The triple combo from the Jamaican Grill on Guam includes spicy jerk-style chicken, juicy ribs, fresh fish, rice and salad. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)
If you’re in the mood for a unique fusion of flavors, Guam’s Jamaican Grill offers a blend of traditional Chamorro cuisine and the sweet and spicy flavors of Montego Bay.
While it’s nearly 9,000 miles from its namesake, Jamaican Grill offers up a surprisingly authentic variety of Jamaican dishes, including jerk-marinated ribs, oxtail stew and Jamaican empanadas.
Customers can also sample a variety of Chamorro-inspired dishes, including jerk chicken kelaguen — diced and marinated chicken — or beef ribs cooked in a kagu-style broth.
For a more traditional Jamaican experience, the restaurant offers a “triple combo” that comes with jerk chicken, ribs and 4 ounces of the day’s local catch. If that isn’t enough to conquer your appetite, the combo also includes rice and soup or salad.
The empanadas from the Jamaican Grill on Guam are chock full of flavor and served with a side of sweet fruit chutney. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)
Don’t forget to ask for a side of finadene — Guam’s notoriously delicious condiment based on soy sauce and chili peppers — or the even spicier denanche pepper paste.
Jamaican Grill also offers a sampling of traditional or Caribbean-style beverages, including imported ginger beer soda, fresh fruit juice blends, daiquiris and Jamaica’s famous Red Stripe beer.
Since it first opened in 1994, the restaurant has expanded to four locations in central Guam — Hagatna, Tumon, Dedeo and Mangilao — and aims to provide “full service, themed and family oriented” services, according to its website.
“Our unique cuisine is an ongoing process which takes the island flavors from Jamaica, Guam and the Philippines creating exciting taste combinations only found here at the Jamaican Grill,” the website states.
Jamaican Grill
Location: 132 West Marine Drive, Macheche, Guam 96929
Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers start at $6.50, entrees at $12.
Directions: From Andersen Air Force Base, turn left and head southwest on Marine Drive for 6 miles. Turn left onto Macheche Avenue and then right onto East Liguan Avenue. Turn right into the parking lot.
Information: Online: jamaicangrill.com
