Planning Your Kosher Jamaica Vacation: How Mais Oui Villa Makes It Possible
Can You Have a Kosher Vacation in Jamaica?
When one thinks of a kosher vacation, Jamaica might not be the first destination that comes to mind. However, with careful planning and the right accommodations, a kosher vacation in Jamaica is not only possible but can be an unforgettable experience.
Recently, a booking came to us through Airbnb. After the fact, we realized that some members of the group kept strict kosher rules.
Knowing, superficially, that there would be certain foods to avoid and strict rules to follow to create an awesome kosher Jamaica vacation, we had to spring into action.
We aren’t a kosher Airbnb, but we had hosted kosher groups in the past and knew it could be done. And done well!
By collaborating with Chabad Jamaica, and leaning on our experience hosting guests from diverse backgrounds, we were able to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for this family.
How Rabbi Raskin Kashered the Kitchen
The Raskins started Chabad Jamaica in 2014 as a “one-stop shop for everything Jewish in Jamaica.” Conveniently located on the eastern end of Montego Bay, about 40 minutes from our villa, Chabad Jamaica provides resources like kosher catering, kosher food supplies, and a mikvah.
The guests pre-ordered meats – chicken, lamb, ground beef, salami, and pastrami from Chabad Jamaica.
To prepare for the family’s stay, Rabbi Raskin kashered our kitchen to the highest standards, ensuring that the family could enjoy their meals with confidence. A Shabbat set-up was also provided to ensure that no flame was lit during the Sabbath.
Read what the Roth’s had to say about their Jamaica kosher vacation at Mais Oui Villa.
If you would like a kosher vacation in Jamaica like the Roth’s read on to learn more and contact us to book.
Keeping Kosher in Jamaica
Finding kosher food and preparing it in line with dietary laws can be challenging in Jamaica.
Certified kosher products are uncommon in local supermarkets, and few accommodations are familiar with kosher requirements.
That’s why we’ve taken extra steps to ensure our villa can meet the needs of kosher guests while providing a luxurious and relaxing vacation.
Unique Features That Make Mais Oui Villa Kosher-Friendly
Mais Oui is not a kosher Airbnb or villa; however, unlike many properties, Mais Oui Villa offers a layout and amenities that are particularly suited for kosher guests:
- Multiple Refrigerators and Sinks: Our kitchen is equipped with three refrigerators and multiple sink areas, making it easier to separate meat, dairy, and parve foods during preparation.
- Dedicated Kosher Utensils: We’ve invested in separate kosher sets of cookware and cooking utensils, which are used exclusively during kosher stays.
- Spacious Layout: Our large kitchen allows for clear separation of preparation zones, helping to maintain the integrity of kosher standards.
These unique features are part of what makes us stand out as a villa for kosher travelers.
For a detailed explanation of how we accommodate kosher guests, contact us to discuss your specific needs.
We undertook quite a bit of research about kosher food in Jamaica to host the guests and so the rest of the article is devoted to sharing what we have learned.
For more detailed information about kosher in Jamaica, please reach out to Chabad Jamaica.
Be sure to tell them that Sherry and Darrell from Mais Oui Villa referred you!
Where to Find Kosher Food in Jamaica
Certified kosher items are not widely available in Jamaica, but some supermarkets stock imported goods with kosher certification:
- Progressive Supermarkets (Ocho Rios and Montego Bay)
- Megamart (Montego Bay and Kingston)
- CPJ Market (Kingston and Drax Hall)
- Pricesmart (Kingston)
- L&M Meats (Salem, near Runaway Bay)
For kosher meats and specialty items, Chabad Jamaica remains the best resource.
Kosher-Friendly Foods Available in Supermarkets in Jamaica
After weeks of research, we compiled a list of kosher-certified items that we were able to find in Jamaica.
While finding kosher foods on the island can be challenging, some products meet the necessary requirements:
- Toufayan Products: Bagels, wraps, pita bread.
- Beyond Burger and Sausages: Look for the (U) symbol.
- Heinz Ketchup
- Goya Apple Cider Vinegar
- Grace Coconut Milk (canned)
- I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
- Country Crock Plant Butter
- Kraft Real Mayonnaise
- A1 steak sauce
If you find other products, let us know so that we can update the list.
Note: Some products may have the (K) symbol but not the (U), which may not be acceptable to all guests depending on their level of observance.
For example, the feta cheese we found had the (K) symbol but was not accepted by our guests.
