Learn All About

Caribbean Soul Food

The Caribbean encompasses many countries and a mixture of cultures. But when it comes to popular food in this region, what exactly is Caribbean cuisine?

Essentially, Caribbean cuisine is a mixture of foods from many cultures. It includes ingredients and flavours from many parts of the world. African, Creole, Cajun, Amerindian, European, Latin American, East/North Indian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cuisine have all had an influence on Caribbean cooking. Nevertheless, all these distinct flavours have melded together to create a recognizably “Caribbean” cuisine.

It’s important to remember that the Caribbean region includes many different countries. Furthermore, each of these countries has their own variations on traditional Caribbean dishes.

Our Caribbean Soul Food Class focuses specifically on popular dishes from Jamaica. You’ll be given your own ingredients to follow our friendly chef’s instructions and at each stage they will show you how to prepare, season, taste and finish each dish.

At the end of the evening, Chef will plate up their dishes to show you how it should be served and then you get to sample each one. With the food that you cook and take home, you will be able to recreate the experience for your partners, friends or families.

Caribbean food is easier than ever to make as most ingredients are widely available in most supermarkets. Some ingredients will need to be sourced in local, independent shops but our chef will tell you where you can find plantain, scotch bonnet chillies and seasonings. In no time at all your house will be full of the aromas reminiscent of the Caribbean sunshine.

You’ll feel like a specialist chef when you cook with us in our Caribbean Soul Food class. You’ll use:

Jamaican Dutch Pot (Dutchy, Dutchie or Dutch-pot) - this cooking pot is essential in most Jamaican and Caribbean homes used to cook Curry Goat & Oxtail.

Scotch Bonnet chillis (Boabs Bonnet, Scotty Bon’s, Bonney Peppers, or Caribbean Red Peppers) - this variety of chilli pepper is found mainly in the Caribbean Islands and can be called Ball of Fire.

Spices - Jamaican cuisine is made up of a kaleidoscope of spices from all over the world, so when using spices from the Caribbean it is important to know that timing and quantity have a great role in creating a great dish.

What to expect:

All our classes take a hands-on approach to cooking, and you’ll be learning recipes from scratch. Our friendly chef will teach you all the tricks of the trade, starting with a fun and informative demonstration. After that, it’s over to you! You’ll be able to taste your food throughout the cooking process and season your plate to your liking. Throughout the evening chef will invite you to sample their food.

Dates: Visit our class schedule to see the next dates that are available.

Sample Menu

(Dishes will vary according to season and availability of ingredients):

Rice and Peas,
Jerk Pork Belly,
Curry Goat,
Plain Dumplings,
Fried Plantain

What’s included:

Expert guidance from our chef teacher and assistants
All ingredients and equipment
Apron to wear in class.
Class recipes *You will be e-mailed all the recipes you have cooked with us after the class.
Refreshments and snacks available throughout the class
Takeaway containers to take your creations home in (although feel free to bring your own or a cool bag if travelling far)

See our FAQs for more information