Jamaican Soups:

10 Traditional Jamaican Soups You’ll Find on a Saturday Dinner Table

Almost every Jamaican has fond memories of Saturday afternoons, where the aroma of soup bubbling away on the stove would fill the air. For many, Saturday dinner wasn’t complete without a big, hearty bowl of soup that warmed both the body and the soul. Whether you loved the tradition or couldn’t stand the idea of drinking soup when you were hungry for a full meal, there’s no denying that Jamaican soups hold a special place in our culinary culture. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the different types of Jamaican soup that have graced many a Saturday dinner table. And if you’re feeling nostalgic or adventurous, follow the links to the recipes to recreate these iconic dishes for your own family.

1. Jamaican Pepper Pot Soup

This Jamaican soup is a hearty and nutritious green soup made with callaloo, coconut milk, and a mix of salted pork and beef. The combination of meats adds a rich, smoky flavor, while the callaloo and coco heart (taro leaves) create a thick, earthy broth. Pepper Pot Soup is a beloved staple in the Saturday soup tradition, perfect for those who enjoy a rich and filling meal.

2. Chicken Foot Soup

A popular Jamaican soup, Chicken Foot Soup features tender chicken feet, vegetables, and often dumplings or spinners. Despite its unique main ingredient, this soup is a comforting dish that many Jamaicans enjoy on a Saturday evening. The tender chicken feet add a distinct texture, making this soup both flavorful and satisfying.

3. Red Peas Soup

Red Peas Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a classic Jamaican soup that’s both hearty and soothing. Made with red kidney beans, beef or pork, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is slowly simmered to create a rich, flavorful broth. But there’s something extra special about Red Peas Soup on a rainy day. The way the warm, savory aroma fills the house, mixing with the sound of raindrops on the roof, is pure nostalgia. For those who love their soup extra meaty, adding oxtail to the pot is a delicious option that takes this dish to the next level.

4. Fish Tea

Fish Tea is a lighter Jamaican soup, perfect for those who prefer something less filling. Made with tender fish pieces, vegetables, and a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper, this spicy soup is often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal. It’s a refreshing choice in the lineup of traditional Saturday soups.

5. Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup is a sweet and creamy Jamaican soup made from pumpkin, flavored with spices, and sometimes enriched with beef or chicken. And let’s be honest, this soup was pure magic on a cool, rainy Saturday. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Pumpkin Soup to chase away the chill and bring a smile to your face. Its warm, comforting flavor is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you need something to warm you from the inside out.

6. Cow Foot Soup

Known for its rich, gelatinous texture, Cow Foot Soup is a Jamaican soup that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Made with cow’s feet, vegetables, and spices, this hearty soup is beloved for its deep flavor and ability to provide warmth and sustenance after a long day.

7. Clam Soup

Clam Soup is a unique Jamaican soup made with clams, vegetables, and spices. Often including yam and dumplings, this flavorful dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for something different in their Saturday soup tradition.

8. Goat Soup (Mannish Water)

Mannish Water, also known as Goat Soup, is a traditional Jamaican soup made with goat meat, green bananas, yam, and spices. Lighter and more brothy than other soups, Mannish Water is often served at gatherings like 9-night or set-ups, making it a comforting choice for many.

9. Jamaican Chicken Soup

A staple in many Jamaican homes, Chicken Soup is a classic that features chicken pieces, dumplings, vegetables, and sometimes yellow yam. This Jamaican soup is the go-to comfort food for many, perfect for when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

So, which Jamaican soup was your favorite growing up? Did you love or hate the tradition of Saturday soup? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re ready to bring these flavors back into your life, click the links to discover how to make these delicious Jamaican soups and share the experience with your family.