Additionally, Chabad Jamaica reports that no Cholov Yisroel or Pas Yisroel products are available in local supermarkets (as of 12/2024).
Local Jamaican Dishes That Can Be Made Kosher
Being able to experience a culture through food is one of the best parts of any vacation. Jamaican cuisine offers many dishes that can be adapted for kosher preparation.
Several of our local foods can be prepared from scratch, thereby avoiding prepackaged seasonings which potentially could contain non-kosher elements. The local seasonings that we found in our search were not kosher.
- Rice and Peas: White rice cooked with kidney beans or gungo (pigeon) peas, flavored with coconut milk.
- Fried Dumplings: Made from scratch with flour, water, and baking soda.
- Festival: Similar to fried dumplings but sweeter, often served with fried fish.
- Fried Plantains: Can be prepared green or ripe.
- Breadfruit: Typically roasted or fried.
- Callaloo: Steamed or sautéed, a green leafy vegetable similar to spinach.
- Pumpkin Soup: A flavorful and hearty option.
- Red Peas Soup: Made with kidney beans and coconut milk (ensure kosher preparation of meat, if included).
- Steamed Fish (Snapper): A flavorful dish prepared with okra and local spices.
- Jerk Chicken: Can be made kosher with a homemade seasoning blend. Pre-packaged jerk seasonings like Walkerswood do not carry kosher certification.
- Ackee: the national fruit of Jamaica
Some Jamaican staples, like patties, are not kosher unless made from scratch and under supervision.
While patties are a delicious part of the local cuisine, making them authentically at home with the correct crust is a challenge!
Jamaica is a paradise for fresh fruits, which vary by season.
Enjoy items like mangoes, pineapples, guineps, star apples, naseberries, plus more.
Can You Bring Kosher Food to Jamaica?
Bringing kosher food into Jamaica is an option, but it’s important to note that certain items require permits.
There are restrictions on importing animals or animal products as well as plants in Jamaica.
For the health of our nation, please do not bring unapproved items into Jamaica.
Here is a document outlining what may and may not be brought into Jamaica.
If you realize you will need a permit for what you intend to bring into Jamaica, you can get one from the Ministry of Agriculture, through their Department of Veterinary Services. Please apply well in advance.
If you don’t want the hassle of importing your meats and other restricted items, we recommend you reach out to Chabad Jamaica to source what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kosher Jamaica
Yes, Kosher Hot Spot Jamaica, run by Chabad, is located on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay.
Montego Bay has both a mikvah and a shul, while Kingston is home to the historic Shaare Shalom Synagogue.
Yes! While not a kosher Airbnb, we’ve successfully hosted kosher guests by working with Chabad Jamaica to kosher the kitchen and source kosher foods.
Most of our rooms can be configured with two beds – either two queens, two full-sized beds, or 2 twin beds that can be made into king beds.
Why Choose Mais Oui Villa for Your Kosher Jamaica Vacation?
Planning a kosher vacation in Jamaica may seem challenging, but at Mais Oui Villa, we make it possible.
If you keep kosher, ask questions before you book because not every villa or Airbnb in Jamaica is familiar enough with kosher requirements to pull this off. The staff will usually try to work with you but why leave your vacation to chance?
At Mais Oui, we’ve gone above and beyond to accommodate kosher guests while maintaining the standard of luxury and relaxation that our villa is known for.
By collaborating with Chabad Jamaica, having a spacious kitchen, and thoughtful preparation, we’ve created a welcoming environment for kosher travelers.
And, we know it’s not just the food. It’s the other things.
So if you are looking for a kosher Jamaica vacation, consider Mais Oui Villa. We are a non-kosher villa that has researched and made provisions to host kosher guests.
We don’t claim to be experts on kosher vacations in Jamaica but we have now done it successfully on several occasions.
As we learn from our previous guests and the team at Chabad of Jamaica, we expand ways of making the Kosher Jamaica experience even better for you, our next guests!
Whether you book directly with us or through Airbnb, or through VRBO, we’re ready to provide a comfortable and respectful experience. Let us help you plan your dream kosher Jamaica vacation!
Contact us today to start planning your kosher getaway!
Here is our link to book direct – https://MakeItJamaica.com
If for whatever reason you wish to book through an online agency, here are the links to our listings. They will charge you a fee, but if you don’t mind, and it makes you feel better, even safer, then, by all means, go ahead and book through them. We prefer for you to book through them than to not book at all.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families and groups, retreats, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.
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