How Does the Food in Portland Compare to Montego Bay, Jamaica?

Question from Darren, California:

"Is there a difference between the food in Portland vs Montego Bay? I’m a foodie and want to taste it all!"

Answer by Wellesley:

Hey Darren! Great question, and as a foodie, you’re in for a treat because Portland and Montego Bay both offer amazing but distinctly different culinary experiences in Jamaica.

Portland – The Heart of Authentic, Rustic Jamaican Cuisine:

Portland is known for its more authentic, rustic, and earthy flavors. This is where you’ll find some of Jamaica’s most iconic street food and traditional dishes. Think Boston Jerk Pork and Chicken, which originated right here in the Boston area of Portland. The jerk here is cooked over pimento wood with a spicy, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

Portland is also famous for its fresh seafood, thanks to its pristine coastal waters. You can’t miss out on a trip to the Blue Lagoon for a seafood feast or a plate of freshly grilled lobster and fish at spots like Long Bay and Winnifred Beach.

Montego Bay – The Hub of International and Fusion Flavors:

Montego Bay, on the other hand, is a tourism hotspot, so the food scene here is a mix of traditional Jamaican fare and international fusion cuisine. You’ll find high-end restaurants serving Jamaican-European fusion dishes, beachfront grills offering jerk chicken and pork, and local eateries dishing out curry goat, oxtail, and fried fish.

The Hip Strip is the place to be for a mix of local and international flavors, and the seafood offerings are just as good, but often more refined and geared toward tourists.

Which One to Choose?

If you’re looking for the raw, authentic Jamaican food experience, Portland is the place to go. For a more diverse, upscale dining experience with a mix of local and international options, Montego Bay has plenty to offer.

My advice? Visit both. Start in Portland for the real-deal jerk and Ital food, then head over here to Montego Bay (my hometown) to indulge in high-end Jamaican fusion dishes and beachside seafood platters.