For 25 years Emanuel Johnson has been feeding those looking for food that feeds the body and soul. “Black, white, locals and some tourists,” he explains, are just some of the people who stop to sample Johnson’s infamous steamed fish.

Located on the road from Port Antonio heading into Annotto Bay, the Human Service Station is a spot where fresh, flavourful food comes first. The numerous pots take centre stage lining the counter, allowing diners to see right into the steaming Dutch pots: a fresh pot of rice and peas bubbling in one, leftover boiled dumpling and banana from the morning’s breakfast, and fish tea releasing an essence of thyme and pepper.

Directly across the road lies the reason why his food is so fresh and flavourful: an unspoiled expanse of vibrant blue sea. Each morning, he buys fish fresh from the fishermen, from their daily catches of parrot and butterfish, and snapper, and then sets about preparing them, according to his mother’s recipe. Another secret, he explains, is his use of all-natural and fresh herbs and seasonings, especially the ingredient in his steamed fish: okra, pumpkin, carrot, turnip, thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Originally from Annotto Bay, Johnson explains that he learnt how to cook from watching his mother in the kitchen. It was just something he was drawn to, and people love it. Anyone looking for nourishment along this stretch of road (until 10:00 pm) is sure to find it at the Human Service Station.