Pairing Ackee and Saltfish correctly — a note on Red Stripe beer

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Ackee and Saltfish. I ordered it with Red Stripe beer and the boldly spiced elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. scotch bonnet in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Jamaican jerk cooking traces to the Maroon communities who preserved meat with allspice and chilli. The a roadside rum bar is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Ackee and Saltfish with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.