Jamaica pulses with life far beyond the beach culture and all-inclusive resorts that often keep visitors within their walls. Kingston, a city buzzing with artists, creatives, diplomats, and entrepreneurs, stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural heartbeat. Here's a peek into the soul of Jamaica through the ever-growing lens of creativity – where culture doesn't just exist, it educates and inspires.

Sweet Like JAM is an extension of that. It's my love story to diasporic culture. As a fashion editor and creative, I live to have a purpose within the work I attach myself to. Moving to Jamaica opened a lot of doors for me personally, and traveling the world truly fills my cup. I want to create a platform that highlights and celebrates global Black culture, to celebrate all the ways we are connected and find unique ways for us to come together. My ultimate goal is to create a culture center for everyday creatives in Kingston and expand global pop-up experiences. 

Living in Kingston, I've had the opportunity to experience cuisine, culture, and creativity in an authentic way. Here's my guide for getting to know Kingston and the people that live there.

Truly the best places to eat in Kingston are someone’s family home, random cook shops, and pan chicken (jerk chicken) from street vendors at night. A few of my easy go to’s:

Triple T’s: A no-frills local spot serving up hearty Jamaican dishes like oxtail, curry goat, and steamed fish. More like a home-cooked meal.

Ibo Spice: Plant-based, nutrient-rich meals made with traditional Rastafarian principles. Their burgers and fresh juices are especially good.

Gloria’s: Fresh seafood straight from the Caribbean waters. Their escovitch  fish with festival (sweet fried dumplings) is a standout.

Devon House Ice Cream: An iconic Kingston stop with tropical ice cream flavors like stout, rum raisin, soursop, and coconut that you won’t find anywhere else.

Devon House Bakery: Home to some of the best patties in Jamaica. Flaky, buttery crusts filled with curry goat, chicken, or even lobster. 

KOI Sushi: A solid spot for sushi in Kingston. I go here when I’m missing New York. 

The ROK: A waterfront bar and lounge with great cocktails and a chill atmosphere.

National Gallery of Jamaica: This institute is in the heart of Downtown Kingston, and its sole purpose is to collect, research, document & preserve Jamaican & other Caribbean Art. They have beautiful exhibits happening throughout the year from local and global Caribbean artists. Their current exhibit is titled Green x Gold: Kingston Biennial and is up until June.

Bob Marley Museum: The old home of Bob Marley on Hope Road in Kingston is now the Bob Marley Museum, which houses so much history of Marley’s legacy and impact. The Museum has a cafe, Marley Natural dispensary, and hosts events.

Dubwise Cafe: Dubwise is the birth child of DJ Jason Paton and Creative Producer Carleene Samuels. It hosts some of the most vibrant music events throughout the year. In the front also is the home of Kaya, a local herb house and creative chill spot. 

Skyline Levels: An iconic cultural spot in the hills of Kingston ran by a rasta family filled with artists, musicians, and creatives serving a powerful hub of connection. With Ital Food from Kamilia’s Kitchen’s, music performances  from local artists, and various activations from members of the community. One of my favorite places for a view and vibe.

Josh Solas: An amazing painter and artist, I'm proud to own one of his pieces.

Anna Ixe: A great prop and set designer, also happens to be ill with custom design and designs for a carnival band, Yard Mas Carnival.

Natasha Cunningham: A phenomenal graphic designer and illustrator. Worked with clients such as Adobe and does amazing collage classes.

Destinee Condision: A local photographer with a global presence that's worked with myself and artists including Koffee, Vybes Kartel, and Proteje. 

Naomi Cowan: An amazing singer and songwriter with a heart of gold to match.

Mecca James-Williams is a stylist and editor living between Kingston, Jamaica and New York. She dreams in bright, vivid colors. Explore her newest project, Sweet Like JAM.