10 Classic Jamaican Sunday Dinners That Bring Back Nostalgia

Sunday dinner is a big deal in most Jamaican homes. It’s not just any meal—it’s the highlight of the week, a true feast that brings everyone together. Whether you had guests stopping by or it was just family, Sunday afternoons were all about sitting down to a lovingly prepared, extravagant meal. The primary starch? Rice and peas—a level up from the weekday staple of plain white rice or ground provisions with dumplings. And the meats? Well, let’s just say some of those had been marinating for days (sometimes weeks) to ensure maximum flavor. From the crispy fried chicken to the rich, slow-cooked oxtail, Sunday dinners are something we all looked forward to as kids.

Here are 10 classic Jamaican Sunday dinners that’ll take you back in time.

1. Jamaican Fried Chicken

• Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, fried chicken is a Sunday dinner staple. Marinated for days in a secret blend of herbs and spices, it’s served piping hot with rice and peas. Fried chicken often played a supporting role, the “bonus meat” in households that liked to serve two options for Sunday dinner. Whether alongside a rich oxtail or curry goat, fried chicken was there to make sure no one left the table hungry—because who could say no to a second helping of that crunchy goodness?

2. Oxtail with Butter or Broad Beans

• Oxtail isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. In fact, it is one of the most longed for of Jamaican dinner ideas. Slow-cooked with butter beans until tender, the rich, savory flavor and thick gravy made this a standout on the Sunday dinner table. Given its price, oxtail was often reserved for special occasions, but when it appeared on Sunday, you knew it was going to be an extra good day.

3. Stew Pork

• Stew Pork, with its deep, hearty flavor, is another classic. The pork, marinated well in advance, is slow-cooked to perfection with browning, onions, and all the right spices. It’s bold, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering, making it a frequent guest at Sunday dinners—especially when you had family coming over.

4. Curry Goat

• Curry goat is a crowd-pleaser and a Sunday must-have. The goat meat, seasoned overnight, is cooked until tender with Jamaican curry powder, Scotch bonnet peppers, and a range of spices. Its bold, slightly spicy flavor pairs perfectly with rice and peas, and it’s guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

5. Cow Foot

• Now, cow foot is a real showstopper—usually reserved for celebrations like Father’s Day or Mother’s Day. This rich, gelatinous dish is slowly stewed with seasonings and vegetables, making it an unforgettable addition to any Sunday dinner in Jamaica. And no, it wasn’t just a coincidence that cow foot was mainly reserved for special occasions like birthdays or Mother’s and Father’s Day. Its gelatinous consistency was rumored to grease more than just the mouth corner. Just something to think about the next time you see it on the menu 😉 !

6. Fried Fish

• When it comes to Sunday dinners, fried fish is a crispy, golden favorite. It’s seasoned with a blend of local herbs and spices, then fried to perfection for a satisfying crunch. Served alongside rice and peas and other hearty dishes, it adds a delightful contrast and keeps the meal exciting. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just love a crispy bite, fried fish is a must-have on the Sunday table.

7. Brown Stew Chicken

• Brown stew chicken is another Sunday favorite that packs flavor in every bite. The chicken is browned in a pan with sautéed ground seasonings like onions bell peppers etc, before being simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with more onions, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to make you reach for an extra serving of rice and peas to soak up all that goodness.

8. Escovitch Fish

• For those who love a seafood based option, escovitch fish is a great alternative. A popular choice, escovitch fish is lightly fried and topped with a tangy, spiced vinegar and soy sauced sauce complete with onions, carrots, and peppers. This dish adds a bright, zesty touch to the Sunday spread and balances out the heavier meats on the table. It’s a perfect way to lighten the palate.

9. Stew Beef

• Stew beef is a hearty, comforting dish that takes time to make but is always worth the effort. The beef is slow-cooked until tender in a thick, savory gravy that’s perfect for drizzling over your rice and peas. It’s a dish that’s both filling and full of flavor, making it a staple for Jamaican Sunday dinners.

10. Jerk Pork

• Jerk Pork brings the heat to Sunday dinner, marinated in a fiery blend of pimento, Scotch bonnet peppers, and allspice, then grilled or roasted to perfection. Its spicy, smoky flavor is a true testament to Jamaican cuisine, and when served with a side of rice and peas, it’s the kind of meal that stays with you long after it’s gone. If jerk pork made it onto the Sunday menu, you could usually count on a side of fluffy festivals to balance the spice, and maybe some fried plantains to sweeten the deal. Together, these sides created a perfect harmony, turning Sunday dinner into an absolute feast.

Which of these classic dishes made your Sunday dinner complete? Whether it was the crispy fried chicken, the rich oxtail, or the indulgent cow foot (with its extra benefits), there’s no doubt these meals hold a special place in many hearts. And if you’re feeling inspired to recreate these Sunday dinners, check out the recipes linked throughout for a true taste of Jamaica in your own kitchen.