Vacations in Jamaica don’t have to break the bank, and one of the best ways to make sure you stick to your budget is to plan ahead.

Where you choose to eat can make a big difference in your daily spend, but when headed to Montego Bay, the local cuisine is high up on the ‘must try’ list for most visitors.

This is the ‘Home of All Right’, and the phrase “no problem man” is like a mantra.

So relax, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the top five places to eat in Montego Bay for less than US $10 that will still have you feeling like you’re maximizing your Jamaica experience.

Chris & Kay Cook Shop

Although there are definitely a number of cook shops that serve up a satisfyingly delicious meals, this particular spot receives rave reviews from locals and visitors alike.

From a delicious breakfast of the national dish of ackee and saltfish, to lunch and dinner favorites like bar-b-fried chicken (fried chicken with barbecue sauce) and more traditional local cuisine like oxtail and curry goat, each ‘box lunch’ is served up with a hearty serving of ground provisions for breakfast (like green banana) and rice and peas for meals later in the day along with a basic salad.

If you’re hanging out at a spot like Doctor’s Cave, have them deliver and you can meet them on the street.

Box lunches are a staple dining choice for most Jamaicans on a workday and usually come in a choice of serving sizes.

They will provide filling, local culinary experiences for less than US $10.

Tel: (876) 355-7616


China House

What many people don't know is how much Chinese food is enjoyed by locals.

With different waves of immigrants coming from China over the years, the cuisine of that land has been modified with local spices to create a unique version that is a ‘go-to’ choice for dine-in, take-out, and delivery for many Jamaicans.

Some food courts even offer it in a similar fashion to the Jamaican ‘box lunch’, where it is priced by how many individual dishes you choose, and the size or weight of the final serving.

Choose from main meat entrees accompanied by chow mein or fried rice for a satisfying, hearty, and unique Jamaican dining experience.

A spot like China House offers a convenient location on the Hip Strip and even has a view of the sea while you dine.

Opening for lunch and staying open until 10 pm, it’s a good lunch or dinner option.

Many Chinese dishes are also sharable as the portion sizes are normally substantial.

Unlike many lower-budget meals, this can offer you a restaurant setting for your evening meal for a special occasion while still remaining budget friendly.

Tel: (876) 979-0056 

The Pork Pit

This Jamaican food spot on Gloucester Avenue in the middle of Montego Bay makes it easy to grab a delicious filling meal on the go, but the setting invites you to stay awhile, sit back and enjoy a hot meal with a cold Red Stripe and a view of the Caribbean Sea.

Although the name is The Pork Pit, other jerked foods are served up daily, like chicken, along with side dishes like festivals, bammy (fried or steamed cassava bread), and rice.

Many portions can be shared so if your budget is US $10 per person, splurge and share with others for a taste of items like delicious jerked sausage, ribs, shrimp, or even lobster.

Tel: (876) 9521046 / (876) 940-3008

 
Scotchie’s

Another favorite jerk spot is Scotchie’s in Coral Gardens which heads into the heart of ‘Mobay’, with the sea right opposite on this main thoroughfare to the second city.

Although it’s easy to grab this food to go, do yourself a favor and take the time to sit in the main courtyard and enjoy your meal under thatched umbrellas or on long benches under the main roof.

You may even want to hang out at the bar for a bit before and after your meal.

Like traditional roadside pan chicken, you’ll get your food served to you piping hot in tin foil at this popular local chain.

This serving style holds the tenderness and heat of the chicken just before you decide to dig in.

Although you won’t see the sea from here, it cuts down the roadside noise while offering up a chill vibe where you will rub shoulders with the local lunch crowd.

Juici Beef Patties

The Jamaican beef patty is world famous and there is an ongoing debate among Jamaicans as to which chain or individual bakery has the best one!

Juici Patties rose up to battle it out with Tastee, the top contender for many years, and has fast become a local favorite.

Aside from beef patties, callaloo and other flavors are sold.

Pair it with the doughy coco bread for a ‘patty sandwich’ and you’ll be so full you may not want dinner.

A really great deal for less than US $10!

You can try them all out and declare your own favorite patty spot on the island.

Warning; this is a lot more difficult than it sounds with many delicious possibilities.

Juici Patties is conveniently located at Fairview Shopping Center and meters away from Sam Sharpe Square in downtown Montego Bay. 

Bonus: Check out Island Grill, a local fast food chain, serving up Jamaican traditional foods.

Visit them inside Sangster’s International and Norman Manley International airports for a quick affordable last taste of Jamaica before you head home.


If you've tried any of these low-budget food spots in Montego Bay, tell your friends about your great experience.