Jamaican Festival Recipe (with video!) - Roxy Chow Down (2024)

Fun and Oh-So-Festive!

Jamaican festivals are fun and festive, no doubt about it! Let me tell you, making festivals is one sure way to bring excitement to mealtime, especially for kids. For me, it’s a family favourite that brings joy and kisses every time. Believe me when I say that these warm, crispy and oh-so-yummy treats are all you’ll need to put a smile on everyone’s face. And guess what makes them even more special? They are not only perfect on their own but makes a delicious side dish to ‘nice up’ your breakfast, lunch or dinner time. Give them a try and savour the thrill in every bite.

Festivals are typically paired with dishes like fried fish and jerk chicken, but these sweet fried dumplings are so tasty, you’ll find that it kicks most dishes up a notch. Be sure to try your festivals with dishes like ackee and saltfish, curry chicken, or even vegetarian dishes, and watch your taste buds come to life.

What is Jamaican Festival made of?

Jamaican festivals are made of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, refined yellow cornmeal, brown sugar, vegetable oil, cow’s milk and water. You may however substitute regular cow’s milk with coconut milk which gives your festivals a rich, lovely flavour!

What is the difference between Festival and Fried Dumplings?

Both Festivals and Fried Dumplings are quite similar. They are both fried dough that makes a delicious side dish to many meals. However, there are a few distinct differences between the two, the first being their shape. Jamaican festivals are long and thinly shaped like sausages, while Jamaican dumplings are round. Most importantly however, is one main ingredient. Authentic Jamaican festivals must include yellow cornmeal. The cornmeal distinguishes festivals from fried dumplings not only in texture but in flavour. Another difference between festival and fried dumplings is the addition of spices. There are some festival recipes that include spices like cinnamon or vanilla, however I prefer to make my festival with simple ingredients. That way, the flavour of the festivals doesn’t compete, but compliments and balances the dish it’s paired with.

How To Make Jamaican Festival from Scratch – Easy, Step-by-Step YouTube video!

Never get nervous about making Jamaican Festivals again. With the Youtube video that I’ve added below, you can follow along with me as I cook these delicious Jamaican festivals from scratch. In this video, you’ll see my easy step-by-step way how to prepare festivals that are crispy on the outside, and light and fluffy on the inside. Watch as I prepare the dough, shape them and fry them nice and golden brown without the excess oil some festivals tend to have. The keys to frying Di Best Jamaican Festival are ‘Temperature and Timing’. Check out my video to get started with frying your festivals the right way.

Feast on your Jamaican Festivals with Delicious Jamaican Escovitch Fried Fish!

So before we dive into all the ingredients you’ll need to make your ‘perfectly-fried Jamaican Festival’ dream come true, here’s the ‘hook up’ on a mouth-watering BONUS recipe. There’s just no way I could give you my Festival recipe without including my recipe for Jamaican Escovitch Fish. These two recipes are the perfect combination to satisfy your cravings for traditional Jamaican seafood. Watch my easy, step-by-step video below to learn how to make delicious fried fish and pickle, then enjoy an authentic Jamaican ‘beach-style’ experience like no other!