Montego Bay

Top Montego Bay activities

Montego Bay trip ideas

[PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Private Jamaican Food Tasting Tour from Montego Bay

From $190.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

3 to 4 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay Private and Customized Highlights Day Tour

190

from $62.56

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour

from $100.00

Price varies by group size

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Private Negril Day Trip

from $135.00

Per group

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Explore Jamaica through its cuisine on this private food-tasting tour. With a guide, taste local dishes such as ackee and saltfish, curry goat, and, of course, flavorful jerk chicken. Plus, stop at a fruit stand to sample fresh fruits and other treats not found at hotels. Learn about the history behind the dishes and how they are made, and gain insight into the daily lives of Jamaicans.

Private Jamaican food tour from Montego Bay, Negril, or Grand Palladium
Get a taste of Jamaica as you try dishes like the famous jerk chicken
Enjoy fresh fruit from a side-of-the-road stand
Learn about authentic Jamaican cuisine from a private guide

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by private vehicle
Professional driver/guide
Drinks
Food tasting at each stop

Souvenirs
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We pickup from all resorts and Airbnbs

What To Expect

After hotel pickup, your Montego Bay food tour starts as you meet your guide set off on your culinary adventure around the area, learning about authentic Jamaican food made within local communities.

You might try jerk chicken, one of the most common dishes eaten in Jamaica, with jerk stands found along the sides of roads. Learn about the term 'jerk' and how it refers to both the way the chicken (or pork, fish, or goat) is grilled and the seasoning itself. Jerking has changed over the years from pit fires to cooking over barrels filled with charcoal.

Other dishes you may try include grilled fresh fish; fruit from one of the many stands on the side of the road selling bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelon, coconut, or sugarcane; a quick meal known as a Jamaican patty, a flaky pastry with different fillings, most commonly seasoned ground beef, known as a beef patty (other fillings might include shrimp, veggies, lobster, or cheese); and coco bread, which is made with a hint of coconut and is a bit starchy and sweet, often paired with a patty.

When your tour is over, you are returned to your pickup location.

Note: This tour picks up from Negril, Grand Palladium, and Montego Bay locations. Availability of food will depend on the day and what's in season.

Scotchies

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

65 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 65 reviews

Great Food Experience with Charles

Parker_S, Mar 2024

Charles was a great guide into the wonderful food of Jamaica. We were shocked how much better the food and especially the fruit was outside the resort. From the great conversation to education as well as making sure the trip was comfortable, easily 5 star 🌟 review and a highlight of our trip.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring Jamaica's delicious food with me. Introducing visitors to the amazing flavors and variety of our local cuisine is always a pleasure. I'm happy to hear you found the experience comfortable, educational, and enjoyable. Your 5-star review means a lot to me, and I'm honored to have been a highlight of your trip. If you ever find yourself back in Jamaica, I'd love to share more memorable experiences with you! Many blessings Alrick (Charles) & Team

Mobay food tour

Arianna_K, Mar 2024

Charles was an amazing guide who had us laughing from the moment he picked us up. We got to try delicious fruit and some vegan options as well as some meats prepared jerk style and common snacks. We loved the curried goat- it’s a definite must try:)

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Arianna Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review on my Food Tour, and thanks for laughing at my jokes! I am glad you enjoyed the day and all the delicious food. Many blessings, and hope to see you again soon Alrick (Charles) and Team

Fantastic tour

Colleen_W, Feb 2024

Charles was our guide for the day and he was AMAZING!!! He was so nice and very knowledgeable about the food and how it’s grown and made. We learned so much about the Jamaican culture as it relates to food. Would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Colleen - Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I'm happy to hear that you had a great time on the Food Tour. I enjoyed the day and looking forward to your return visit! Many blessings! Alrick & Team

Up Close and Personal Jamaican Culture Experience

Zacharia_V, Dec 2023

Our tour guide, Charles was AMAZING! He guided us on an up close and personal tour of a variety of Jamaican cuisines. There was so much food that we could not eat it all.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review on our Food Tour! This is one of our favorite tours because we are able to showcase the great food of our culture, and who doesn't love to eat ? Thanks for a great day and we're looking forward to your return visit. Many blessings Alrick (aka Charles & Team)

