This summer, Migrateful is inviting children, parents and carers to join us for an all-new series of family-friendly cookery classes, running throughout the school holidays.
These sessions offer families the chance to discover new cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques while hearing the stories and traditions behind each dish.
ABOUT THE CUISINE
Jamaican cuisine is a bold and vibrant reflection of the island’s rich cultural heritage. Shaped by African, European and Asian influences, it offers a vibrant fusion of flavours and culinary traditions. From Brown Chicken Stew, hearty Rice and Peas to the iconic sweet Festival bread, every dish tells a story of family, community, and celebration. Jamaican food is all about warmth and sharing – flavourful, comforting dishes made to bring people together.
ON THE MENU (subject to change):
- Brown Chicken Stew | Meat (Chicken); Celery, Mustard
- Pigeon Rice and Peas | Vegan; Celery, Mustard
- Dal and Bath (Dahl with Tempered Oil) | Vegan; Celery, Mustard
- Saltfish fritters | Fish (Pollock); Celery, Fish, Gluten (Wheat), Mustard
- Okra Salad | Vegan; Celery, Mustard
- Festival (Sweet,Deep-Fried Dumpling) | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)
This menu contains meat (chicken) and fish (dried and salted pollock) Allergens include: celery, mustard, fish, gluten, and milk.
Please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements so our team is aware ahead of the class. Kindly note that we are unable to substitute ingredients, so please only book into classes that suit your dietary needs. See our Food and Allergen Policy for more information.
A MESSAGE FROM CHEF:
“Hi, my name is Kamial, and I’m from Jamaica. I grew up in Spanish Town, the capital of the Parish of St Catherine. We lived very centrally as my mum worked in the market in town, selling fish and fresh vegetables. I would often help my mum at the market, and I learnt to cook by watching her. Sometimes when she was working, I would look after my younger siblings and would cook for them. My passion for cooking only grew, and I often cooked for my neighbours and for parties and celebrations for my friends and family. I love seeing satisfaction and joy on people’s faces when I cook for them. My favourite dish is ackee and salt fish – so much so that when I moved to Antigua, I brought an ackee tree to plant in my garden, and this is something that I always cook for my two children.
I’ve been in Bristol for a year now, and it’s a very friendly and supportive city. I’m volunteering with local refugee charities Bristol Hospitality Network and Borderlands. When I got my refugee status last year, I held a big picnic in the park for my friends to celebrate. Jamaican food is spicy and full of flavour, using lots of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Cooking and eating Jamaican food helps me reconnect to home, music is also very important to me, and I love dancing while I cook – no matter what is going on in life, it makes me feel happy. I’m very excited to share my recipes with you!”
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR MIGRATEFUL COOKERY CLASS
Participants will work together to cook a family-style meal from scratch, guided by the expertise of a refugee or migrant chef, before sitting down to share lunch.
Alongside practical cooking skills, Migrateful’s programme encourages curiosity, empathy and cultural connection, helping young people build a positive understanding of refugee and migrant experiences through shared food and conversation. The sessions are also designed to support wellbeing through the therapeutic and social benefits of cooking together, while giving families new recipe ideas and the confidence to recreate the dishes at home.
At the same time, the classes create paid work opportunities and experience for migrant and refugee chefs participating in our wider programme.







