In the 70s and 80s, Jamaican fast food was a whole other ball game. Forget the sterile, mass-produced stuff you see today. Back then, fast food was about personality, about a community gathering around a shared love for good eats.
Let me take you back to the heart of Junction,St. Mary. Oriental Fried Chicken, OFC, was the undisputed king of fast food in the parish, a symbol of crispy, golden fried chicken.
The aroma wafted down the street, leading you to branded food boxes paired with the most pillowy, freshly baked bread. Whether you were coming from a church trip or going on an adventure this was the place to be.
Video of these restaurants
As a child heading to Cross Road from Jessie Ripoll Primary at South Camp Road, my excitement built up as I approached King Burger. Their menu might have resembled Burger King, but the flavor was distinctly Jamaican. Each burger, a masterpiece of seasoning, held its own against the big names, plus it was more affordable.
And then there were the milkshakes. Not the anemic swirls of today, but thick, frosty creations that were served in elongated containers – the kind with condensation clinging on like tiny diamonds. Burger Man was famous for theirs, a rich, “stout” flavor (as we say here) that kept people coming back for more.
Curbside pickup wasn’t a pandemic invention. It thrived in places like Johnson’s Drive Inn. Pull up, place your order with one of the attendants, and moments later, you’d be rolling away with a feast. They were pioneers, paving the way for a whole new way to eat.
Before KFC ruled the roost, TOP’s Chicken reigned supreme. Their flagship branch in Twin Gates Plaza was a legend, their crispy chicken a revelation.
Bruce’s Patty in Cross Roads always deserves a special mention. Lines snaked around the block, testament to their perfectly golden coco bread and the most satisfyingly spiced patties you could find. Seriously, almost every nostalgic interview I do, someone mentions Bruce’s with a wistful smile.
And let’s not forget the trailblazers – places like Tropical Fried Chicken, owned by my good friend Errol Sinclair. But Tropical Fried Chicken wasn’t just about the bird. They did oxtail and curry goat that could make you weep with joy. See my full interview with the owner on the Kareem’s Quest YouTube channel – it’s a trip down memory lane! They were ahead of the curve, with radio personality Barry G endorsing their deliciousness on JBC.
Even international chains like Shakey’s Pizza gave it a shot, hoping to capture the Jamaican palate with their cheesy goodness.
Sadly, time, like a mischievous child, has scattered some of these gems. Johnson’s Drive Inn became a memory, King Burger faded away, and Bruce’s is no more. But the spirit of these legendary fast-food spots lives on. In the corner cafes with mismatched chairs and friendly banter. Because for us Jamaicans, food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a celebration of life, of community, and a taste of the past that still tickles our taste buds.
We haven’t covered it all, folks! Let me know in the comments below what other iconic Jamaican fast-food spots deserve a shout-out. Let’s keep the delicious memories alive!
Head over to Kareems Quest Youtube page to watch my Podcast on more things about Jamaica’s Past.
Create your own adventure
Craving your own Jamaican escape? Head over to our TOUR PAGE to connect with Kareem’s Quest! We can help you plan your itinerary, find the perfect hotels and adventures, and ensure you experience the authentic side of Jamaica.