Highly recommended

Viama_T, Dec 2023

Our tour guide was very pleasant on time and respectful. He extremely knowledgeable on the history of Jamaica. Highly recommended if you wanna do something a little bit different and fun.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you for sharing your positive experience regarding your Taste Tour of Jamaica. We're happy to hear that your guide was not only pleasant, on time, and respectful but also extremely knowledgeable about the history of Jamaica. We appreciate your recommendation for those seeking something different and fun to do in Jamaica. Creating unique and memorable experiences for our guests is our top priority! We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future. Many blessings Alrick & Team

Alrick was amazing

Charriana_S, Nov 2023

We had a wonderful tour guide whose name was Alrick.He was very knowledgeable and fun.I definitely recommend going on this tour.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed my Jamaican Food Tour! Thanks for laughing at my jokes and being open-minded about trying new food. Looking forward to your return visit. Many blessings Alrick & Team

Jamaica taste wonderful

Corey_M, Oct 2023

The experience was great there is nothing our driver miss from entering the vehicle to breakfast lunch ,dinner this was a wonderful experience.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your Food Tour! We pride ourselves in making sure our guest are taken care of from the second you hop in the vehicle until you leave. Happy to hear you had such a good time. Looking forward to your next visit Many blessings Alrick & Team

A great way to start the day!

Jessica_G, Oct 2023

The food was very good and the guide was personable. He took time to explain some things about the culture and answer any questions that we had.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of your private Jamaican Food Tour! We are happy to hear that your guide was personable and you were able to learn more about our culture as well as eat great food! Looking forward to your return visit Many blessings Alrick & Team

A Captivating Culinary Experience with Charles in Negril, Jamaica

John_G, Aug 2023

We recently had the immense pleasure of partaking in the Premier Food Tour in Negril, Jamaica, led by our charismatic guide, Charles. From the outset, Charles impressed us with his profound knowledge of local cuisine and cultural history. His passion for Jamaican food was infectious, instilling in us a newfound appreciation for this island's culinary heritage. What punctuated Charles's tour was not just the delicious food, but the balance of information and local anecdotes, which made the tour feel equally parts educational and intimate. He took us through a gastronomic journey that felt as if we were a part of the local community rather than mere visitors. The range of food options selected by Charles was nothing short of impressive. From savory delights like jerk chicken and ackee, to sweet treats like coconut drops and rum cake, we truly savored some of the best culinary delights Jamaica has to offer. Charles also catered to dietary preferences wonderfully without compromising on the authenticity of the experience. Beyond food, the tour offered an immersive insight into Negril's vibrant culture and people. Charles's affable and approachable personality facilitated open and dynamic conversations with local vendors, which highlighted the strong community spirit distinctive of Negril. Our experience on private Premier Food Tour was absolutely outstanding. His tour was well organized, engaging, and undoubtedly the highlight of our Jamaican adventure. Charles goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for his guests, a testament to his exceptional professional acumen and overflowing passion for his hometown. I cannot recommend his tour enough for anyone looking to explore and taste the authentic beauty that Jamaica has to offer. One taste, and you'll be hooked with the nutritional and cultural richness that Negril has to offer, all thanks to Charles. Five stars are hardly enough to encapsulate this one-of-a-kind experience. Looking for the essence of Jamaica? Look no further than than this private Premier Food Tour in Negril. The taste of Jamaica has never been more delicious.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Your wonderful review truly humbles me. It was my pleasure to share the flavors and stories of Negril with you. I'm thrilled that you felt a deep connection to our local culture and cuisine. I always aim to make guests feel like a part of our vibrant community rather than just visitors. Your kind words have added spice to my passion for what I do. I sincerely hope I get the chance to guide you on another journey on our beautiful island again in the future. Many blessings Alrick (Charles) & Team

Do it! You’ll be glad you did

Sean_H, Jul 2023

Great experience! Charles was an excellent tour guide who not only kept our bellies full and our taste buds happy, but educated us about various Jamaican cuisine. I really enjoyed the educational aspect as we learned about different vegetation and Jamaican lifestyles.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hey Sean Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for our Food Tour! I am happy to hear I was able to keep your bellies full and your mind stimulated. Looking forward to your return visit so we can explore even more! Many blessings Alrick (Charles) & Team

Awesome!

