🇯🇲 Jamaican Fish Tea 

The Island’s Light and Flavorful Comfort Soup

Zesty, Nourishing, and Packed with Coastal Goodness

When Jamaicans talk about “Fish Tea,” they don’t mean a cup of tea with fish in it — they mean a delicious, light seafood broth that warms the body and soul. Despite its name, it’s not really tea at all, but a thin, flavorful soup made with fresh fish, ground provisions, herbs, and pepper.

It’s a staple across the island, especially near the coasts where fishermen return with the catch of the day. Jamaicans love it because it’s light enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner, and believed to be an energy booster that “wakes up the system.”

Served steaming hot and seasoned to perfection, Jamaican Fish Tea is a coastal classic — refreshing, restorative, and deeply rooted in island culture.

 🌊 A Taste of the Sea, Jamaican Style

Fish Tea originated from Jamaica’s fishing villages, where nothing went to waste. After a day’s catch, locals would throw smaller fish and leftover pieces into a pot with herbs, yam, bananas, and spices. The result? A flavorful broth that was both nourishing and comforting.

It’s often enjoyed at beach gatherings, community events, and fishing tournaments — served hot in small cups and sipped like a tonic while chatting and laughing by the sea.

🐟 Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 6–8 people

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh fish (preferably snapper, doctor fish, or parrot fish — cleaned and cut into chunks)

• 10 cups water

• 1 lime or lemon, for washing the fish

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 stalks scallion (green onions), chopped

• 2 sprigs thyme

• 3 pimento seeds (allspice berries), crushed

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (do not cut unless you want heat!)

• 2 green bananas, sliced

• 1 small Irish potato, cubed

• 1 small piece of yam, diced

• 1 small carrot, sliced

• ½ cup coconut milk (optional) for a creamier version

 👨🏽‍🍳 How to Prepare Jamaican Fish Tea — The Authentic Way

1. Prepare the Fish

Wash the fish pieces with lime and water to remove any odor.

Rinse thoroughly and set aside.

2. Build the Broth

In a large pot, add 10 cups of water, then add the yam, green banana, potato, carrot, scallion, thyme, onion, garlic, pimento, and salt.

Boil for 15–20 minutes, or until the provisions are almost tender.

3. Add the Fish

Add the fish pieces and whole Scotch bonnet pepper to the pot.

Reduce the heat and simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes.

The fish will break apart slightly, infusing the soup with its delicate flavor.

(Optional: Add coconut milk during the last 5 minutes for a smooth, creamy twist.)

4. Taste and Finish

Remove the Scotch bonnet if you prefer mild spice.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

The broth should be thin, flavorful, and lightly peppery — never heavy like a stew.

🍵 Serving Suggestions

Serve Fish Tea hot in bowls or mugs, with crackers or hard dough bread on the side.

It’s perfect as a starter before a meal or as a light dinner on its own.

For an authentic Jamaican experience, enjoy it seaside with a view of the Caribbean — or play some reggae music while it simmers in your kitchen! 🎶

🌿 Chef’s Tips

• Use fresh fish with bone — it gives the broth more depth and body.

• Never overboil the fish — simmer gently to preserve its flavor.

• For added aroma, toss in a few stalks of fresh thyme just before serving.

• A dash of grated ginger adds a warm, spicy twist if desired.

📜 Cultural Note

Fish Tea is considered a “healing” and “strength-giving” soup in Jamaican folklore. It’s believed to replenish energy and boost vitality — especially after a long day of work or fishing.

You’ll find it sold at roadside cook shops, at community events, or during festivals — often ladled straight from a bubbling pot and served in Styrofoam cups. Every islander has their own version, but they all share one thing in common: that irresistible mix of spice, simplicity, and sea breeze flavor.

💛 Final Word

Jamaican Fish Tea is proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most soul-satisfying meals.

It’s light yet full of depth, humble yet bursting with heritage — a dish that truly captures the essence of Jamaica’s coastal spirit.

So, next time you crave something comforting yet vibrant, grab some fresh fish, gather your seasonings, and brew a pot of Fish Tea — the Jamaican way.

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