The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) returns for its ninth staging come November 2-5, 2023. The festival will once again be presented by Visa, the event’s platinum partner for the fifth consecutive year.

New to this year’s calendar are exciting pre-festival events, beginning Wednesday, October 4, with an ultra-exclusive wine-paired dinner followed by a series of immersive, spirit-themed cocktail affairs dubbed Festival Nites @ The [JFD] Kitchen. Patrons will also get a glimpse into the “Worthy” Experience, a rum tour and alfresco dining affair, showcasing the versatility and depth of Jamaican rums. Rounding off the pre-festival line-up will be a Chef’s Table featuring international sensation and Michelin awarded chef, Ceasar Zapata, of Phuc Yea Miami who is renowned for his innovative approach to Vietnamese-Cajun cuisine. Chef Zapata is part of an incredible line-up of 80+ top chefs, restaurateurs and food, wine and spirit purveyors from across the island that will be showcased over the course of the festival.

This year’s JFDF will afford thousands of patrons, both local and foreign, the opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s best food, wine, and spirits while enjoying new and historic venues across the city. “We’re turning up the flavour and fun for our ninth anniversary in some new ways to showcase how diverse our food culture is!”

“We are committed to providing something for everybody at our events; from the varied range and themes, flavours and price points – there is something to suit all interests. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss,” said Alicia Bogues, festival director.

The actual festival days, which run from November 2-5, will kick off with the ever-popular Pork Palooza guaranteed to ignite the senses with the spectacle of live fire cooking, and featuring the finest of Jamaican pork. Pork lovers, this is the place to be! Next up is Picante: Spice + Spirits on November 3, a nod to Jamaica’s vibrant and long-standing affair with fiery and zesty flavours … think: sweet and savoury with more than a hint of scotchie!

Festival favourite Meet Street and the Market returns and breaks new ground by incorporating the allure and excitement of Port Royal into this year’s offerings. With over 60+ local food and drink traders, Meet Street attendees will be able to savour numerous local, award-winning creations, from mouth-watering street cuisine to irresistible cocktails, to delightful, sweet treats and beverages. To complement the culinary delights, local artisans will showcase their finest crafts and homewares. The Historic Naval Dockyard at Port Royal will be buzzing with excitement and adventure with community tours, face painting and fairground rides also on offer, ensuring there is something for the whole family and promising a fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment experience. The festival then closes with its premium boozy brunch in the cool hills of Kingston that year after year leaves an indelible mark, creating cherished culinary memories.

The 2023 staging of the JFDF will also welcome an unprecedented number of partners, signifying the value of its staging to Kingston’s entertainment landscape and in positioning the city of Kingston as a culinary destination. These partners include platinum partner, Visa, along with host partner CB Foods, National Commercial Bank, Port Authority of Jamaica, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Jamaica Tourist Board, Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation, as well as a slew of food, drink and media partners who all share the sentiments of Visa’s Waldemar Cordero, senior director of marketing for Central America & the Caribbean, when he says the organisation believes in the mission to celebrate Jamaican cuisine and culture and anticipate an experience like no other.

Tickets for the JFDF are available for purchase online via Caribtix.com, while the pre festival event tickets can be purchased at jamaicafoodanddrinkkitchen.com.

Stay updated with the festival’s latest developments, tantalising food experiences, and join the conversation on social media by using the official hashtag #JFDF2023 and tagging @jafoodanddrink.