Interview: UK-Based Culinary Content Creator Luisa Ruocco Discovers Jamaican Culture Through Food: "The history of the food is as fascinating as the cuisine itself."
Luisa Ruocco explores the heart of Jamaican Cuisine
Jamaican food is often described as a “fusion,” with dishes infused with Indian and Chinese flavors, alongside ancestral flavors from West Africa. These flavors mirror Jamaica’s diverse demographic, making it a popular destination for culinary tourists eager to explore the island's unique cuisine.
Luisa Ruocco, a culinary content creator, embarked on a journey to Jamaica to experience its food firsthand, sharing that “from a young age, I've always believed that exploring a country through its culinary culture is the best way to get to know it.”
After earning an Economics degree from the University of St. Andrews, Luisa initially worked in finance in London. Eventually, she took a sabbatical that led her to pursue gastronomic content creation full-time.
With over 117,000 followers on Instagram, Luisa documents her travels around the world, showcasing diverse cuisines and cultures. Born to an Italian family in the UK, she splits her time between London and New York City, where she also films recipe videos. She recently spoke to Kaboom Magazine about her trip to Jamaica and her journey into culinary content creation.
Luisa noted many cultural parallels between her Italian heritage and Jamaican traditions. “Seeing how important Sundays are in terms of food and family culture…In Italy, like in Jamaica, we’d go to church on Sunday mornings and gather at grandma’s house for a big family meal and dessert. It was heartwarming to see this similarity.”
Having long collaborated with the Jamaica Tourism Board, Luisa finally visited Jamaica earlier this year. Intent on capturing an authentic experience, she explained, “I chose to start my journey in Kingston because it’s developing as a tourist destination, and I wanted my followers to see authentic Jamaican culture beyond the beaches, which are beautiful but primarily for tourists.”
In Kingston, she visited iconic locations like the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, and Pepper Thyme, enjoyed live music and barbeque at 22 Jerk, and then relaxed in Montego Bay, sampling seafood at Pier One.
"Jamaican food, with its spiced and bold flavors, is perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes like callaloo rundown and vegetable patties".
“As a teenager, I listened to a lot of dancehall and still do. Some of my favorite artists are Wayne Wonder and Beenie Man, so hearing that music and seeing local dances was a pinch-me moment.”
Regarding Jamaican cuisine, Luisa shared her admiration: “The flavors are bold and reflect the motto ‘Out of Many, One People’ — the same diversity influences the food. I learned that Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century brought curry, so the food history is as fascinating as the cuisine itself. Jamaican food, with its spiced and bold flavors, is perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes like callaloo rundown and vegetable patties.”
Though it was hard to pick, Luisa ultimately named jerk chicken as her favorite dish, saying, “I’m a big chicken fan, so it’s a natural choice.”
Tasting some local dishes
She also indulged in local fast food on the recommendation of locals, trying both KFC and Quick Chick. For anyone visiting Jamaica, Luisa advises, “Make the most of the island by exploring different areas. I wish I’d had time to see Negril and Ocho Rios. Each area has its own vibe, which makes the experience unique.”
Praising the warmth of Jamaicans, Luisa suggests visitors “stay flexible,” as “the best recommendations come from locals.”
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