Andrew_F, May 2023

Dale was amazing! Very informative, super knowledgeable. Extremely kind and patient. I highly recommend this tour. The private tour van was a plus😍.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that Dale was informative, knowledgeable, kind, and patient during your tour. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon! Many blessings Alrick & Team

Amazing Day Tasting Real Jamaican Cuisine

Osa_A, May 2023

My group and I really enjoyed ourselves during this food tour. Our guide, Dale, was very knowledgeable about the rich history of Jamaica and the cuisine. It was also nice to see a different side of Montego Bay! The fruit stand was my favorite. We also stopped at a souvenir shop. My only con is that I would have loved to be able to shop for souvenirs from the locals in the area. There were some great shops in the “non tourist” shops that we would have liked to spend more time discovering.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thanks for your positive review of the food tour with Dale! We're glad you and your group enjoyed yourselves and got to experience a different side of Montego Bay. We appreciate your feedback about the souvenir shop and thanks again for choosing our tour, and we hope to see you again in the future! Many blessings Alrick & Team

Exceptional Tour

Angela_B, May 2023

The tour was Outstanding! Dale was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable, courteous, and had well rounded conversations on all topics addressed. He also left us with valuable information for our continued stay and future visits He is a Very uplifting person and I hope a valued employee.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thanks for your positive review of the Taste Tour with Dale! We're glad you found it outstanding and that Dale was knowledgeable and courteous. Dale is a great asset to our team and we appreciate your kind words about him. We hope to see you again soon! Many blessings Alrick & Team

Always worth doing for a quick glimpse into the life of where ever your visiting

gayle_S, Apr 2023

I have enjoyed a food tour in most places I travel… Pro: Our private guide was friendly and engaged with us informatively…. The food was good. We learned a lot about the Jamaican life. Con: Very informal. We were offered one bottle of water. There was only 3 stops plus one store to shop in with limited options.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Gayle - We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the food on your Taste Tour and that your private guide was informative and engaged throughout the tour. It's always our goal to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for our guests. You mentioned that the Taste tour was informal; that is actually our goal. We've designed our tour to be more like hanging out with a friend and eating at different local places to become part of our community and learn more about our culture for the day. Regarding only being offered one bottle of water, I'm a bit confused about that statement because you are offered a drink at every stop. You have water upon starting, then coconut water at the fruit stand, fresh juice at the rasta food stop, and soda with your meal at Scotchies. We'd also like to clarify that our Taste Tours include four stops, which are the fruit stand, rasta cook shop, Scotchies, and a bakery. While shopping is not typically included on our tours, we did make a stop at a grocery store by your request to pick up specific spices that you had requested. In addition, there are five souvenir shops located right next to the Scotchies location, as well as shops next door to the bakery. So, there are plenty of opportunities to shop if that's something you're interested in. Thanks again for booking our Taste Tour. Many blessings Alrick & Team

Wow…Simply, Wow!

