For many people, one of the great things about a Caribbean vacation is the food. With the growing popularity of vegetarianism, there are now more opportunities to experience flavorful vegetarian dishes highlighting local produce and cooking styles in Jamaica. Recent years have seen an increase in vegetarian restaurants.
Ras Rody’s Roadside Organic is about 20 minutes to the southwest of Negril and offers an excellent example of one of the types of vegetarian restaurant found tucked away here and there on the island, if you know where to look. The dishes on the menu feature home grown organic vegetables, raised by the family that runs the restaurant. The menu varies with the availability of ingredients, but the food is always fairly inexpensive and very fresh. The soups are especially notable. Indeed, some even refer to the cook as an artist, as his food has as much visual appeal as it does flavor.
Kingston has its share of quality vegetarian restaurants, as well. One of the top rated all vegetarian dining spots is found at Hope Gardens, just off of Hope Road. Ashante Oasis Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes traditional vegetarian favorites, such as veggies burgers, with a splash of island flavor and a hint of the east in the chutneys the burgers are served with. In addition to familiar fare, specials change daily, and are made of the freshest possible local produce. Tropical fruit juices are among the beverages served at this reasonably priced restaurant set in a lovely atmosphere complete with a waterfall.
Also in Kingston, affordable and open daily, is the Eden Vegetarian Restaurant. Located at 13 Constant Spring Road, this restaurant offers sit down dining and take out, as well as a variety of vegetarian groceries and other products. The menu has a variety of standard vegetarian fare, as well as offerings that feature traditional Jamaican seasonings and local tropical fruits and vegetables.
In addition to a variety of all vegetarian restaurants, many other restaurants have vegetarian dishes available as well. Restaurants, such as Akbar’s, in Kingston, that serve Indian and Pakistani dishes are good bets, as are eateries that cater to a Rastafarian clientele, as they tend to be vegetarians.
Eating vegetarian in Jamaica has never been easier or more flavorful. There are numerous choices throughout the island for enjoying a broad range of vegetarian cuisine. There is no better way to experience the wealth of tropical produce and Jamaican spice that the island has to offer than the clean flavors of quality vegetarian food.