate! As your main course try their lovingly prepared, slender Haricots Verts bathed in garlic and olive oil. Or perhaps their Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Gratin, Fresh Herb Roasted Potatoes and Watermelon Radish with STUSH in BUSH Chimichurri or Basil Pesto will temp your palette. Honeyed Coriander Carrots or Ratatouille with fresh basil and oregano is also a good option. Appetizers, soups, salads, juices and deserts are equally exquisite.
A beloved ‘chill’ space, Ini Ital Rastarant is a vegan restaurant serving Ital food at the greenfaith ministry and tabernacle outreach center. Rastafarian ital food dishes and island tropical deserts Ini Ital Rastarant are a must try. When you go there be sure to try the Rasta Pasta. It’s a vegan favorite.
Ras Rody’s Organic Kitchen has been an icon of Ital food & Rasta philosophy for over 20 years in Negril, Jamaica. Ras Rody’s is a street side cafe where everything is vegan. Their delicious home style soups are a vegan favorite. Definitely add this gem to your list. Ras Rody’s is the ultimate Jamaican food experience.
Rasta Ade Refreshments is likely the best food you’ll find on the 7 mile beach. It’s vegan greatness! Try their enormous breakfast and dinner platters that are easily enough for two. A platter of vegan bliss, for dinner enjoy the succulent flavors of curried chickpeas, callaloo, fried breadfruit, plantain, brown rice and salad. Then wash it down with some Rasta Lemonade. After that, the remainder of your stay will be irie!
Do you agree that Jamaica is a vegan friendly travel destination? Have you been there? If so where did you get your favorite vegan eats?
