Where Chefs Eat on Vacation: Kwame Onwuachi on Finding the Best Jerk Chicken and Curry Goat in Jamaica
"My most anticipated meal of the trip was Belinda's in Port Antonio. You have to cross a river and get there on a raft. I had heard how exclusive it was—you can’t just pull up, you've gotta be on the list. Somebody that told me it was it was going to be the best curry goat I've had in my entire life, and they were not lying. It was phenomenal. Everything was just cooked with love, and it’s all natural. What she has is what's available for the day—luckily she had the curry goat—and she cooks it on guava wood and rocks, there's no stove or anything."
The food at Belinda's is authentic Jamaican style cooking. Gavin, the manager, is very helpful, and can even arrange the raft that stops by the restaurant, and ensure you have everything you need. Miss Belinda and her crew made me feel welcomed and at peace.
Cassandra H.
Google
So fresh! So plentiful! Belinda hauls in the ingredients everyday to make meals for those going down the Rio Grande. Meal was delicious. We shared the fish - sooo flavourful! Loved every bite! The plantain was amazing! Best to order ahead just in case she runs out. Meal was $3000jmd and so worth it - Drinks however were pricey - we shared a Ting and our raft captain had 1 drink and it was $1300jmd.
We swan off shore after our meal. Was perfect stop!
Kimberly R.
Google
Make your reservations! This women served me a delicious vegetarian meal. Love the flavors & I know she takes pride in her cooking after just 1 bite. Thanks for spoiling me on a beautiful ride down the river & also her Son for being her mgr & making sure it was prepared as I reserved abt 48hrs in advance. Business run well. Great prices & great service. Thanks Belinda.
Latoya T.
Google
I host retreats in Portland Jamaica every 6 months. Belinda’s is a must stop when we go rafting! Ms.Belinda is amazing! Her food is delicious!!! Her staff is warm and accommodating! I wish o could eat at her place everyday!!! A must do if you are in Portland❤️
Orane W.
Google
Belinda's food was DELICIOUS 😋😋. So good I had the curry goat with all the sides. Was $2000 JMD and $1000 JMD for two drinks for the captain and I. I would sail down the river again just to eat her food. So good.
Amy R.
Google
It’s the only place to eat on your Rio Grande rafting trip, but don’t think that means to expect less than the best. Belinda has a couple of choices of meats each day and a plethora of Jamaican sides. Her goat curry is hot, flavorful and the most tender I’ve ever had.
For about $20USD ($3000JMD) we got big meals for 2 and rum punch.
Call ahead (or have your hotel do so) to make sure she’s open when you do your raft tour. I’d do the raft tour again just to have lunch at Belinda’s!
Rowan M.
Google
A wonderful stone fire pit will cook you the very best Jamaican food! Perfect for during your raft tour. Yum!
Flora K.
Google
Belinda is a fabulous chef! We had heard good things about her food but we were blown away by the variety of all we were served, and the portions were generous. Our bellies were nice and full, and we are so pleased to have had the opportunity to try Belinda’s delicious food!