Jamaican Cuisine is one of the areas in which Jamaica has made a great impact on the world since our independence in 1962. Undeniably much of the credit is as a result of the vibrant annual Jamaican Culinary Arts Competition and Exposition staged by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. The skill at turning ordinary food into delectable delights offers the opportunity for more value-added products from local agricultural produce and also a variety of unique recipes compiled and published in various publications.
Jamaican Cuisine continues to impact foreigners and visitors to the island in a very positive way. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s annual Culinary Arts Competition provides opportunities for Jamaicans to express their creativity. Individuals with Culinary Arts skills are encouraged to enter the Regional Culinary Arts Competition which is a great opportunity to gain exposure and recognition.
See the JCDC’s Culinary Arts Handbook with rules and guidelines that must be observed. The Handbook and Entry Form are available online for the 2024 staging of the competition.
Objectives
- To showcase the creative talents of Jamaicans in the culinary arts
- To promote healthy lifestyle and wellness through education and awareness
- To encourage innovative and creative use of local foods
- To provide entertaining cooking ventures for public view
- To stimulate creative talents and provide opportunities for exploring the economic potential of local foods
Competition Eligibility
The Culinary Competition is open in September each year to all Jamaican citizens and non-Jamaican residing in Jamaica for a period not less than two (2) years at the closing date for entries. Entrants can include children, adults, institutions, and community groups. The entrants compete based on age classification.
