Jamaican Jerk Food
Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica in which meats are dry-rubbed with a very hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. Jerk also gives Jamaicans another reason to party under the disguise of Jerk Festivals. 
One of the best foods to eat in Jamaica, hands down, is Jerk pork. And one of the best places to sample Jerk pork is Scotchies Jerk Centre. The Scotchies I’ve eaten at on two seperate occassions is just outside Rose Hall, Montego Bay and its right on the side of the highway for easy access when passing through. I’ve since learned there’s one located in St Ann, near Ocho Rios.
Scotchies Jerk Centre - Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Besides the fantastic Jerk cooked up at Scotchies, here are some of its other claims to fame. Its totally outdoor dining under grass thatch roofs. The prices are ridiculously reasonable and there’s plenty on the menu…everything from Jerk pork, chicken, steamed fish, roasted breadfruit, festival, and full bar service.
Outdoor dining at Scotchies
The first time I experienced Scotchies I was amazed at how they cooked the meat, it was my first time seeing this method of cooking. On top of an open fire pit they have large metal sheets. On the metal sheets they have big slabs of pork, and those are covered by another large metal sheet. Its slow cooked this way for the most amazing, deep and spicy jerk flavor!
Bar at Scotchies
Pretty much everyone including International celebrities such as Missy Elliott visit Scotchies and rave about the food. It’s definitely one of Jamaica’s “must haves” if you ever pass through Montego Bay or Ocho Rios.
For more images of the Scotchies in St Ann and how they cook the food, click here.
10:37 am on February 7th, 2009
I ordered almost one of everything on their menu in order to sample all of their great food! Since I ordered my meal without regard to the cost, I was expecting a big bill but the food was very inexpensive.
10:41 am on February 7th, 2009
In my two visits there I’ve had the pork, chicken, fish, festival, breadfruit and of course a Red Stripe to wash it all down.
8:38 am on February 10th, 2009
That place looks fun!
10:40 am on April 7th, 2009
HERE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT FOOD: WHEN YOU WRITE ABOUT PORK YOU MAKE ME THINK ABOUT CUBA TOO. MOSTO OF THE MEAT CUBAN EAT IS PORK BECAUSE CHEAPER, I GUESS IN JAMAICA TOO, FOR THE SPIECES WELL I DON’T KNOW IF IN JAMAICA THEY USES COMINO, IN CUBA PLENTY OF COMINO IN ALL DISHES.
CIAO
10:18 am on April 8th, 2009
Francesca, there are a lot of different seasoning and spices in Jamaica. Popular ones include jerk, curry and thyme.
4:21 pm on April 26th, 2009
scoties is great….but the street jerk guy at 4am in ochi after the club is the bomb as well!!! They are all outside mothers near Amnesia and the chicken is soooooo good!!
5:47 pm on April 26th, 2009
Yea I have to admit those are better. But is it because we’re tired and drunk after Amnesia? Or because the food is better? LOL
7:25 pm on April 26th, 2009
i think its both, its like poutine….only good after a night of clubbing!!!
7:12 pm on May 28th, 2009
I agree with everything you said. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is unique. One thing I wanted to add is that being a “cajun” from south Louisiana, the sausage is a must have. It taste very similar to boudin. Excellent.
8:54 pm on May 28th, 2009
Since I’m not a big sausage eater I’ll take your word for it. < That didn’t sound so good did it? LOL
2:12 pm on October 26th, 2009
I LOVE SCOTCHIES!!! I am often in Jamaica and EVERYTIME I go, Scotchies is on my list of places to eat….sometime several times during my stay.
3:22 pm on October 26th, 2009
That’s awesome! Yah I’ve been a few times, love it each time….even if not for the jerk, just for a Red Stripe LOL.