As a culinary road warrior, there’s no stopping Guy Fieri from unearthing the most lip-smacking, authentic eats across the US. In an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” that is bound to pique the interest of adventurous foodies, Guy takes us to a unique Jamaican-Chinese joint in Kendall, Florida, aptly named Jamaica Kitchen. This hidden gem proves to be a treasure trove of hybrid flavors that marries vibrant Jamaican spices with the comforting umami of Chinese cooking in a way only a family with roots in both cultures can.
The authenticity of Jamaica Kitchen is unquestionable. Regular patrons swear by the traditional Jamaican offerings, but what really steals the show is their stewed peas with pigtail—a dish that may sound unconventional but, according to Guy, is “legit” and “quite good.”
Selena Chin and her husband Anon, who both hail from Jamaica but come from a family of Chinese immigrants, have been proudly passing down recipes that have been in their family for years.
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The menu at Jamaica Kitchen is as diverse as it gets, featuring Jamaican classics like curried goat and stewed oxtail, which Guy remarks is “nice and tender, just falls right off the bone.” One of the highlights includes the Jamaican patty, described as the “Jamaican hamburger,” and suggested by Guy to be super spicy if you dare.
Guy’s adventure in the kitchen with head chef Alfred cooking up beef stew is a showcase of the blend of Jamaican and Chinese influences. The stew, simmering with allspice, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a unique mix of regular and mushroom soy sauce, ensnares the senses with its rich, deep flavors. According to Guy, the technique of stewing is central to Jamaican cuisine—and with one taste of the finished dish, it’s clear why.
But the showstopper is the pigtail—a cut many might overlook but in the hands of Jamaica Kitchen, transforms into a culinary delight when prepared with their stewed peas.
Beyond this, the menu doesn’t shy away from traditional Chinese dishes either. Guy was particularly taken with the pork belly, featuring a homemade setup for stewing that you cannot buy at your local restaurant supply store, along with pickled mustard greens—a dish rich with flavor and, as Guy puts it, “money.”
If you’re a food enthusiast looking for the next best eatery to tick off your list, Jamaica Kitchen is it. With Guy’s stamp of approval, you know you can expect nothing but a true, flavorful fusion that not only represents the heritage of its owners but also delivers a taste of Jamaica that is both genuine and delicious. And for those with a more daring palate, the stewed peas with pigtail is an absolute must-try—a dish that Guy assures is “very nice” and an embodiment of Jamaican soul food.