The festive season is upon and it would be amiss to go through the festive season without enjoying some tasty Jamaican dishes that make Christmas special.

From the gungo peas and rice to the refreshing sorrel drink, there are some dishes that Jamaicans enjoy with family and friends every festive season.

In the true Jamaican style, Our Today has put together a list of some must-have dishes this festive season.

Curried goat

Curried goat meat is a popular Jamaican dish enjoyed on many occasions, including during the festive season. The curry goat is a dish made from goat meat, formally known as chevon but is more commonly referred to as ‘mutton’, and is generally prepared with curry infused with other spices.

This protein is commonly served with white rice or gungo peas and rice at the dinner table.

Ham

In many parts of the world, ham is a common dish that is enjoyed during the festive season. This is a similar case for Jamaica. Ham is a go-to protein dish for many people because it’s rich and savory in flavor.

Ham is also a versatile dish because it can be used to make different dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Chicken

Chicken of all sorts is a common dish that is enjoyed throughout the year but it always seems to taste better during the festive season. Whether it is baked, fried, stewed, or jerked, chicken is a popular protein that is a must-have at the dinner table during the festive season.

Roast pork

Another popular Jamaican protein that many people enjoy during the festive season is roast pork. This dish is generally prepared by infusing spices and seasonings, which make it a delicious and flavourful option.

Gungo peas and rice

The popular gungo peas and rice is another common staple that is enjoyed during the festive season.

Infused with coconut milk, and natural seasonings such as thyme, scallion, pepper, and spices, the Jamaican gungo peas and rice is a go-to dish for many locals during the festive season.

Sorrel drink

The sorrel drink has been the traditional Jamaican go-to drink for many Jamaicans during the festive season. The sorrel drink is prepared from the sorrel plant that is grown locally in Jamaica and infused with ginger, making it a refreshing drink. Alcohol lovers may also choose to add white rum or wine to give that extra kick.

Potato salad

Potato salad or raw vegetables is a common delicacy that is enjoyed at the Jamaican dinner table during the festive season. This dish is generally enjoyed as a side dish, along with gungo peas and rice and ham.

Christmas cake

A slice of Jamaican fruit cake, accompanied by a glass of sorrel drink, is a common delicacy enjoyed at Christmastime. The Jamaican fruit cake is generally infused with fruits, spices and wine and/or rum.