Jamaica is known for several distinct flavors, but jerk truly sets it apart. Jamaican jerk is world famous and can now be found in cities across the globe. But the best place to taste it is always at the source.
 
Jerk is a style of cooking (native to Jamaica), in which meats are rubbed with a spice rub made from allspice (pimento), cinnamon, peppers, onion, thyme and garlic and marinated for hours before cooking. After marinating, the meat is placed on raised platforms of pimento wood over hot coals to slowly roast for hours.
 
Jerk had its genesis in the hilly interior of the island. The Maroons (freed slaves who settled in the mountains) devised this cooking method to preserve meats. Today, jerk is found in a multitude of forms: from the traditional jerk pork or chicken to jerk sausage or jerk lobster and crab. You can even find jerk ackee (Jamaica’s national fruit) or tofu at some restaurants.
 
There are dozens of restaurants and cook shops across the island that either specialize in jerk cuisine or include it on their daily menu. However, if you want to participate in the jerk experience, here are some options:
 
Jerk Trail: The jerk trail was created to assist visitors with navigating the island’s many jerk stops, from favorite roadside stands to more traditional restaurants. This island-wide culinary tour is self-guided and includes 22 spicy stops from Negril at the western tip of the island to Port Antonio in the east. jamaicajerktrail.com
 
Portland Jerk Festival: The parish of Portland is the birthplace of jerk, which makes the Portland Jerk Festival the best way to celebrate this spicy food in its many forms.
Now in its 14th year, this year’s festival is scheduled for July 7 at the Folly Ruins in Port Antonio. In addition to the culinary side, Jamaican music and entertainment for kids are also featured. portlandjerkfestival.com
 
Boston Bay: Jerk Capital of Jamaica
Located in the parish of Portland, Boston Bay is where jerk first became popular. Year-round, Boston Bay and the surrounding roads are lined with a variety of jerk stalls. A visit here is a great way to rub shoulders with locals and grab a picnic before heading down to the beach.