Michael_W, Jan 2023

In this day and age where great service is a rarity and exceeding expectations is far from the norm, we had the pleasure of experiencing Charles’ Food Tasting Tour of Jamaica. It was the highlight of our ten-day trip, and we will likely never forgot it. We booked our trip through Viator, which was easy-peasy. But our first sign that this was going to be a different experience was when I submitted a “Question to the Tour Operator” through Viator and received a response within 15 minutes! Then, on the day of the tour, I received another message that the “Tour Operator” has arrived 30-minutes early and would be awaiting us at the entrance of the hotel whenever we were ready. Wow. The SUV was clean, cool, and very comfortable…and then we met Charles. Charles is a gregarious native Jamaican who went to the States to find his fortune and returned because he missed his homeland. Extremely knowledgeable about the history of the land, and a joyful connoisseur when it comes to the fruits of his country. We learned so much about the various trees, plants, and fruits that make up a Jamaican’s diet. We learned how many Jamaicans can just live off the land with little need for grocery stores or manufactured goods, how the soil is so rich that many Jamaicans have their own gardens which they harvest year round. We tasted fruit pulled directly from a variety of trees cut down and cut open or peeled before our eyes. Wow. Oh, did I mention the food? Charles took us to a half dozen or so local “restaurants” – I use the quotes quite liberally. None of the places would we have ever found on our own and I would venture to say none of them have websites or google ads. These were local “hole in the wall” places that cook like there is no tomorrow. The smells coming out of these places alone can make your mouth water. I am personally prone to becoming “hangry” when I am hungry, so I know never to go anywhere without having breakfast first. Big mistake. We were eating within 30 minutes of getting into the SUV. It was so good, I hated to leave anything on any of the plates. And by the time we go to the last two places, we were so full, we just left with bags of food! If you are looking for modern kitchens, this is not the tour for you. But if you are looking for authentic Jamaican eats, and an amazing, customer service-oriented guide, all I can say is…Wow!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed, positive review! It sounds like you had an amazing experience on your Food Tasting Tour of Jamaica! It's fantastic to hear that from start to finish, the service exceeded your expectations, it's clear to see that you had a unique and unforgettable experience. We're thrilled you got to taste authentic Jamaican cuisine and learn so much about the local culture. And who can resist good food and great company? Thanks for sharing your experience and for choosing our tour. We hope to see you again soon! Many Blessings Alrick (Charles) + Team

Bomb Food & Adventure

Terra_S, Dec 2022

The food tour was absolutely amazing! The food had so much flavor and the best part was learning about the history of farming on the island and learning about the history of the foods and the culture. Charles was a great tour guide! He made sure we had a wonderful time and really catered to making sure we had the best possible experience. 10/10 highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Hey Terra! It sounds like you had an amazing time on the food tour! I'm glad to hear that the food was flavorful and that you enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the island. We always strive to make sure you have the best possible experience. We're thrilled to hear that you give us a perfect score of 10/10 and would highly recommend us to others. We hope to see you on another tour soon for more delicious and educational fun! Many blessings Alrick (Charles) & Team

Worth the money

Ldixon1515, Dec 2022

Food tour was AMAZING. Charles does such a good job of giving you a locals point of view. As he is explaining the local dishes he is also giving you so much history. 10/10 recommend

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review! I am happy to hear you had a great time on your Taste Tour. Good food, good company, and a little bit of history - it was a great day! Looking forward to your next visit. Many blessings Alrick (Charles) and team

Must do for foodies

William_B, Dec 2022

This was a great tour. It's definitely worth getting away from the resort to try some local cuisine. Trying the local fresh fruits is definitely a must. On my tour we went to a vegetarian restaurant - the food there tasted good even to this meat and potatoes guy!

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Hey William! We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review! Happy to hear that you loved your Taste tour of the local Jamaican cuisine, and thanks for being so open to tasting new things! We look forward to your return visit. Many blessings Alrick & Team

A must do!

LianneDana_G, Dec 2022

Our guide, Charles, is the best! He is very entertaining and knowledgeable. We had the pleasure of visiting local resturants and a fruit stand. This is the best way to experience jamaican culture. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend this experience. Be prepared to eat a lot of very good food!!

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Hi Lianne - Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for your taste tour! Glad you enjoyed the various stops, had some great food, and learned more about Jamaican culture. Thanks for the recommendation, and we look forward to your return visit. Many blessings Alrick (Charles) and the team

Great tour to experience Jamaican culture, and best guide we have ever had

Josh_B, Aug 2022

This is a very fun and unique experience. We highly recommend this as a way to experience some of Jamaica's culture through food. We had some really good and different food, but probably the coolest part was the fruit stand with fruit we had never even heard of that are common in Jamaica. Our tour guide, Charles, is hands down the best guide we have every had (and we have had a lot). He was knowledgeable, but also very funny and entertaining.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Hey Josh! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review on your Jamaica Food Tasting Tour! Our goal is to not only have you taste the food but also learn about our culture. Great food and great company, what more could you ask for? Come back soon. Many blessings Alrick & Team