A trek into Falmouth just after dawn, when the streets are still groggy with sleep and the air carries the promise of another warm Trelawny morning, finds Leonard Miller already at work. Steam rises gently from his pot, perfuming the roadside with the nutty, comforting aroma of peanut porridge. A beloved passion that has made him a familiar and welcome marker of the town’s rhythm for the past decade.

Miller’s journey into food vending was driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that long pre-dated his first ladle. Ten years ago, he turned a simple idea into a livelihood, choosing peanut porridge not only for its cultural familiarity, but for its nourishing power. What began as a small venture has grown into a trusted staple for commuters, early risers, and health-conscious locals who seek him out daily.

“What keeps me going is the passion and drive I have for this. It’s an internal thing as I’m up every morning at two, but knowing that people are relying on me makes it easy. I commit myself to the cause and I keep it very simple, provide a quality product at an affordable price,” Miller asserted.

Miller sources his peanuts from St Elizabeth but since Hurricane Melissa he has seen his supply costs double.

“What sets my porridge apart is its purity. I don’t do shortcuts because I love what I do, and my recipe remains resolutely natural. There is no flour, no milk, no dairy of any kind — and only natural ingredients. I go over and beyond to get my peanuts, coconut, cinnamon and nutmeg, especially now, so my customers always have that ‘wow’ feeling. I do it because of my belief; the storm [Melissa] is a natural thing, and this too shall pass. All we need is to be as resilient as we can as businesspeople, catch another gear, and move forward again. All is not lost — we still have life and good people who can come around and assist,” Miller stated.

Miller is optimistic about the present and speaks about his porridge with the pride of a craftsman and vision of a businessman.

“I want to build generational wealth and leave a meaningful legacy for my children. This is only the beginning. I provide a natural-base porridge, and my kids should create franchises all over Jamaica. I endorse a healthy lifestyle; sometimes we put that aside till we’re older [but] I want to encourage everyone that eating healthy is paramount,” Miller added.

There is something quietly powerful about watching Leonard Miller work: the steady rhythm of his movements, his positive aura, the easy exchanges with regulars, the pride evident in every serving. His story is a reminder that Jamaica’s food culture is sustained not only by restaurants and chefs, but by everyday entrepreneurs who nourish communities from the ground up.

In Falmouth, Leonard Miller’s peanut porridge is more than a morning ritual. It is a testament to perseverance, wellness, and the belief that the taste of better days to come can be found even in the simplest foods.

Photos & Text: Aceion Cunningham

Real Know Real Peanut Porridge

Intersection of Duke and Market streets, Falmouth, Trelawny

Selling time: 6:00 AM — 11:00 AM

(876) 570-3514

Leonard Miller proudly serves up a cup of his peanut porridge. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

The Real Know Real cart from which Miller operates. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Customers have the option of adding molasses to their serving of peanut porridge. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

A serving of peanut porridge and extra molasses (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)