Jamaican culinary excellence claimed center stage at the 2025 Caribbean Culinary Impact Awards, with twelve nationals from the island nation securing honors in a ceremony organized by culinary authority Best Dressed Plate (BDP). The prestigious awards, now in their second year, celebrated regional prowess across four distinct geographic zones—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean—spanning six competitive categories.
This year’s ceremony featured two special inaugural awards: the Sylvia Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award and the Best Culinary Destination Award. According to BDP founder Nneka Nurse, who also serves as Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the strategic expansion acknowledges the substantial influence of the Caribbean diaspora in key international markets. “This recognition highlights both the numerical strength and undeniable global reach of our cuisine,” Nurse stated. “Through these special awards, we aim to honor both legacy and destination, spotlighting our culinary history while promoting gastronomic tourism across our islands.”
While Jamaica’s remarkable twelve awards underscored the nation’s potent culinary export, other Caribbean nations demonstrated formidable presence. Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados delivered strong performances, solidifying their status as regional culinary leaders within both the Caribbean and diaspora communities.
Nurse emphasized BDP’s commitment to elevating Caribbean cuisine and its practitioners: “We honor those who not only preserve history, legacy, and identity through their craft but also innovate daily to position our cuisine globally. These awards celebrate our hardworking, innovative chefs and kitchen professionals across the Caribbean and diaspora. Caribbean cuisine’s moment has arrived, and through these recognitions, we aim to inspire our people while guiding global appreciation of our culinary traditions.”
The 2025 honorees included:
Special Awards:
• Sylvia Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris DeLarosa (Caribbean Pot) – Trinidadian-born Canadian pioneer recognized for democratizing Caribbean cooking through digital media
• Best Caribbean Culinary Destination: Grenada Tourism Authority – Honored for strategically positioning culinary tourism at the forefront of national identity
Regional Awards highlighted diverse talent across categories including Trailblazing Chef of the Year, Rising Star Chef, Best Restaurant, Culinary Entrepreneurship, Food Content Creation, and Best Food Truck/Pop-Up Vendor. Winners represented multiple Caribbean nations across all four regions, demonstrating the cuisine’s widespread appeal and adaptive innovation.