More than 70 vendors for Saturday’s Kingston Kitchen

A highly anticipated culinary experience, Kingston Kitchen: The Night Market, returns to the Hope Botanical Gardens in St Andrew on Saturday with more than 70 vendors showcasing a diverse range of cuisine.

Since its debut in December 2011, Kingston Kitchen’s Night Market has grown into a premier food event, with a vibrant open-air food court and a curated mix of local and international flavours.

This year is no different. Patrons can look forward to local favourites and international eats, seafood, food trucks, sweet treats, cocktails and vegetarian options. Some featured vendors include Chop’d Salady Tings & Market, Sheriff Gourmet BBQ, Mystic Thai, Street Food Saturdays River Dining Experience, Crispy Pork Belly Ja, Aunt Merl’s Place, Deaf Can! Coffee, Presto Pasta, The Flour Girl JA, The Cheesecake Lab JA, Ladybee Mixology, Scoops Unlimited Ltd, The Rib Kage and The Burrito Shack.

“Kingston Kitchen is your dream destination for food, drinks, and entertainment. We are dedicated to bringing together some of Jamaica’s most creative and talented culinary professionals while providing a fun, engaging vibe for our foodies as they savour all the flavours that we have to offer,” said Leisha Wong, co-founder of Kingston Kitchen, in a release.

The Night Market will also feature live entertainment with DJs Courtney and Marc Chin from Coppershot. Children can explore the Pure Pickney Plaza, sponsored by Pure Country, complete with Hope Zoo’s petting zoo and rides, while young adults can unwind in the upbeat Vibes Ya’ad, powered by FLOW.

FOODIE PASS PERKS

New this year is the exciting Foodie Pass, the ultimate experience for passionate foodies. This premium pass includes exclusive early access from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., priority parking and skip-the-line privileges.

“We wanted to elevate the experience for our most devoted food lovers,” said Melanie Miller, co-founder, Kingston Kitchen. “The Foodie Pass lets you beat the crowd, get a head start on getting to your favourites, and enjoy the event like a true member of our Kingston Kitchen foodie fam!”

Kingston Kitchen has 10 vendors participating in the foodie pass. They include ShortBoss Family Foods, Sheriff Gourmet BBQ, Street Food Saturdays, Cocktails To Go, League of Bartenders, Mystic Thai, Super Spicy Doubles, Aunt Merl’s, Shawarma Shack and LadyBee Mixology. “Also new this year is our Party Holics Bus, an added treat for our party crew to full joy themselves,” said Miller.

Miller, Wong and Jacqui Sinclair, the third member of the Kingston Kitchen founders, are also excited to be looking ahead to their 15th anniversary in 2026. The team are focused on extending their vision for the brand when it was launched in 2011. “Kingston Kitchen is for the people,” said Sinclair. “ We are a festival that celebrates the flavours and energy of our Jamaican culinary heritage, and we invite all foodies to come and celebrate the Eat Good movement with us.”

This year’s event once again partners with the National Commercial Bank’s electronic point of sale (ePOS) for a cashless environment. FLOW is also on board to support with Wi-Fi coverage to support the ePOS experience and allow patrons to stay connected at the event. CranWata and Wata will also be back with an elevated food court experience, ready to refresh all the hungry patrons.

Other sponsors include Red Pin, Worthy Park, Gustazos, The Best Dressed Chicken, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Rainforest Seafood, Happy Fries, CPJ, Guardsman, Landmark, Doorstep Jamaica, CVM TV and Pure Country Juices.