KINGSTON, Jamaica – The vibrant Jamaica Food and Drink Festival is poised to return from March 5th to 8th, launching with its signature culinary event, Kuyah. This premier gastronomic celebration will commence on Thursday, March 5th, at the Festival Marketplace in Downtown Kingston, offering an immersive experience from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Kuyah has cemented its status as a cornerstone event of the festival, renowned for its innovative reinterpretation of traditional Jamaican flavors. More than thirteen acclaimed chefs will showcase elevated Jamaican cuisine, demonstrating the dynamic evolution of the island’s culinary landscape. Attendees will embark on a gastronomic journey, sampling creatively transformed dishes that pay homage to heritage while embracing modern techniques.
The experience is designed to be fully inclusive, featuring an array of premium beverages including select rums, beers, and Stone’s ginger wine served throughout the evening. Enhancing the cultural ambiance, two-time Grammy-nominated artist Jesse Royal will deliver a live acoustic performance, courtesy of Digicel’s support.
Under the proud presentation of Visa and hosted by CB Foods, the festival underscores a committed partnership aimed at fostering growth within Jamaica’s hospitality sector. The 2026 staging of Kuyah is bolstered by support from key partners such as Scotiabank, Digicel, and Worthy Park.
Highlighting the participating culinary talent is Chef Scotley Innis, proprietor of Continent ATL + Brooklyn, whose Caribbean-inspired cuisine perfectly aligns with Kuyah’s innovative spirit.
Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at J$13,500 and are available for purchase via jafoodanddrink.com and select outlets including the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen at Progressive Shopping Centre, Uncorked at Sovereign Centre, CPJ Market on Lady Musgrave Road, Genus Pharmacy in Portmore, and Bar House.
Kuyah effectively sets the stage for four days of meticulously curated food events, culminating in a weekend that celebrates the excellence of Jamaica’s chefs, mixologists, and culinary entrepreneurs. From March 5–8, Kingston will transform into the epicenter of Caribbean gastronomy, drawing food enthusiasts to experience the region’s rich culinary culture.