The Pattie Story

A patty is the real tasty treat common in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. It is a street food that contains various fillings and is light enough to eat, even in hot weather. In Jamaica people eat patties first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Every neighbourhood has its own patty shop, and each shop has its own recipe, So they are a very personal matter, and the difference in taste, texture and pastry style are usually down to where and how the patty maker was raised.

Jamaica has a history. Its cooking has been influenced by the British, Spanish, Indian and Chinese. Story has it that the patty is a direct descendant of the Cornish pasty which was the traditional food that miners took deep down into the tins mines to eat during their long shifts. Traditionally the Jamaican patty is served wrapped in cocobread, a large, sweet hamburger style bun. (It is called cocobread because you split it just like a coconut). The sweetness of the bread mixes so well with the spicy filling and crispy pastry.

Patties are best served hot, straight from the oven – wrapped in a cocobread, or simply a plain white paper bag – just like the Islands, or they can be served on a plate with salad or vegetables for dinner.