Jamaica has claimed its place at the very top of the region’s culinary map. 

Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) has once again been named ‘Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival’ at the prestigious World Culinary Awards, earning its third title after back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.

This historic three-peat firmly positions Kingston as the region’s culinary capital and JFDF as the benchmark for Caribbean gastronomy; an experience that doesn’t simply showcase Jamaican food culture but defines the standard against which others are measured.

Now in its 11th staging, JFDF has evolved from a bold local festival to a globally recognised culinary experience. Over four carefully curated days, the festival blends high-level cuisine, authentic Jamaican storytelling, world-class entertainment and electric island energy. It has attracted coverage from Forbes, international travel media and some of the world’s most sought-after chefs and creators; all drawn to Kingston to witness how Jamaica does food.

Beyond the plates and performances, JFDF’s triumph speaks to something bigger: the growing global respect for Caribbean culinary excellence and Jamaica’s leadership in that movement.

From homegrown chefs making waves internationally to the festival’s ability to merge tradition and innovation, JFDF has become both a cultural export and a symbol of national pride.

“This win means everything to us,” said festival director Alicia Bouges. “Three time winners…that’s not luck. That’s legacy. It’s proof that when Jamaica shows up, we set the standard. JFDF has become the blueprint for how a culinary festival in this region should look, feel and taste. We’ve built something the world is watching; something that honours our culture, celebrates our people and inspires others across the Caribbean. Kingston is no longer just hosting a festival; we are leading a movement. And this award is a reminder that the flavour of the Caribbean begins right here in Jamaica.”

The 2025 staging of the festival takes place from November 13–16, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of local and international chefs, culinary creatives and cultural tastemakers.