When you think of Jamaica, the rhythmic sounds of reggae and the vibrant beaches might come to mind. But just as iconic is the rich aroma of jerk chicken sizzling over pimento wood, often served alongside golden, fluffy festival. At Jamaican Cooking Experience, we bring this history right into your home, offering authentic, freshly cooked island meals.
Jerk chicken traces its roots to the Maroons, descendants of Africans who escaped slavery and settled in Jamaica's rugged interior during the 17th century. To survive in the wild, they developed a unique cooking method: marinating meat in a fiery blend of spices and slow-cooking it over pimento (allspice) wood. This method not only preserved the meat but infused it with deep, smoky flavours that define jerk today.
The word "jerk" itself originates from the Spanish term "charqui," meaning dried meat, which has evolved into the term we know today. Over centuries, jerk seasoning became a cornerstone of Jamaican culinary identity, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Festival is a lightly sweet, fried dough that perfectly complements the bold, spicy flavours of jerk chicken. Its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior offer a delightful contrast, making it a staple at Jamaican gatherings. Though its exact origin is less documented, festival likely emerged as a variation of traditional Caribbean fried breads, adapted with a hint of sugar and cornmeal to suit Jamaican tastes.
At Jamaican Cooking Experience, we use only the freshest ingredients to capture the authentic taste of Jamaica. Here are the core ingredients to make traditional jerk chicken:
At Jamaican Cooking Experience, we don't just serve food; we share a piece of our heritage. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, small gathering, or simply want a unique gift experience, we bring the flavours of Jamaica right to your kitchen.
We serve the following areas:
Relax and watch, or jump in and cook with us — it's your experience, your way!
Let us turn your home into a tropical kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and unforgettable memories. Whether you want to learn how to make authentic jerk chicken and festival or simply enjoy a beautifully prepared meal, we’re here to make it happen. To book, click here.
Personalized Private Chef and Catering Service with Jamaican Food Only.
Enjoy restaurant-quality Jamaican food from the comfort of your home with our Jamaican Food Private Chef Service. Available across Mississauga, Toronto, and nearby cities, our Jamaican-born chefs come to your kitchen to prepare and serve authentic island dishes tailored to your taste. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, birthday surprise, family gathering, or small dinner party, we handle everything — shopping, cooking, serving, and cleanup. You choose the spice level, menu, and vibe. From jerk chicken to oxtail and festival, every dish is made fresh, with real Jamaican flavor and hospitality, right in front of you and your guests.
Make your next office event unforgettable with our Jamaican Food Corporate Catering Service. Whether it’s a team lunch, executive meeting, training session, or celebration, we bring bold island flavors right to your workplace in Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding cities. Our dishes are freshly prepared by chefs born and raised in Jamaica, delivering an authentic experience your team will talk about long after the meeting ends. From jerk chicken to vegetarian callaloo, we offer customizable menus for every diet and spice preference. Choose between buffet-style, individual meal boxes, or private chef service — always on time, always delicious.
Celebrate this important milestone with the bold, unforgettable taste of our Jamaican Food Graduation Catering Service. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout, a banquet hall gathering, or an intimate family dinner, we serve authentic Jamaican dishes across Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding areas. Enjoy fan favorites like jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and fried plantains — all prepared by chefs born and raised in Jamaica. We offer buffet setups, boxed meals, or chef-led stations for indoor and outdoor events. Customizable spice levels and vegetarian options ensure everyone can enjoy the flavors of the island on this proud day.
Bring real island flavor to your celebration with our Jamaican Food Party Catering Service, available across Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, and nearby cities. Whether you’re hosting a birthday, anniversary, retirement, housewarming, or backyard bash, our Jamaican-born chefs serve up bold, authentic dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, plantains, and rice and peas — all made from scratch. Choose from buffet-style setups, individual servings, or live grill stations. Every dish is fully customizable in spice level and can be adapted for vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free guests. Make your party unforgettable with food that brings people together — loud, flavorful, and full of soul.
End the day with bold Caribbean flavor through our Jamaican Food Dinner Catering Service, available across Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding cities. Whether it’s a small family gathering, a formal event, or a laid-back backyard dinner, we bring authentic Jamaican meals to your table — cooked by chefs born and raised in Jamaica. Enjoy classics like jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and fried plantains, all made fresh and tailored to your taste. Choose buffet-style service, plated dinners, or family-style drop-off options. Let your guests experience a true Jamaican dinner — rich in flavor, culture, and warmth.
Our Jamaican Food Event Catering Service brings unforgettable island flavor to weddings, birthdays, festivals, and special occasions across Toronto, Mississauga, and nearby cities. Whether you're feeding 20 or 200, we deliver authentic Jamaican dishes prepared by chefs born and raised in Jamaica. From jerk chicken and curry goat to sweet fried plantains and rich rice and peas, every plate is packed with bold, soulful taste. Choose buffet-style service, plated dinners, or food stations tailored to your event size and setting. Spice levels and dietary options are fully customizable, making your celebration flavorful, fun, and worry-free.
Start your late morning right with our Jamaican Food Brunch Catering, perfect for family gatherings, office events, or casual weekend get-togethers across Mississauga, Toronto, and nearby cities. Our brunch service blends bold Jamaican flavors with brunch favorites, offering everything from Ackee and Saltfish to Jamaican festival and callaloo. We bring authentic island flair to your table, prepared by chefs who grew up cooking Jamaican food the real way — from scratch, full of heart and spice. Whether you want it mild or fiery, every bite reflects the warmth, culture, and soul of Jamaica. Delivery and private chef options available.
Host an unforgettable celebration with our Jamaican Food Private Party Catering Service. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, engagement party, anniversary dinner, or VIP gathering, we bring authentic Jamaican flavor right to your home or venue in Mississauga, Toronto, and surrounding areas. Our Jamaican-born chefs prepare everything fresh — from jerk chicken and curry goat to fried plantains and rice and peas — with spice levels and sides tailored to your guests. Choose buffet-style, plated service, or private chef setups for indoor or outdoor events. We handle the food so you can focus on making memories with your favorite people.
Order now and get the best possible experience. Satisfaction guaranteed.
