Foodies with a taste for local flavours are sure to love a trip along Jamaica’s South Coast. In addition to spectacular views of the countryside, people can be treated to impressive ‘eats’ on their visit. There’s nothing like a roadside ‘pit stop’ where one can sample fruits from vendors and consume local delicacies such as roast yam and peppered shrimp. Today’s edition of Thursday Food takes you on a trip to the South Coast.

Porus is famous for its local fresh produce, in particular its fruit. Numerous fruit stalls may be seen along the main road heading towards Mandeville, with many motorists stopping by to eat fruits on the spot, or to take home for their families. Jane Campbell, along with her son Winston, boasts one of the more popular stalls on this route, always well-stocked with fresh produce.

Spur Tree Hill marks the boundary between Manchester and St Elizabeth. Of course, the most obvious thing about Spur Tree is the breathtaking view! However, before reaching the foot of the hill, you must check out Oral and Wayne Powell’s food stop. Since 1996 the brothers have been providing passers-by with refreshing water coconuts, ‘cook-up’ salt fish, roast corn and yam, peanut porridge and vegetable peanut corn soup.

The Middle Quarters is known to many as ‘shrimp country’; some of the best peppered shrimp and janga soup can be found here. It is also the halfway point between Kingston and Negril, and as such provides a convenient stop for food and restroom breaks. One popular spot to stop at is Howie’s HQ, where one can purchase everything from brown-stew fish to oxtail, fried chicken and cow skin, and up to four different kinds of soup. After your meal, keep driving and you’re sure to come across Pearleta, Arteshe and Coral with their delectable bags of red, peppery shrimp.