As our planet becomes more conscious and we move forward towards a protopian dimension of peace, naturally people are choosing love and therefore veganism. It can be frustrating still to travel to destinations that are not vegan friendly, which is why we wanted to spotlight the island of Jamaica and the traditional Rastafarian Ital food, which is vegan!
The home of reggae is not only known for its music, beautiful beaches, and warm people but also its scrumptious food, particulaly its take on plant-based dishes. Featuring rich flavours, vegetables, and alkaline foods, such as callaloo, lentils, and beans, Ital food is an incredible and conscious way of eating.
The Melting Pot that is Jamaican Cuisine
Often celebrated by those of the Rastafarian movement, the goal of adhering to an Ital diet is to increase “livity”, also known as the life or universal energy the Rastafari generally believe lives within all human beings. Therefore, the food one puts in their body should enhance their livity, and their diet is a lifestyle which has a rich history, celebrating vegan culture for decades.
Spice Up Your “Livity” in RastaVillage
Located in downtown Montego Bay alongside the Montego Valley River lies the Rastafari Indigenous Village, with the purpose of preserving, protecting and promoting the traditional Rastafari way of life. Guests are welcome to learn more about the Rastafarians to ensure an authentic and intimate cultural exchange. Walking through the beautiful flower and herb gardens, guests can harvest vital foods such as callaloo or cacao to bring up to the Ital kitchen, pound their own cacao for chocolate tea, and press their own cane juice to help create and cook the best plant-based food on the island.
This unique experience offers much more than a deep dive into the Rastafari diet. It also provides an interpersonal connection and historical awareness of the Rastafarians. With tours starting at $150/pp, guests are welcome to discover Rastafari rhythms and learn village activities with healers, musicians, storytellers, and chefs practising their crafts. For a fully immersive experience, the Rasta Village offers 5-day retreats on-site starting every Sunday at $1500/pp. For more information, click here.
Cooking Show
Prefer having a meal cooked for you? Head to the family-owned and operated Zimbali Restaurant for a unique and fresh foodie experience, rated #1 on Trip Advisor for 8 years. The fruit farm offers a “Farm to Table” cooking show, including a tour followed by heavenly dishes at the cooking studio, where the chef takes guests on a culinary journey. This 5* Retreat and Organic Farm offers four-course lunch shows at $70/pp, or five-course dinner shows at $89/pp Monday through Saturday, with Wednesdays and Friday dinners including an African drummer’s performance. Book your table on their website.
To learn more about Jamaican culture and plan your trip to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com!