After 11 years, the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival continues to live up to its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier food events, earning the title of Best Culinary Festival from the World Culinary Awards for two consecutive years.
Hosted by CB Foods, the highly anticipated celebration brings together talented chefs from across the Caribbean to Kingston, Jamaica, where they showcase their creativity and expertise through innovative, flavor-packed dishes.
“The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival stands out because it’s not just a food event—it’s a premium, curated culinary experience that blends global standards with distinctly Jamaican culture,” says Kathryn Royes, hospitality manager for Jamaica Food & Drink Festival.
“Unlike traditional food festivals focused on street food or volume, this festival elevates the many dimensions of Jamaican cuisine into a chef-led experience with local flavors.
Instead of one large gathering, it’s a series of curated events, each with its own identity, which creates variety in audience, price point, and experience.”
This year’s participants included Trinidadian chef Brigette Joseph, Jamaican chef Dominic Pearson of Dom’s Pizza, Jamaican-American chef Scotley Innis of Continent Restaurant and Cigar Bar, and Jamaican plant-based chefs Christopher and Lisa Binns of Stush in the Bush.
It was my first time in Jamaica, so attending the lauded culinary festival was an absolute treat. I braced myself (and my stomach) for the four-day food explosion, held from March 5-8, 2026.
Kuyah
Things officially kicked off on Thursday, March 5, at Festival Marketplace, a waterfront location in downtown Kingston. I mingled with locals and chefs alike while indulging in delicious food and drinks that had my taste buds singing with every bite and sip.
The theme for the night was Kuyah (Jamaican Food. Reimagined), and the chefs delivered. From contemporary dishes like oxtail pizza to pulled jerk pork and pan chicken, the options were endless.
Chef Pearson shared what it was like to participate in this year’s festival. “The thing I most looked forward to was the opportunity to share my food with so many people,” he says. “I mostly do catering and occasional pop-ups (30-40 pizzas), so my reach is relatively small. Kuyah was 900+ guests. More people had my pizza in a single night than [they] probably did in the past year.”
The night ended with a special performance from Grammy-nominated reggae singer Jesse Royal, who kept the positive energy going throughout the evening.
Decade 2.0
While Thursday night drew a big crowd and offered limitless food options, nothing could have prepared me for Friday night. With the theme of Decade 2.0, the festival took over Sabina Park, a historic cricket stadium in Kingston. Food and drink booths circled the perimeter of the stadium while a stage and a dance floor took over the center.
I was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of grub that was available. From celebrity chef Wenford Simpson to chef Alexa Von Strolley, both specializing in elaborate Jamaican fare, I was enjoying it all. No festival is complete without music, and DJ Bloodline Franco set the vibes with reggae, dancehall, and soca, as I danced the night away.
Meet Street & The Market
Saturday was an all-day affair called the Meet Street & The Market. Held at the lush Hope Gardens, the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival collaborated with the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival to bring a dynamic experience of street food and coffee.
While it may sound like an unorthodox combination, it was actually a match made in heaven. Coffee is one of Jamaica’s most beloved exports, enjoyed by millions around the world. In addition, there was a mix of food trucks, bars, and local artisans. Grammy-nominated reggae singer Etana closed the festival by performing many of her hits.
Brunch
The final day of the festival was brunch. Located at a private mansion in the mountains, I was bowled over by the breathtaking views. I could see the city of Kingston and the blue Caribbean Ocean below.
There were several food stations, including a dessert bar and specialty cocktails crafted just for the occasion. The brunch also included a live singer and an art activation that featured painting.
It was the perfect way to wrap up the four-day feast. Overall, the festival highlighted how Caribbean food can be just as elevated as any other cuisine.
“The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival showcases Jamaica not only as a gastronomy destination but as a cultural and lifestyle brand,” Royes says. “It’s as much about nation branding as it is about enjoying great food.”
From the fare to the execution, the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival certainly excelled as being one of the best culinary experiences out there. As the event continues to expand, I look forward to seeing how its impact influences the food scene beyond the Caribbean.