Jamaican Desserts Get Sweet Spotlight In Canada’s ByBlacks Restaurant Week

Jamaican cuisine has made a global name for itself with dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, patties and more. Often credited for tropical spice and addictive flavour, these qualities expand to Jamaican sweet treats.

Canada is home to a number of dessert businesses owned and crafted by passionate Jamaican entrepreneurs, several of which are being highlighted during the annual ByBlacks Restaurant Week from May 11th to May 17th.

These brands make it known that “we likkle but we tallawah” also applies to desserts.

Sweet and strong traditions with SAB Fruit Cake 

SAB Fruit Cake has been representing Jamaica with every slice of rum cake since 2016.

Taking the traditional blend of dried fruit soaked in Jamaican white rum and wine for a dessert that brings customers straight to the Caribbean.

To owner Sharon Bailey, fruitcake is more than a delicacy; it is her bloodline. 

Bailey has worked in the food industry for 20 years with fruit cake being a lifelong specialty. Since the age of 7, she had learned and perfected her mother’s recipe. 

It only made sense to share the treat as she embarked on entrepreneurship.

When Bailey came to Canada, she realized fruitcake was known to have visible fruit chunks. 

“Jamaican fruitcake is a different experience,” Bailey said, referring to the smooth and punchy cake she grew up on.

Evolving through the years like new generations, SAB Fruit Cake varies in size with their cupcakes and Miniminies. These updates came after customer requests for convenience.

Bailey’s main focus is the customer’s experience. Even if they don’t purchase, getting their feedback and leaving a mark on their minds and taste buds is a core factor in SAB Fruit Cake’s success.

Taste JA brings Jamaica to the world 

Taste JA provides Jamaican snacks and treats across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

All items are manufactured and imported from Jamaica, bringing a sweetness specific from the island.

Their notable care packages feature goods from ‌Jamaican brands like Buccaneer, Tastee cheese and Mother’s Bakery. This includes dessert staples such as spiced bun, and a variety of rum cakes.

Founder Ainsley Deer embarked on this journey in 2021 and has been supplying “sweet food with yaad attitude” ever since.

In 2019 he was delivering pharmaceutical goods but was not fulfilled.

“We knew we had a deeper purpose and we knew we wanted to serve our community,” said Deer.

He ultimately gave in to his brother’s offer to launch a brand offering Jamaican snacks and treats. Deer said the growth since then has been “surreal”.

Taste JA items can be spotted in over 60 Loblaws, No Frills and Metro locations across Canada, but Deer insists it does not stop there.

“We believe these products belong on the main market in North America,” said Deer.

Ellis Kitchen mixes island heat with ice cream

Ellis Kitchen complements its wide selection of hot Jamaican meals with sweet ice cream inspired by home.

Ellis Kitchen replaces chocolate and vanilla with creative blends unique to the island. Chocolate is replaced by Milo and ovaltine cookies replace oreos along with flavours you won’t get anywhere else.

The Dragon Stout draws a direct connection to the 2008 trip that started it all.

Owner and Chef Sophia Anglin tried the Devon House I-Scream in Kingston, Jamaica and was so impressed that she searched for it after returning to Canada. When she couldn’t find it, she decided to research and recreate it herself. This was the beginning of Jamaica-inspired ice cream flavours at Ellis Kitchen.

“I’ve had people order our ice cream by the bucket and tell me they’ve tried other brands that are still sitting in their freezer, but they prefer ours. Moments like that are very rewarding and remind me why I started,” said Anglin.

Customers are guaranteed to find a flavour that keeps them coming to Ellis Kitchen.

SAB Fruit Cake and Ellis Kitchen will be participating in ByBlacks Restaurant Week from May 11-17, 2026. Black-owned restaurants involved will offer a Prix Fixe menu or a $10 special of 25% off or more. 

Taste Jamaica will be participating in the 2026 ByBlacks Restaurant Week official kick off event on May 11 at Mascot Brewery in Etobicoke.